Ask A NYC Expert: Last-Minute Holiday Gift Ideas
The holidays are upon us, and you've only just started thinking about gifts for Mom, Dad, the kids, and don't forget cousins and friends. New York has plenty of opportunities for last-minute shopping, so don't give up just yet. We spoke with Tracy Kaler, blogger of Tracy's New York Life, to find out about some fun and funky items for stockings and grab bags. Wow your friends with the New York City-themed gifts you'll find; they'll never have to know you waited until the last minute to pick them up.
Related: 5 Best Holiday Craft Fairs In NYC
Tracy Kaler
Tracy's New York Life
www.tracysnewyorklife.com
For the past four years, Tracy's New York Life has been providing readers entertainment and advice on everything New York City. A lifestyle blog about food, nightlife, travel, art and more, Tracy's New York Life has readers on six continents. Some of the best stories are posted by Tracy and her bloggers on everything from Christmas from a New Yorker's point-of-view, Parisian cocktails in New York City and an art-lover's guide to the Big Apple. Kaler has written for many magazines and websites, including The Connector Magazine, The Epoch Times, Metro and more. Follow her on her website at www.tracykaler.com or on Twitter @TracyKaler. Below are her top five items to pick up for last-minute holiday gifts.
Who doesn't love a delicious chocolate treat for a gift? Kaler writes, "For the friend with the sweet tooth, these beautiful Brooklyn-born chocolates should satisfy." With such surprising tastes as peanut butter and jelly chocolate bar, passion fruit bonbon and chocolate-covered ginger, your friends will be begging you for the same gift every year. A Brooklyn-based company, Tumbador Chocolate shops can be found all over New York City.
My New York: Celebrities Talk About the City
If your sister is a bookworm and loves the Big Apple, this book -- written by Alessandra Mattanza and just released this past October -- is the perfect gift. Order it through Amazon Prime and get with next day shipping. Kaler says, "Stunning photography and inspiring quotes from 19 New Yorkers make this book an ideal gift for those pining to be in the city that never sleeps, or anyone who collects NYC-centric books." My New York includes stories from celebrities like Woody Allen, Mario Batali, Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino and Taylor Swift.
"A pair of skyline sterling silver drop earrings is an ideal lady's gift that pays tribute to the city's majestic skyline." Kaler lists these earrings as just the right touch for any woman who loves New York City. As an added bonus, a portion of the proceeds goes to the New-York Historical Society. Each of Gale's jewelry items is inspired by art and proceeds generally get sent to a museum or cultural organization. A New York-based company, Cynthia Gale is dedicated to creating unique modern silver jewelry that appeals to all women.
Broadway shows are a fantastic gift for anyone, and this particular show is an experience worth gifting. This is definitely an easy last-minute gift; all that's needed is a stop at a ticket booth or the box office. A romantic story about an American soldier and a Parisian woman, this show has already received some great reviews and would be the perfect gift for any couple. Kaler loves the show: "Experience the magic of Broadway theatre! One of my favorite shows I've seen to date is An American in Paris. Anyone who appreciates a classic American musical will adore this show."
Who doesn't love some well-made New York City designer accessories? Kaler suggests the West 57th Passport Case, making the perfect gift for your cousin who's been traveling non-stop for work and play. This "is a chic travel item for the globetrotting New Yorker. Love the color choices, especially the dark blue." You can even get this monogrammed for a more personal touch.
Jennifer Eberhart is a writer, reader, crafter, traveler and New Yorker. She works in midtown New York City for non-profit organizations. Her degrees are in communication studies and art history.You can contact Jennifer on Twitter at @egyptologist. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
