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Top 10 Unique Christmas Gifts for Friends, Coworkers & Family in NYC

Getting unique Christmas gifts for adults can be tricky, which is why so many people are still shopping on Christmas Eve. Rather than searching high and low for your best option, you can rely on the following list to make it much easier to find unique Christmas gifts in NYC. That way, you can save your time for spending with your family and friends instead of being stuck at a mall. 

Unique Christmas Gifts for Friends and Family 

Need an extra incentive to get your shopping done early this year? Check out these 10 gift suggestions that you can only purchase in the NYC area. 

1. Nintendo Gaming Gear from Nintendo New York

Whether you’re looking for unique Christmas gifts for your husband or boyfriend, you’ll definitely be able to find them by heading to Nintendo New York. This 10,000-square-foot store offers anything Nintendo-related that you can dream of, and some of its items are store exclusives. From clothing and stuffed animals to consoles and the Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo, this is the place to shop for gamers. 

Nintendo New York

Photo Credit: John – Google Guide

2. Jet Ski Experience from Sea the City 

Does a special person in your life love the feel of adrenaline? Then getting them a gift certificate to go on a jet ski tour of NYC is the ideal gift! They’ll get to crank the jet ski up to 55 MPH as they spend between one and two hours riding on the Hudson River. This unique family Christmas gift offers more than a mere ride, however. They’ll also be treated to some of the best sightseeing attractions in NYC, including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge.      

birthday party group of people riding on jet skis in the water

Get your Jet Ski Tour Gift Certificates Now!

*Buy Now, Schedule Later

3. Dorothy Parker Gin from New York Distilling Company 

Are your parents dedicated gin drinkers and lovers of the written word? You can get them a bottle of gin that is purposefully different by stopping in at the New York Distilling Company. Dorothy Parker American Gin is named after the American poet and writer. Her caustic wit was first published by Vanity Fair, and she also co-wrote the script for the original version of A Star is Born (1937). This unique Christmas gift for parents has a traditional and contemporary blend, including elderberries, juniper, cinnamon, citrus, and hibiscus. 

bottle of gin

4. Pick Up Something Sweet from Nunu Chocolates

Buying a gift for your employees or coworkers can be a fraught experience filled with many mistakes. Instead of trying to purchase unique Christmas gifts for employees, why not give them something that almost everyone will love? Nunu Chocolates is one of New York City’s best chocolatiers. They sell in-store exclusives like North Fork Potato Chips covered in chocolate. You can also pick up chocolate-themed craft beer or stick with cashew caramel bark. 

Nunu Chocolates nyc

5. Go Around the City and Collect Pressed Pennies 

Some people prefer something special that others might not understand. For them, it’s more about the effort expended than it is about receiving an expensive gift. If this describes your girlfriend or boyfriend, you can collect a series of pressed pennies by visiting FAO Schwarz, Central Park Zoo, Yankee Stadium, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and more. These will definitely make unique Christmas gifts for your boyfriend. Find out other spots to get these collectibles by visiting PennyCollector.com.

pressed penny

6. Get Art Souvenirs from the Museum of Modern Art    

Do you know a couple that is looking to decorate their home? Head to MoMA’s gift shop, and you’ll find several different choices to make them happy. Alternatively, you can pick up some artistic kitchenware or blown-glass jewelry. The best part is that MoMA has Design Stores in three locations around NYC, so it’s not necessary to purchase admission to the museum to pick up unique Christmas gifts for couples. 

Museum of Modern Art NYC

7. Choose NY-Themed Gifts from the Museum of the City of New York

Everyone has that one coworker who loves items with a bit of a campy feel. You can find the perfect kitsch choice by going into the Museum of the City of New York’s shop. For example, you could give them a holiday ornament such as the New York City Pizza Rat or an Everything Bagel. You could also provide unique Christmas gifts for coworkers such as the Statue of Liberty Rubber Duckie or a Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching. 

Museum of the City of New York logo

Photo Credit:  Facebook

8. Make the Writer in Your Life Happy at Yoseka Stationary 

If you think it’s hard to find a unique gift for the writer in your life, then you’ve got to check out Yoseka Stationary. Not only do they have a wide variety of planners and blank notebooks, but they also sell Greeting Life Animal Die-Cut Calendars, antique brass pens, and a series of special inks such as Sailor Manyo Budo Ink. 

Yoseka Stationery NYC

9. Everyone Loves Cheese from Murray’s 

Almost everyone is a fan of cheese, so why not pick a unique gift out of Murray’s almost 400 cheeses? Your best bet is probably a cheese-themed gift box that also contains other yummy treats like nuts, fruit, and meat. Murray’s features several choices, including Sarah Jessica Parker’s exclusive selections, Murray’s Mac and Cheese Sampler, and the Vegetarian Cheese Feast.

NYC Cheese

10. Find Something for Everyone at Exit 9 Gift Emporium 

Your best friend deserves something unique and fun, which is exactly what you’ll find at Exit 9 Gift Emporium. This upbeat and quirky shop features a little of everything. Items include a Brooklyn Landscape Tea Towel, an East Village Pigeon T-Shirt, or a New York Tattly Pack. Whatever you pick out is certain to please! 

Exit 9 Gift Emporium NYC

Photo Credit: Yelp

Ensure the Perfect Holiday Gift with Sea the City

3 people on jet skis wearing life jackets

Each of the above gift ideas is anything but usual, and that’s why we love them so much. For the adrenaline lover in your life, though, a gift certificate from Sea the City makes the best choice. They can plan when they’d like to go, and they also have the option to extend their jet skiing experience by purchasing a longer session. 

The best part is you can order your gift certificate online!

Plus, you can pick up an extra pass if you’d like to join them on their jet-skiing adventure.