NYC: Best Gifts/Souvenirs $25 and Under

I usually buy shot glasses at new cities that I visit. Does result in having too many at 1 point but they are easy to package to get home

A subway map! (do they still give them out for free?)

DD likes to buy framed pictures of the plays we see to hang in her room. Last time we visited, we could not find a vendor selling them. I thought maybe there was a copyright issue? Instead, we framed the cover of the programs which were equally as nice.

Another nice souvenir is having one's portrait drawn by an artist in Central Park. I think it was around $25 or $35 but can't remember exactly.

A Big apple snow globe - I found on in a bookshop in 42nd street just up from Grand Central. It's quite small and has a red apple with all the landmarks painted on it. It's really clever and I love it.
A yellow cab fridge magnet. Statue of Liberty sunglasses bought on the ferry across to Ellis Island.
Christmas decoration from Tiffanys beautifully wrapped in the signature blue box. They have some really lovely decorations and small Christmas boxes.
Also must second stationary from Kates. It's always on my list for beautiful cards and papers.
I must admit my idea of gifts is more to the fun side but I always find something different in NYC.

Wicked Hot Chocolate from Jacque Torres

I enjoy shopping at the Playbill store, for odd mementos of plays I see.

http://www.playbillstore.com/plpagl.html

I just checked out the online store, and special sets of glasses from past years are available at half price.

There is a subway store in Grand Central that has themed everything you can think of: pads, pens diaries, tee shirts - everything. And a lot are less than $25.

-Christmas ornaments with NYC themes
-Miniature NYC taxis, double decker tour buses, police cares. (I'm an adult and still bought a taxi for myself. I prefer the metal ones to plastic)
-Window cards/posters of Broadway shows (bought at the shops that specialize in theatre-related gifts)

All of my friends request bread, cheese and smoked salmon from Zabars. Nothing else will do for them.

The shop in the main library has some great things http://www.thelibraryshop.org/category.cfm/CurrentPage/1/nypl/souvenirs/

as does the Met Museum store. I really love their Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge night lights.

Not long ago I saw a fun plastic umbrella at one of the Laila Rowe stores with the subway map on it. I've seen other versions with the map, but not a clear bubble shape like this and it was inexpensive.

I like the MoMa gift shop. They sell "New York In A Bag" for $15 or so. It is a bad of about a dozen wooden blocks one can design and redesign into various cityscapes.

Also, really simple gift here. Decide which of your photos is the best, or the "most New York," or most likely to convey a special message to a special someone. Go to your local pharmacy, print out at 5X7, and have it custom framed. The custom framing will do wonders for the photo's presentation and will most likely be well received by the recipient as it is more personal than simply buying a photo on the street.

If that is more than you want to spend, look for a nice frame with matting to hold said 5X7.

This is the most unique gift you can give someone from New York.

Maps or magnets are usually what I get. Oh, I will have to check out those satin slippers next time Katie!

A sursy from the Metropolitan Museum of Art gift shop.