It’s the final countdown to Christmas and I don’t know about you, but I’m nowhere near ready for the big day. Aside from all the cooking and cleaning that still needs to be done, it seems like every year I leave the gift shopping to last minute. I’ll admit that a lot of this has to do with my reluctance to part ways with my hard-earned money, but part of why I put it off is also because other people are so darn hard to shop for! Gift guides are the greatest tools for getting me out of a Christmas shopping conundrum, so I thought I’d create one to help you out this season too. Here are some gift ideas I’ve come across during my search to find presents for my loved ones; they might be perfect presents for the New Yorkers in your life.
Big Onion Walking Tour Gift Certificate
For the lifelong learner: I don’t care how long you’ve lived in NYC; there’s always something new to be learned. A Big Onion walking tour will definitely teach your loved one something new while keeping them entertained.
One World Observatory tickets
For the person who wants to bring their insta game to new heights: It’s the typical New Yorker thing to have never visited the Empire State Building, which is fine because the view from the Empire State Building is overrated anyway. But to not make the pilgrimage to the top of the Freedom Tower? You’re really depriving yourself of one of the best things NYC has to offer.
Timberlands
For the person that needs new boots: You can’t in good conscience let your loved ones walk these streets this winter without a solid pair of Tims. There’s a reason why this is NYC’s unofficial winter boot: they are waterproof, sturdy, and go with everything. Heck, there’s even a holiday sweater edition if you want to give something festive.
Caribbeing Neighborhood Crewnecks
For the proud Brooklynite: We’ve all seen Brooklyn sweatshirts, but I have yet to see sweatshirts as dope as the ones from Caribbeing. This is the perfect gift for the one cousin who reps Flatbush, Bed-Stuy, or Crown Heights all day, er’day.
A basket of Ess-a-Bagel bagels
For the foodie looking for the best bagels in the city: These giant bagels will keep them satisfied well into the new year.
Water Tower Measuring Cups
For the baker: Tell me this isn’t one of the most New York kitchen items you’ve ever seen.
Lumos Helmet
For the avid cyclist: With the record number of cyclist fatalities we’ve had in NYC this year, there’s no shame in worrying about the safety of the cyclist in your life. This high-tech helmet is synced to the bike and uses lights to communicate to drivers the rider’s intention to turn or brake.
Katz’s Deli Chocolate Egg Cream Scented Candle
For your loved one that can’t get enough of Katz’s. This costs about as much as one of their pastrami sandwiches and it’ll probably last much longer.
‘Stand Clear of the Doors’ Mug or Tote Bag
For the straphanger whose commute is driving them up the wall: We’ve all been there, squeezed like a sardine on a crowded train that won’t leave the station because someone keeps jamming the doors. Empathize with your love one by getting them this mug/tote bag.
Egg on a Bagel Maker
For your friend that has a baconeggandcheese every morning. This will help them take it to the next level.
An Unlimited Monthly MetroCard
For everyone: You can’t tell me you wouldn’t be grateful to receive an unlimited monthly MetroCard. Someone else covering your fares for 30 days? That’s real love.
Finished gift shopping and looking for something fun to do? Check out my December guide for some ideas.