Arthistory

I will be in New York in a week, can't wait! I need some ideas for great NY experiences. I have been to NY before, don't want to wait in the way too long line for the empire state building. Any other great ideas?? I will be visiting all the main museums so that is covered. I also want some great gift ideas. I want some great NY gift ideas. 10 years ago at Saks they had a great snow globe with the skyline inside, and I did not get it! Something that is not the typical 8 dollar turisty gift. $15-30? or around that amount. Thanks

SusanEva

I think the museum gift shops would be great places for the gifts. I love some of the things at the MOMA shop. Also enjoyed shopping in the small stores around/amid Broadway. Copies of favorite musical posters, CD's, etc. (some a bit touristy, but for musiclovers, could be good.)

I'm envious - hope you enjoy your trip.

Arthistory

Thanks for the advice, of course the gift shops at the MOMA/Met would be a great idea!

kateny17

I believe that Saks has a new snowglobe for each year so you may be able to find another great one if you stop by. You might also try the Christmas market that is set up at Grand Central Station - it attracts a lot of small, NY merchants who bring their wares to sell for a few weeks. You can always find some great stuff there. Instead of the Empire State Building, try walking across the Brooklyn Bridge for an interesting view of the city (that is if you can brave the cold.) Start on the Brooklyn side and work your way towards Manhattan. It's really a nice view of the city. (If you're not too keen on the cold, though, you can always take the Q train from Brooklyn to Canal Street and get pretty much the same view, only with the Brooklyn Bridge added in.)

Arthistory

Thanks Kateny, I did think about the bridge, but was unsure how someone from Arizona would survive the cold! Still may do it.

SusanEva

If you haven't been to Ellis Island, and like history, you might consider a visit. The ferry from Battery Park goes right by the Statue of Liberty and you can get great photos of both the statue and the downtown NYC skyline. The ferry has enclosed areas, so even Arizona skin can by happy. I was very moved by the buildings and museum displays and think it's worth your consideration. S.

Bokhara

The Metropolitan Museum of Art also has a gift shop at Macys, which gives 15% discount to Macys visitors card holders. I bought some v.nice gifts there and at the MoMA.

Arthistory

Thanks everyone for the great ideas! The museum stores, Grand Central markets, Walking across the bridge, etc... I can't wait untill next week! Happy travels everyone!

alya

Don't forget to visit the Food Market while you're in Grand Central station and there's a 'holiday lights show' on the hour and half hour from 11am til 9pm.

http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/...8-5F06E08D2EFE

As a gift to yourself - any restaurant you vist - collect a business card. We have 2 frameless clip frames full of memories that we have hung on the wall in our dining room.

They add visual appeal and sometimes I stop to really look and they bring back such good memories of restaurants we enjoyed when we lived in the UK, also European vacations and business trips, also restaurants we enjoy close to home here in MA. We've been collecting for over 8 years.

Have you thought about buying a Christmas ornament from one of the major stores?

SissyOnassis

For unique and cheap gifts, head to the "farmer's market" in Union Square Park on Saturday. There also used to be a Christmas Market in Central Park at Columbus Circle. I don't know if it is still going on, though. Anybody know?

bmw732002

arthistory:

I am a big outside guy when it comes to NYC so if you have the energy and warm clothes..
I wanted to add the obvious...I am sure you are going to Rock Center for the tree and skating rink! A MUST!

Bryant Park (behind the Library) now has a ice rink and a HOliday Market as well.

Walk around Central Park. The contrast of the Hum of the city vs the quiet of the park.

I also recommend the walk over Brooklyn Bridge. The walk from Brooklyn back to Manhattan is spectacular. (dress warm!)

Gift? YOu must get the " I am a tourist" Yankee Baseball Cap (NY) or maybe this year

bmw732002

arthistory:

I am a big outside guy when it comes to NYC so if you have the energy and warm clothes..
I wanted to add the obvious...I am sure you are going to Rock Center for the tree and skating rink! A MUST!

Bryant Park (behind the Library) now has a ice rink and a HOliday Market as well.

Walk around Central Park. The contrast of the Hum of the city vs the quiet of the park.

I also recommend the walk over Brooklyn Bridge. The walk from Brooklyn back to Manhattan is spectacular. (dress warm!)

Gift? YOu must get the " I am a tourist" Yankee Baseball Cap (NY) or maybe this year the more popular hat might be the NY METS!
John

kroberts

There's a great outdoor market in Union Square Park with a lot of local vendors selling great gifts. I'm heading there this afternoon to some of my Christmas shopping! If you decide to do the Statue of Liberty, get tickets online before hand so you don't have to wait. I took some visitors there a few months ago and didn't get tickets before hand and the wait was several hours. Another option to the doing the Statue, is to take a free ride on the Statan Island Ferry. It rides past the Statue, and is a nice hour break from all the walking you'll be doing. When people come to visit me we usually do this and it's always a hit. CircleLine Cruises are great as well and they run in the winter months. Take the one that circles all the way around Manhattan. I think it's 16 bucks per person and lasts three hours. As one poster mentioned, Canal Street is a great place to shop for gifts.

Have a wonderful time. New York City is magical this time of year!

spring212

Try the NYC Store - it's a shop run by NY City. You can shop online: www.a856-citystore.nyc.gov.
There is an actual store located downtown in the municipal building. I think they also have a counter in the visitors center at 7th Ave & 52nd St.
The market Sissy mentioned at Columbus Circle / Central Park is still there.

Judy24

Spring212-are you sure that's the right site, since it's coming up as an error.

Arthistory

Wow you guys are great! The markets sounds like a great idea. I do believe I will brave the cold and walk the bridge! And yes I do plan on skating(if I can find some room at the rink at Rockafeller center) Need a heavy coat, or just many layers??? I did this as a post before the advice was bring the heavy coat just getting as many opinions as possible. Thanks

mclaurie

Layers AND a heavy coat.

I agree that Saks snow globe is terrific. Do you realize there are some being sold on ebay?? There are a few rare ones with the WTC included. Those are pricey but the others are not.

Surprised no one has mentioned the Top of the Rock observation tower. You can buy tickets ahead online. Wait time mcuh shorter than ESB and I hear the experience is much nicer.

Other NYC gift ideas (that can be purchased ONLINE so you don't waste precious time shopping)

Scarf with NYC map
http://mapscarves.com/newyork.html?P...1383fbc3a17601

other items with NYC subway map
http://www.nycwebstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=639

theater related gifts
http://www.broadwaynewyork.com/main.asp?affiliateid=69

Arthistory

Thanks again everybody. I will head your advice about Rockafeller center, was planning on that. The markets are now a must. I tend to overplan my trips,its a hobby, but I also know that sometimes whatever happens is the most special moments. I can't wait for the big apple!! Have a wonderful holiday season fellow Fodorites!(I made that up)

spring212

Oops - Sorry - try this for the New York City Store:
http://a856-citystore.nyc.gov/

TarheelsInNj

The Bryant Park holiday market is a great place to shop for gifts! They have a huge variety of stores, so you're likely to find just about anything. My mother-in-law picked up a beautiful ornament this weekend from a stall called "Victorian Treasures." Everything in there was unique and very affordable (mostly $15-20).

Enjoy!