14 Gifts the New York City Girl in Your Life Will Actually Want

Courtesy of Abbode

Whether you also live in the city or you have a long-distance bestie, gift shopping for the New York City girl in your life can feel impossible. They probably have it all, and if they don’t, they live in the best place to get it in person. Unless you get a FaceTime haul every time they shop, you probably have a slim chance to get the perfect gift for them.

It can be hard to be tapped into the NYC lifestyle enough to know what they want (before they even know they want it). Luckily, I got you. While I wasn’t born and raised in New York, I have been living here for five years now. And as a shopping writer, I’ve tried plenty of products throughout the year to be able to tell you what the average NYC girl would want to get under the tree this year.

When in doubt, opt for gifts that have a sleek city vibe, are practical for on-the-go, and actually work. We recommend starting with a chic pouch (or tin can) that you can customize with their name, and filling it with luxury skincare, hair, makeup, and fragrance minis. Then, choose a good-quality item based on their vibe—whether it’s a wool coat, a screenless digital camera, or a shoulder bag.

So, keep scrolling to shop for the best gifts for the NYC girl in your life, according to this NYC writer.

Shop the 14 Best Gifts for NYC Girls:

Editor's Pick

AORA México ACARÍCIAME Hydrating and Smoothing Solid Lip Gloss Serum

Available in new limited-edition holiday shades, this gorgeous lip gloss serum is infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and castor oil to leave your lips soft, shiny, and lightly tinted. Plus, it comes in a convenient (and chic) tin that fits in every mini bag you need while you’re out in the city. 

Abbode Signature Croc Pouch

Looking for custom embroidery? Abbode is an iconic spot in SoHo to get just that. There are so many options to choose from, but my heart was captured by this sleek and stylish croc pouch that you can customize with their signature or a phrase and decorate with a cute icon. Imagine gifting them this with lots of chic minis inside? Obsessed.

Editor's Pick

m.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Face Highlight & Contour Palette

Created by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips, the m.ph brand is that line in Sephora everyone wishes they had in their collection. With its sleek packaging and amazing formulas, it’s practically made for the city girl. If you don’t have their specific shade for the new foundation, we recommend the viral underpainting palette that started it all.

Engraved Martini Glass Set

Whether your NYC bestie loves to host or needs a cheeky drink before bed, these martini glasses are perfect for their home with their custom name engraved in a variety of font options.

Editor's Pick

Camp Snap CS-PRO Camera

Looking for a film-type camera without the hassle of going somewhere to develop it, but still want to have an air of mystery of how the photos turned out? The Camp Snap screenless digital camera is exactly that. It’s lightweight enough to throw in your bag, and has four film-style modes with a built-in memory that’s incredibly fun to play around.

Editor's Pick

Outside—In Precision Lift Lengthening Mascara

Outside In’s flagship store recently opened in the LES, with a full coffee bar, lovely garden backyard, a fragrance gallery, a makeup section, and a Nature of Things spa-like section. If you’re looking to gift something from this brand, I recommend the mascara, with its skinny “cig-like” and luxe silver packaging and formula full of tubing technology, shea butter, vegan waxes, and more.

Urban Outfitters Faux Fur Legwarmers

This winter, you don’t have to put away all of your ballet flats. Legwarmers will be all over the city this season, so get these faux fur ones from Urban Outfitters that feature a chic neutral colorway and fuzzy texture.

Editor's Pick

La Bonne Brosse N.01 Small Brush & Mini Detangling Comb Set

Whether they’re waiting for their next train underground or touching up in the Uber, every city girl needs a luxe hairbrush (or two) while they’re on the go. La Bonne Brosse is simply that brand. This set includes a small version of their iconic boar bristle brush and a wide-tooth comb in a matching lovely pink colorway.

Puma X Rosé Women's Speedcat VTG Sneakers

In my NYC closet, there can never be too many sneakers—especially when they’re a trendy chocolate shade, low-profile, and extremely comfortable for walking around for hours. Extra points if they’re a K-Pop (and Blackpink) fan, because these new Puma x Rosé sneakers are a perfect gift.

Editor's Pick

Kate Spade Margot Embellished Suede Shoulder Bag

You can also never have too many bags! This Kate Spade shoulder bag is delicate and practical for city living (and absolutely gorgeous in person), with its icy lavender shade, suede texture, silver hardware, 3D flower details, and adjustable shoulder strap.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Duo Set

Every NYC girl needs a good cleansing routine for when she gets home after a whole day out in the city. Make that routine better with this gift set that includes these bestselling ELEMIS cleansing balms and soft cleansing cuffs.

Editor's Pick

MOUNT LAI Vitality Qi LED Gua Sha Device

Every city girl needs a good facial, and this skincare device gives the most relaxing one right at home. Mount Lai’s Gua Sha device features a 660nm red LED light, up to 113F degree heat therapy, and white jade rollers that’ll leave your skin smooth and sculpted.

Editor's Pick

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Miniatures Discovery Fragrance Set

Your bestie might have a whole fragrance collection, but does she have luxury scents in chic mini sizes? Not only are they adorable, but they’re also so handy for all on-the-go it girls. This fragrance set from Maison Francis Kurkdjian features five of the brand’s top-rated scents in small glass vials.

Madewell The Simone Cocoon Coat

When it comes to gifting coats and sweaters to your friend who lives in New York, opt for one that has 100% (or a majority) natural fibers that’ll actually keep them warm this season. This Madewell coat is 100% wool and features a relaxed fit, a convertible funnel-neck collar, dolman sleeves, and cozy welt pockets.

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.