What's in a Welcome to New York Package?

Question

Hi!...two of my friends from Australia are coming to visit me at the end of November and I am sooo thrilled about it. When i pick them up from the airport i want to give them each a small gift box with a bunch of things i think they will need or might be able to use as they tour around New York City. The ideas i have right now are: a metrocard, a map of the city, a subway map of the city, and a restaurant guide. I don't want it to be too expensive but i would like the box to get them excited about thier visit and have substantial, useful infromation. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Also if you go to the Empire State Building there's a visitor information kind of booth set up where you can just pick up free pamphlets of different sights to see or tours that they can take. If anything, it'll be some nice things to take back home as souvenirs! Oh and a nice gift I like to buy for friends are those mini taxicab magnets.

Answer 2

I think you're on the right track. A MetroCard is a good idea, along with a subway map (very handy). Maybe you can highlight your favorite places in the restaurant guide they might like. There are booths in tourist areas like City Hall that give out brochures for various sites around the city, maybe you can collect a bunch of those and include them. You might also think about including some New York delicacies - a salami from Katz's, or a bottle or two of Manhattan Special coffee soda for a bit of old-time New York flavor.

Answer 3

I think that what you have is perfect. Maybe also include the current Time Out New York to give them ideas of things to do. I wouldn't worry about including other food or gifts in the package. Half the fun of visiting a new city is taking in all the sights, visiting restaurants, and doing your own souvenirs shopping. If you give them a place to stay, as well as tips and tools for getting around, that's more than enough.