by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 5:00 AM ET, Fri November 21, 2014
Photo courtesy of Thinkstock
There are many people that go to New York City during the holiday season specifically for shopping. Other people are stuck there in the middle of the crowds and just trying to get through it. And then there are the people who you just don't know what to get them as a gift.
Here is an idea that can help you all: Shop at a museum. This year, the City of New York is promoting their museums as a great way to get something that is, "oh so New York," unique, and without having to brave the crowds of Fifth Avenue. There are hundreds of museums and galleries in New York City and here are a few of the coolest ones to check out.
For the Kid in All of Us
The American Museum of Natural History has a three-story gift store. It has five different shops within: The Museum Shop, The Shop for Earth & Space, the Cosmic Shop, the Dino Store and the Exhibition Shop. They have books, games, apparel, stuffed animals, gems and minerals, science kits, posters, and fossil replicas. They do have a shop online as well and feature over 900 items under $25.
What kid (or, OK, me) doesn't want an E-Z Build Saturn V Rocket? Right now you can get free shipping on any purchase over $50.
For the Film Lover
The Museum of the Moving Image is, "the country's only museum dedicated to the art, history, technique, and technology of the moving image in all its forms." They have a history of the technology dating all the way back to the nineteenth century optical toys. They also have a great gift store with everything to fill the stockings of your favorite film aficionado. They don't have an online shop but they do have book signings very often, so you may be able to get something personalized if you can stop by in person.
For the Train Lover
One of the coolest things about the New York Transit Museum is that it is located in an actual subway station. The decommissioned Court Street Station holds actual historic train cars, displays and exhibits. And, if you have spent any time in New York, you probably grew up on a train line or had a favorite one. Now you can have shirts, notepads, mouse pads, posters and more, all logoed with your favorite station.
They have stations from not just all of the subway lines, but every Long Island Railroad and every Metro-North line as well. They also have books, apparel, calendars, jewelry, and more. Their online store allows you to shop at home as well, and do all the customization that you need.
For the Art Lover
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or The Guggenheim as it is referred to most often, is one of the most well known art museums in the world. Its collection is a staple of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, early Modern and contemporary art. The museum store, which also has a great online portal, sells books, posters, house wares, artwork, great kids toys, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and even architectural models. Who doesn't want a lamp that looks like the Guggenheim?
For the New York City Lover
The Museum of the City of New York is the quintessential place to find out about, guess what? Yes, the city of New York. So it should come as no surprise that the museum shop would be the place to buy a gift that says, "City of New York."
The shop has prints of images from the museum, books, logoed apparel, locally made foods, jewelry, and features a whole section of gifts under $50. They also have an online store, which gives you 20 percent off of everything if you become a member of the museum.
There you go; five new places to visit in New York City that you probably have never even thought about shopping in. You're sure to get something that is authentically New York, and the checkout lines will be incredibly shorter than stores like Tiffany & Co.'s. A lot cheaper, too.
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