What items from New York City would be good to include in a gift basket to an ex-NYCer that is homesick?

Question

I am visiting a friend in Germany who was born and raised in NYC and is getting homesick. I would love to bring some items over that would remind her of the city. They should be small and not cost prohibitive (no Tiffany jewelry!). I am not from NYC originally, so the only thing I came up with so far is a copy of the Sunday Times---she lived in Manhattan so items from there would be preferred. Thanks!

Answer 1

When I visit my brother in California, he always wants me to bring bagels, a pretzel (from a street vendor), a bottle of Fox's U-Bet chocolate syrup, sour pickles, (Germany has better pickles) halvah, ring jells,Junior's Cheesecake and real New York corned beef (it's easy to pack the perishables - I use that blue picnic ice). You can give your friend a Yankees or Mets cap or tee shirt, a coffee table book of New York, a tourist book with descriptions of the Empire State, Statue of Liberty, Times Square, or a novel that takes place in New York, a poster of a favorite area, some "tourist" postcards.
A few years ago, I was fishing in Alaska - the bush pilot told us he originally lived in Connecticut and worked in New York before he got fed up with all the noise. He said he'd give anything for New York pizza. I found a humerous greeting card with "pizza seeds"; he got such a kick out of that.
Do you think she'd really like the Sunday Times? It's so heavy and it's available on line.
If you have time, go to Chinatown and pick up a lot of New York "stocking stuffer" New York specialties - they're very cheap - a miniature Empire State Building, a snowball with a New York view inside, a pin that says "I love New York".
I think a basket full of New York things is a very thoughtful gift. Have fun putting it together.

Answer 2

Well the egg cream won't fly unless you're only carrying 3 ounces or less of it.

Bagels will travel better especially if you freeze them just before you leave. A copy of the New Yorker Magazine or the Village Voice (which is free) would be nice.

If she used public transportation in Manhattan (and just about everyone in Manhattan does) the MTA has transit related gifts in all price ranges. They have a shop at Grand Central Station and you can also mail order from them.

If she was here during 2000, she was here for the Cow Parade art exhibit that took over Manhattan. You can get small items that commemorate that event. You'll see them in gifts shops all over the city and at their website.

There is also a line of "official" NYC products available in conjunction with the Mayor's campaign to promote New York.

All the links are below. Have a great time in Germany, it's a great country, and have a Diebels Alt for me!

Answer 3

I put together gift baskets and plan small parties as a side business. I read the suggestions below but really don't think beer and bad teeth are what you are looking for. being from KY we get a lot of Red Neck "things" here so below is what I would suggest: 1. Red Neck Flash Light , complete with extra bulb (Match taped ( with duct tape) to the end of a dowel or stick. ( Pick one up out of your yard) When it gets dark and you're losing your sight. You can see where you're going with this Redneck Flashlight. It's got a bulb on one end right were it should be. And if it burns out, changing it is easy. Just pull out the old bulb and throw it away. Then push in a new one until you're sure it will stay. 2. Bullshit Bag ( small brown paper bag) Hazardous Waste! Keeps BS From Spreading. Directions: 1) Place mouth over open bag. 2) Begin "talking." The BS will naturally flow. 3) When full, shut bag and dispose. Makes great fertilizer. Spread around political rallies, hunting and fishing camps, and lawyers offices. 3. Misc snacks like RC Cola. Moon pies, Slim Jim Beef Jerky, 4. 3 Piece Chicken Dinner: 3 Pieces of popcorn (unpoped) Place in a small envelope or something like it. Write on the envelope "Chicken Dinner" . 5. Roadkill Bites (buttery, nutty candy). Pealed right off the tire! Fried from the heat of the tail pipe. 6. Instead of a basket use an old crate of some sort, or some roughly constructed wooden box. Just a few ideas if you want more let me know I will be glad to help!

Answer 4

What most ex-NYers get homesick for is the food - but going overseas, this might be a problem - H&H bagels, say, or pastrami form the Carnegie Deli - maybe a bottle of NYC tap water (they DO sell it!) - or, for non-food stuff: maybe a copy of New York Magazine: or a Yankees/Mets/Giants cap from a Central Park vendor - also make sure than anything you bring is in its original shopping bag (Zabar's a must!).

I'd still try to sneak a bagel or two in your bags, anyway:sut be sure to eat it soon!

Answer 5

Programs from a couple of current Broadway shows or the Met. Italian cookies from Ferrara's. I would also suggest a cheesecake from Sam's, a pastrami sandwich from the Stage Deli, or a hot dog from a street vendor, but I think those might be tougher to travel with. Or how about some Bloomie's (girls undies) from Bloomingdales, if she is a good enough friend?

Answer 6

Well assuming that you can not take perishible, as in food items on an international flight...Your best bet is head over to any of the "souvenir" shops, grab an "I love NYC" winter hat or t-shirt, a statue of the empire state building, post cards, etc...

Answer 7

Were they from Manhattan?

Each burrough has their own "localisms"...generally I would say an egg cream (assuming you can carry these internationally), a salami from Katz's Deli (on houston and 1st), a subway map, and some photos..or post cards.

If you are near the area that you know she grew up in...take a video of her old home, maybe some of her old hangouts...and maybe a few "video hellos" from old friends.

Wonderful that you are thinking of your friend by the way!

Answer 8

1. subway token
2. ny mets t-shirt
3. pizza.

Answer 9

A big apple!

Answer 10

mcsorely's ale