New York City isn’t just a destination — it’s a mood, a soundtrack, and a thousand stories playing out at once.

Whether you’re exploring the bright lights of Times Square, sipping coffee in a Brooklyn café, or catching the Staten Island Ferry past Lady Liberty, you’ll want to bring a bit of that energy home. Here’s what to buy in NYC to capture the essence of the Big Apple.

1. “I ❤️ NY” Merchandise

• Why pick this up: You can’t leave New York without the city’s most famous logo. Designed in the 1970s, it’s become a global symbol of optimism and resilience — and it never goes out of style.
• What to look for: T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags with the classic logo in bold red and black.
• Price bracket (2025): $10–$40.
• Where to find it: Street vendors and souvenir shops all over Manhattan.

2. Statue of Liberty Miniature

• Why pick this up: A timeless reminder of freedom and hope, this symbol of New York’s skyline is both patriotic and decorative.
• What to look for: Metal or resin models with detailed craftsmanship.
• Price bracket (2025): $15–$50.
• Where to find it: Liberty Island gift shop or Battery Park vendors.

3. Broadway Memorabilia

• Why pick this up: For theatre lovers, Broadway is the ultimate souvenir in itself. A playbill or poster from a hit show captures the city’s artistic soul.
• What to look for: Official merchandise from productions like Hamilton or The Lion King.
• Price bracket (2025): $20–$100.
• Where to find it: Theatre gift stands or the Broadway Flea Market.

4. NYC Subway Map Items

• Why pick this up: The subway is chaotic, iconic, and utterly New York. The colorful map design makes for stylish, quirky mementos.
• What to look for: Tote bags, notebooks, or wall art featuring the MTA map.
• Price bracket (2025): $15–$60.
• Where to find it: Transit Museum Store or Grand Central Terminal.

5. Bagels and Everything Seasoning

• Why pick this up: The New York bagel is in a league of its own — chewy, golden, and perfect with schmear. Bringing home a jar of “Everything Bagel” seasoning lets you recreate that breakfast magic.
• What to look for: Mixes with sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, and salt.
• Price bracket (2025): $5–$15.
• Where to find it: Zabars, Trader Joe’s, or local delis.

6. Yankees or Mets Gear

• Why pick this up: Baseball is woven into the fabric of the city, and sporting team colors makes you an honorary New Yorker.
• What to look for: Caps, jerseys, or baseballs with the team logo.
• Price bracket (2025): $25–$120.
• Where to find it: Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, or official MLB stores.

7. New York Cheesecake Mix or Slice

• Why pick this up: Creamy, dense, and perfectly sweet — a slice of NYC’s signature dessert is heaven in every bite. A boxed mix or takeaway from Junior’s is pure indulgence.
• What to look for: Junior’s or Eileen’s Special Cheesecake for authentic flavor.
• Price bracket (2025): $10–$40.
• Where to find it: Junior’s (Brooklyn & Times Square).

8. Street Art Prints

• Why pick this up: New York’s street art is as expressive as the city itself. From murals in Bushwick to tributes in SoHo, local artists capture its energy and rebellion.
• What to look for: Prints or postcards from independent creators.
• Price bracket (2025): $20–$80.
• Where to find it: Local art markets and Williamsburg pop-ups.

9. NYPD or FDNY Memorabilia

• Why pick this up: The city’s police and fire departments are part of New York’s identity — symbols of strength and community spirit.
• What to look for: Caps, pins, or shirts with official NYPD or FDNY logos.
• Price bracket (2025): $15–$50.
• Where to find it: Official shops near Times Square or the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

10. New York Coffee

• Why pick this up: New Yorkers run on caffeine. A bag of locally roasted beans lets you take that buzz home — minus the traffic noise.
• What to look for: Brands like Irving Farm, Joe Coffee, or Brooklyn Roasting Company.
• Price bracket (2025): $15–$30.
• Where to find it: Coffee roasteries or Chelsea Market.

11. Local Candles or Scents

• Why pick this up: “New York” in a scent? It’s a thing. Notes of asphalt after rain, roasted chestnuts, and fresh linen evoke the city’s personality.
• What to look for: Candles labeled “Central Park,” “NoHo Loft,” or “Midnight Manhattan.”
• Price bracket (2025): $20–$60.
• Where to find it: Brooklyn Candle Studio or Harlem Candle Co.

12. Times Square Snow Globe

• Why pick this up: Yes, it’s touristy — but in the best way. The classic snow globe captures New York’s lights and energy in miniature form.
• What to look for: Versions featuring yellow taxis or the skyline at night.
• Price bracket (2025): $10–$35.
• Where to find it: Souvenir stores in Midtown.

13. Designer Souvenirs from SoHo

• Why pick this up: Fashion capital that it is, NYC is home to up-and-coming designers who turn streetwear into art. A locally made accessory or tote is a chic, sustainable memento.
• What to look for: Independent labels blending luxury and edge.
• Price bracket (2025): $40–$150.
• Where to find it: SoHo boutiques and local pop-ups.

14. Central Park Photography

• Why pick this up: Central Park is the city’s green heart — peaceful, romantic, and iconic in every season. A framed photo brings that calm right to your wall.
• What to look for: Autumn or winter scenes for maximum atmosphere.
• Price bracket (2025): $25–$90.
• Where to find it: Street photographers near Bethesda Terrace or The Mall.

15. New York Books or Magazines

• Why pick this up: No city inspires more stories. A book by a New York author or a vintage New Yorker magazine gives you a literary slice of the city.
• What to look for: Classics like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or The Catcher in the Rye.
• Price bracket (2025): $15–$40.
• Where to find it: The Strand Bookstore or McNally Jackson.

🏙️ Final Tip

If you want souvenirs that truly embody New York, go for an “I ❤️ NY” tee, a Broadway playbill, and a bag of local coffee — the perfect mix of culture, comfort, and caffeine-fueled chaos.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top “what to buy” ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!