25+ Best Christmas Gifts NYC 2025 (For Every Budget)
‘Tis the season to start stressing about what to get everyone on your list. Finding the perfect present in a city with a million options can feel like a full-time job. We’ve got you covered with a list of the best Christmas gifts this holiday season for every budget, from cheap thrills to splurge-worthy surprises, all with a New York City spin.
Just a heads up, prices and product availability can change faster than a taxi in rush hour. It’s always a good idea to check the links for the most current info.
Christmas Gift Ideas for Every Price Point
If you’re looking for a small token or a showstopper, here are some great finds.
Under $25: Great Inexpensive Gifts
Proving you don’t have to spend a lot to give something great.
A Classic Bodega Coffee Cup (But Ceramic)
What’s more New York than the iconic “We Are Happy To Serve You” cup? Get the reusable, ceramic version. It’s a perfect bit of everyday nostalgia and one of the most unique gifts from New York.
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: Fishs Eddy, MoMA Design Store, or find tons of options when you search for the best christmas gifts this holiday season for every budget in NYC amazon.
- Good For: That coworker you love, your friend who just moved here, or as a classic gift for someone leaving NYC.
A MetroCard-Themed Gift
From keychains to socks to notebooks, anything with the classic MetroCard design is an instant hit of NYC pride. It’s a great answer to “what is a good inexpensive Christmas gift?”
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: New York Transit Museum Store, various souvenir shops.
- Good For: Anyone who has ever swiped (or struggled to swipe) their way onto the subway.
A Tote from The Strand
The Strand is a New York institution. A tote bag from this legendary bookstore isn’t just for carrying books; it’s a statement.
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: The Strand Bookstore (828 Broadway) or online.
- Good For: Your bookworm friend, the eco-conscious shopper, or literally anyone.
A Box of Black and White Cookies
Look for the label! A box of these cakey, frosted icons from a classic spot like William Greenberg Desserts is a perfect taste of the city.
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: William Greenberg Desserts
- Good For: Anyone with a sweet tooth, a great hostess gift.
Hot Sauce from a Brooklyn Hot Sauce Shop
For the foodie who likes a kick, grab a bottle of something unique from a local maker at a spot like Heatonist in Williamsburg.
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: Heatonist, local markets.
- Good For: The spice lover, your friend who loves to cook.
A Museum Store Keychain
Skip the tourist trap keychains and get a cool, well-designed one from a museum gift shop like the MoMA Design Store or the Tenement Museum.
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: MoMA Design Store, Tenement Museum Shop.
- Good For: A stocking stuffer that feels thoughtful.
A Bag of Locally Roasted Coffee
Pick up a bag of beans from a beloved local roaster like Partners, Joe Coffee, or Think Coffee.
- Price: $
- Where to Buy: Any of their cafe locations or online.
- Good For: The coffee snob in your life.
Under $75: Gifts That Feel Special
A little more to spend for those special people.
A Goldbelly Delivery from a Famous NYC Spot
Can’t be with your loved ones? Send them a taste of New York. Goldbelly lets you ship iconic foods—like bagels from Ess-a-Bagel or a pie from Joe’s Pizza—anywhere in the country.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Goldbelly website. (https://linkin.bio/goldbelly)
- Good For: Homesick New Yorkers, foodie friends, or family across the country.
A Class at a Local Studio
Instead of a thing, give an experience. Think a pottery class at Choplet in Williamsburg, a cooking class at the Institute of Culinary Education, or a dance class at Broadway Dance Center.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Directly from the studio’s website.
- Good For: The person who has everything, your creative friend.
Stuff for Christmas for 12 year olds & 13 year-olds
This age is tricky, but you can’t go wrong with something from a cool NYC spot. Think a hoodie from a skate shop like KCDC in Brooklyn, a gift card to Forbidden Planet for the comic book lover, or some cool art supplies from Blick.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: KCDC, Forbidden Planet, Blick Art Materials.
- Good For: The tween in your life who is too cool for school.
Tickets to a Comedy Show
Give the gift of laughter with a pair of tickets to a legendary spot like the Comedy Cellar or a show at the Upright Citizens Brigade.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Directly from the club’s website.
- Good For: A fun date night, your friend with a great sense of humor.
A Museum Membership
A year of free admission to The Met, MoMA, or the Museum of Natural History is a gift that keeps on giving.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: The museum’s website.
- Good For: The art lover, the history buff, or a family looking for weekend activities.
A Gift Card to an Indie Movie Theater
A gift card to Nitehawk Cinema or Alamo Drafthouse is perfect for the film buff who loves dinner and a movie, all in one seat.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Nitehawk Cinema or Alamo Drafthouse websites.
- Good For: The movie lover in your life.
A Nice Cocktail Shaker Set
For the friend who loves playing bartender at home, a quality cocktail set from a store like Fishs Eddy is a perfect upgrade.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: Fishs Eddy, Crate & Barrel.
- Good For: The aspiring mixologist.
The LEGO NYC Skyline
A fun gift for the person who loves to build. The LEGO Architecture set for the New York City skyline is a classic.
- Price: $$
- Where to Buy: The LEGO Store, Target, Amazon.
- Good For: The architecture nerd, anyone who is a kid at heart.
Splurge-Worthy: Unique Christmas Gifts for Adults
For when you really want to wow them.
A Helicopter Tour of the City
Give them a view of the city they’ll never forget. It’s an insane, over-the-top gift that creates a core memory. This is a top-tier NYC holiday gift.
- Price: $$$$
- Where to Buy: FlyNyon, HeliNY, and other tour operators.
- Good For: A significant other, a parent’s milestone birthday, or someone you really like.
A Custom-Made Piece from a Local Artisan
Find a local artist or jeweler in a market like Artists & Fleas or FAD Market and commission something one-of-a-kind. It’s a beautiful way to give a personal gift while supporting a local creator.
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Where to Buy: Brooklyn Flea, Artists & Fleas, Grand Bazaar NYC.
- Good For: The person who appreciates craftsmanship and unique style.
Tickets to a Big Event
Whether it’s front-row seats to a Broadway show, a Knicks game at MSG, or a huge concert at Barclays Center, tickets are always a winning gift.
- Price: $$$-$$$$
- Where to Buy: Ticketmaster, Telecharge, or directly from the venue.
- Good For: The sports fanatic, the theater lover, or your music-obsessed friend.
A Spa Day at Aire Ancient Baths
This is the ultimate relaxation gift. A day pass to the stunning thermal baths at Aire in TriBeCa is pure bliss.
- Price: $$$
- Where to Go: Aire Ancient Baths website. (https://linkin.bio/aireancientbaths_us)
- Good For: Your stressed-out best friend, a romantic gift for a partner.
A Tasting Menu Dinner
Book a reservation for a multi-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant for the ultimate foodie experience.
- Price: $$$$
- Where to Go: Use a reservation app like Resy or Tock.
- Good For: A major anniversary or celebration.
A Personal Shopping Experience
Most of the big department stores like Saks, Nordstrom, and Bergdorf’s offer personal shopping services. It’s a super fun and luxurious experience.
- Price: $$$$ (depends on what you buy, of course!)
- Good For: The fashionista who is impossible to shop for.
A Cameo from a Broadway Star
Get a personalized video message from a Broadway actor for the ultimate theater fan.
- Price: $$$
- Where to Buy: Cameo website.
- Good For: The person who knows every word to every musical.
A Private Boat Tour Around Manhattan
Charter a small boat for a few hours for a private tour of the city’s skyline from the water.
- Price: $$$$
- Where to Buy: Classic Harbor Line, Narwhal Yacht Charters.
- Good For: An unforgettable group gift or a major romantic gesture.
Your Holiday Gifting Questions Answered
How to do New York at Christmas on a budget? Focus on experiences over expensive gifts. Plan a walking tour of the holiday windows, go ice skating at a less-crowded rink like the one in Bryant Park (it’s free if you have your own skates), and explore the holiday markets instead of big department stores.
What is the 7 gift rule for Christmas? It’s a trend to simplify gift-giving, especially for kids. The rule is:
- Something they want.
- Something they need.
- Something to wear.
- Something to read.
- Something to do (like an experience).
- Something for me (a gift for the family, like a board game).
- Something to give (a donation in their name).
What is the gift rule in NYC? There’s no official “gift rule,” but a common unspoken one is that experiences often beat things. New Yorkers tend to value a great meal out, tickets to a show, or a fun class over more stuff to cram into a tiny apartment. Practicality and uniqueness are always appreciated.
Wondering Where to Shop on the Big Day?
After all the presents are unwrapped, you might find yourself needing a last-minute item or just wanting to get out of the house. Navigating the city when everything seems shut down can be tricky. To know what’s open and what’s not, be sure to check out our guide on What’s Open & Closed On Christmas Day In NYC? for all the essential info.
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