The 10 Best Souvenirs to Bring Back from New York

1/ A T-Shirt

• A t-shirt is the souvenir to bring home if you want to show off your New York obsession all year long—that strange condition that strikes fans of the city!
• The most common choice is the famous I Love New York t-shirt, available in every size, color and price range. That said, avoid the cheap versions sold in some Chinatown shops—the fabric and print quality are poor, and your shirt will fade after just a few machine washes.
• For good souvenir shops, check our shopping guide to New York, especially the New York souvenirs section.

2/ A Mug

• Back home, keep the New York spirit alive by sipping your morning coffee or tea from a mug with the city’s colors. You’ll find mugs with the I Love New York logo everywhere.
• Starbucks fans can stock up at the chain’s New York locations. You’ll find several styles: classic mugs, cups, and oversized versions.

3/ An NY Cap

• You’ve probably spotted people wearing a simple cap with an interlocking NY logo. It’s the official cap of the New York Yankees, the city’s iconic baseball team. A subtle way to show your New York passion.
• If you catch a game—which we recommend—you can buy a cap at the stadium shops. Otherwise, you’ll find them in any souvenir store across New York.
• Prefer basketball? Head to the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue. Read more in our article on the NBA Store in New York.

4/ A Statue of Liberty Figurine

• Just as Paris visitors buy Eiffel Tower replicas, New York offers miniature Statue of Liberty figurines in every size. Pick one to display on your desk or shelf—a constant reminder of the city.
• For an extra-special touch, buy your figurine at the souvenir shop on Liberty Island itself. You can’t miss it—it’s right near the ferry dock. That way, your statue comes directly from Liberty Island, not Manhattan! 🙂

5/ Sneakers

• New York sets the pace for urban fashion—and arguably all fashion. It’s where sneaker trends are born, so you’ll find models here that haven’t reached Europe yet. Add favorable exchange rates and lower taxes, and you have plenty of reasons to splurge.
• We recommend the NBA Store and Nike Town on Fifth Avenue (6 East 57th Street). Don’t miss Converse, the iconic American sneaker. For more shops, visit the Shoes section of our shopping guide.

6/ Admission Tickets

• You might not think about it while you’re caught up in sightseeing, but admission tickets make wonderful souvenirs once you’re home.
• Keep tickets from shows too—Broadway musicals, concerts, and sports events like baseball, football, or basketball games.

7/ A One-Dollar Bill

• Here’s a souvenir you won’t need to buy—well, not exactly. In the days before you leave, set aside a $1 bill and keep it as a good-luck charm.
• You can expand the collection by saving $5, $10, $20 bills and beyond, if you like.
• Beyond bills, watch for the special New York State quarter in your change. It features the Statue of Liberty with the outline of New York State in the background and the motto “Gateway to freedom”.

8/ An American Flag

• Since you can’t fit all of America in your suitcase, bring home a star-spangled banner instead! New York has flags in every format: large ones to hang on a pole in your garden, small ones with stands for your desk or shelf.
• Many members of our New York forum have chosen to hang a flag on the wall—a great touch for American-themed décor.

9/ New York Specialties

• Extend your trip at home by bringing back edible souvenirs—choose items that travel well. My favorites: peanut butter M&M’s, Oreo cookies, and Pepperidge Farm cookies, which now sell for premium prices in some European supermarkets.
• Another classic: a box of Mac & Cheese, the famous American macaroni and cheese dish.
• For a full range of American and New York products, check our list of food shops and supermarkets in New York.

10/ Photos and Memories

• Finally, the two most important souvenirs: your photos and, above all, what you felt while you were here.
• You’ll carry home the sound of New York fire engine sirens, the noise on the Brooklyn Bridge, the wind on your face as you approach the Statue of Liberty, and the spectacular views from New York’s observatories: the Empire State Building, One World Trade Center, Summit One Vanderbilt, The Edge, and my personal favorite, the Top of the Rock. Plus the encounters with New Yorkers and our team who lead our guided tours in New York. A trip to New York stays with you for life! 🙂