Beyond The Statue Of Liberty Keychain: Where To Find One-Of-A-Kind Souvenirs
From art to jewelry to home decor, these six stores offer unique NYC keepsakes large and small.
Statue of Liberty keychains, Brooklyn Bridge mugs, and I ♥ NY t-shirts are fun — but if you’re searching for something a little more distinctive, these places sell trinkets that you won’t find in a bodega. Whether you’re on the hunt for a gift or a keepsake, these shops offer up the most eclectic and unusual goods that the Big Apple has to offer.
1. MoMA Design Store
This museum gift shop sells cutting-edge kitchenware, gadgets, prints, jewelry, and more. At the gift shop for the Museum of Modern Art (which we also recommend you visit!), you’ll find all sorts of interesting knick knacks, including lamps masquerading as books, toast coasters, and stackable popsicle molds.
The MoMA Design Store is located at 44 West 53rd Street.
2. Pearl River Mart
In the heart of Soho lies the Pearl River Mart, surrounded by posh designer stores on all sides. This eclectic emporium boasts thousands of quality Chinese products, including home decor, fashion, and everything in between. From bamboo straw mats to cat mugs to ceramic rice bowls, Pearl River Mart’s three floors of products guarantee that you’ll find just the fun souvenir you’re looking for.
Pearl River Mart is located at 395 Broadway.
3. Chelsea Flea Market
The Chelsea Flea Market has hosted up to 135 vendors every Saturday and Sunday of the year, weather permitting, for over 40 years. Open from 6:30am to 6pm, vendors sell antiques, collectibles, vintage clothing and jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind items you’ll only find here.
The Chelsea Flea Market is located at 39 West 25th Street.
4. Kinokuniya
This Japanese-based retail store is best known for its collection of Asian books, magazines, and stationery. Even if you’re not into Japanese manga, you’re sure to find something interesting, like The Very Small Home: Japanese Ideas for Living Well in Space — a book that New Yorkers definitely find helpful.
Kinokuniya is located at 1073 Avenue of the Americas.
5. Strand Bookstore
The original Strand Bookstore at Union Square is a booklover’s dream. 18 miles of books line the sidewalk and the shelves of the store. Winding through this expansive bookstore, you’ll find old books, new books, rare books, and just plain weird books. The Strand also sells branded bags, magnets, mugs, and hats — perfect for commemorating your trip.
Strand Bookstore is located at 828 Broadway.
6. Artists & Fleas
With a location in Chelsea Market, which is also home to many great restaurants, Artists & Fleas is like a modernized version of the Chelsea Flea Market. Here, you’ll find handmade, customized jewelry, beautiful prints of New York City, and a treasure trove of other unique clothing and accessories.
Artists and Fleas is located at 88 10th Avenue.
The eccentricity of souvenirs that the city offers only reflects the diversity of experiences that you can have here. Affinia’s Free Nights offer lets you enjoy the city for just a little while longer, by giving you three nights for the price of two or four nights for the price of three — use those savings as extra spending money to load up on souvenirs!
