Gifts for a new New Yorker

December 10, 2011 12:52 PM

A friend of mine is moving to New York next year. I'd like some ideas for a going away present that will be useful in her new life.

We're in Canada now, but she's Korean and has lived in the US before. She's in her thirties, quiet and nature-loving and not much into partying/nightlife, and has found a permanent job at a museum in New York. She'll be getting a guidebook to the city herself, but I'd like ideas for anything else that might be of use to her as she settles in. I've been thinking along the lines of books on its history, or on flora/fauna of the surrounding area, but maybe someone here who's moved there might have better ideas.

posted by jlibera to grab bag (20 answers total)

She needs a perfect day bag for life here in NYC. Something that be carried all day, to work and then to dinner. So my recommendation would be a versatile, well-made tote in a neutral color.
posted by devymetal at 1:11 PM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

A pair of high quality rainboots, or a really nice and incredibly sturdy umbrella.

It sounds random, but trust me, she will come to see their value. I moved to new york two years ago, and had neither-- in the previous cities I've lived, if it rains, I'll bump a ride with a friend who has a car, or I'll go into a coffee shop and hang out for a bit. In New York those are not realistic options, and the streets are disgusting when it's raining. Like, you don't want to be wearing Toms. These two items will significantly enhance her quality of life.

A close second, in my opinion, is a pair of high quality ear plugs, or noise-canceling headphones.
posted by atetrachordofthree at 1:14 PM on December 10, 2011 [2 favorites]

If you get her a book on the flora/fauna of the city proper, she'll be terrified! Here there be bedbugs and rats...

I totally agree with atetrachordofthree about rainboots, an umbrella, earplugs, and/or noise-cancelling headphones.

Or a good air purifier.
posted by the young rope-rider at 1:19 PM on December 10, 2011

The Not For Tourists guide to New York City is invaluably helpful to resident New Yorkers. I carried mine with me everywhere, though they probably have an iPhone app these days. City Secrets is also an absolutely amazing book for helping someone get to know the city's hidden gems. I think it would be perfect for someone who tends more towards quiet/solo activities. It looks like they're about to release an updated version too.
posted by Polyhymnia at 1:32 PM on December 10, 2011

An umbrella that fits in your purse is also a great idea.
posted by Polyhymnia at 1:32 PM on December 10, 2011

I love the umbrella, tote idea, but since that's already been suggested, how about a subscription to Zagat? I would also suggest a Metro card, but you can't get those online...
posted by getmetoSF at 1:34 PM on December 10, 2011

A rolling shopping cart. One of the first things I bought when I moved to the city. Old school. High design. Fabric.
posted by kimdog at 1:34 PM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

A slim wallet with easy access to your Metrocard. It's the one thing you'll touch/use everyday in your life, and you want to make that transaction as smooth and forgettable as possible.
posted by jng at 1:36 PM on December 10, 2011

And if you have friends in NY, maybe have them buy a Metrocard and mail it to you so you can give it to her in advance? That way she doesn't have to fumble around without one when she gets there. (Because apparently you can't buy Metrocards online :(
posted by jng at 1:39 PM on December 10, 2011

To give her a feeling of the country in the city, maybe she'd like Red Tails in Love a book about red tail hawks living in Central Park.

I'll nth the idea of getting her an unlimited Metrocard for her first month. (why can't you buy metrocards online?)

Do you know what borough she'll be living/working in?
posted by sciencegeek at 1:52 PM on December 10, 2011

Moleskine New York City Notebook (the link is to their US site, but you'll find them widely available in bookstores etc).

It includes maps of the city and is small and handbag friendly, great for her to develop her own guide to the city.
posted by AnnaRat at 1:52 PM on December 10, 2011

You can never go wrong with a Kindle, pre-loaded with some iconic books and movies set in New York.

The last thing a person about to move needs is more bulky stuff (I ended up donating several going-away gifts before my trans-Atlantic move earlier this year), and unless you are very close to her and understand her taste, I'd advise against buying here clothing or accessories.
posted by halogen at 1:58 PM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I would say definitely NOT an umbrella. Umbrellas get left in bars, on subways, pretty much everywhere, and a good windy day will just break even a good umbrella.

Kindles are awesome subway gifts.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 2:28 PM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

I think that boots are a thoughtful and well-intentioned idea, but personally that's something that I'd want to pick out for myself.

If you want to stick with your flora and fauna idea, how about a book about the High Line?

Probably more whimsical than useful, but I got this NYC Metro Cuff from fab.com. You'll have to check to see if it's still available.
posted by kaybdc at 2:56 PM on December 10, 2011

I have gone through three of these New York Moleskins, and I'm not even a resident. They're perfect for notes (obviously) and they feature a tiny subway map that doesn't make you look super-murderable when you pull it out to check. It's the sort of thing she'll use all the time.
posted by beaucoupkevin at 4:09 PM on December 10, 2011

I'll second the idea of a rolling cart but I'd go with a smaller version. I like the Reisenthel foldable ones (about as small as a puffy netbook when zipped up but hold a lot when expanded, like a big thing of detergent, a six-pack of soda bottles and a bag of or two of groceries). Maybe a professional-looking badge holder for work; she can use it for her ID/security access card, as well as her MetroCard.
posted by Morrigan at 5:29 PM on December 10, 2011

Not timeless, but gift certificates to Zabar's or Fairway? Would go well in new wallet idea above ...
posted by mozhet at 5:30 PM on December 10, 2011

If she likes history and botany, what about a copy of Eric Sanderson's book Mannahatta? It's about the botany of Manhattan in 1609 or so.

Since moving to a city, I've found fingerless gloves helpful (easier to get my bus pass out), and chapstick in a tube rather than a pot necessary (because applying it with your finger after riding a bus? Ew).
posted by sugarbomb at 9:22 PM on December 10, 2011

The AIA Guide to New York City gives a wonderful, block-by-block perspective on the architectural heritage of the city. If your friend has any interest in architecture, and enjoys walking and exploring, it's a great thing to have.
posted by BobbyVan at 9:49 PM on December 10, 2011 [1 favorite]

Nothing big. Small compact umbrella--or two!--and sturdy, fashionable tote is great, yes. Maybe also a Starbucks gift card. It's nobody's favorite, but they are everywhere and sometimes you need weather refuge or a bathroom. It's pretty much the only "free" bathroom in the city, and apparently that's not going to be the case anymore across the board. (I'm assuming you can buy from Canada?)

Anything, cart or large totes, for groceries-holding, will be great. Shopping without a car is not too fun. Or what about $20(is it easy enough to get US $?) with a note "for your first cab ride in the big city!"

Will she be living alone? If you see any small household items, like Simplehuman stuff, is great. Apartments in NYC are sooo small. But I would mail this to her post-move, to arrive on day one! Check if she will have a doorman to accept packages, or if she will be home. A mop, toilet paper, a plastic holder for grocery bags, a water filter pitcher, cleaning supplies, paper towels...I would have loved that for my first solo NYC apartment on day 1!
posted by manicure12 at 8:10 AM on December 11, 2011