With the holidays fast approaching, I’m always trying to figure where to find a truly unique gift. Among my most reliable destination(s) are the cadre of museum shops scattered throughout the city. Ok, so while many of these shops do indeed offer the standard souvenir totes, pencils and posters, many of them actually feature exclusive or hard-to-find items from around the world. I especially love the fact that by patronizing these shops you are contributing to various philanthropic efforts in that sales often support the individual institutions’ cultural work.
THE RUBIN MUSEUM GIFT SHOP
The Rubin Museum gift shop carries the finest artisanal goods from the Himalayas and Asia-many of which are unavailable elsewhere in the United States. Favorite items include textiles, jewelry, home goods, children’s gifts, spices, oils and incense. The shop also carries the full line of Rubin Museum of Art publications.
The Rubin Museum, 150 W. 17th St. http://www.rubinmuseum.org
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS SHOP
This shop’s beautiful airy space is packed to the rafters with gracious ideas for gift giving, displayed in vignettes that will delight and inspire, featuring a mix of living plants, custom-designed Garden goods, a fabulous collection of books and beautiful one-of-a-kind gifts.
New York Botanical Gardens, 2900 Southern Blvd, The Bronx http://www.nybg.org/home/
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY GIFT SHOP
For the best in all book-related products, this is your shop. There are literally thousands of items including classic and modern books for adults and children, desk items, toys, quirky gifts, fun souvenirs, a wide selection of fashion accessories and an exclusive collection of New York Public Library famous quote-inspired designs.
The New York Public Library, 5th Ave. @ 42nd St. https://www.nypl.org
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
This is one of the best shops to browse art books. Discover hundreds of unique gifts that are inspired by works in and around the museum. With this special season you’ll also find a vast selection of ornaments, Christmas cards and Advent calendars.
Metroplitan Museum of Art,
THE MORGAN GIFT SHOP
With a wide selection of books, reproductions, cards and decorative items related to the Morgan’s collections you are sure to find a unique gift here.
The Morgan Library, 225 Madison Ave. (at 36th Street) http://morganlibrary.org