Best gift shops: Midtown West

It doesn’t get any more underground than the New York City subways, so it’s somehow fitting that this streetwise outfitter is located inside the Port Authority subway station. You’ll find an array of unisex $20 silk-screened tees and $40 hoodies, made exclusively by the store’s namesake label. Most designs are refreshingly minimalist; to wit, one simply says “42nd & Feeling Fine” in cursive, while another features a pair of boxing gloves and the phrase “Local Champion.” Solid zip-up hoodies are adorned with yellow strings and original Grast pin buttons on the chest. There’s also a heavy focus on toys and accessories, with a line of G-Shock watches designed in collaboration with Alife ($150) and Krink ($140); plastic character figurines by Kidrobot ($8); and GoodWood NYC intricate, hand-painted wooden pendants on beaded chains ($60). Before you hop on the train, ditch your tired Apple earbuds and cop a pair of tricked-out DJ-style headphones from Coloud ($40) or Urbanears ($60), available in every solid color of the pastel rainbow.

Some of the most interesting treats and gifts come from museum shops and the Met is no slouch in its class. Get wall hangings, desk trinkets, home decor and arty jewlery at locations throughout the city. Seasonal and exhibit related items are constantly rotating through the stock.

Some of the most interesting treats and gifts come from museum shops and the Met is no slouch in its class. Get wall hangings, desk trinkets, home decor and arty jewlery at locations throughout the city. Seasonal and exhibit related items are constantly rotating through the stock.

A must for design fans, the museum’s stand-alone retail arm assembles an impressive array of contemporary furnishings and gifts, including sculptural vases, clocks, kitchenware and gadgets.

With Bergdorf Goodman and Louis Vuitton across the street, the flagship of this English leather-goods house keeps up with its posh neighbors via newly revamped digs for culty hand-engraved stationery (starting at $55) and their haute crocodile-embossed diaries ($120–$395). Class up your fave straphanger’s commute with pocket-sized leather planners equipped with an NYC subway map ($50). What’s more, Smythson books and most leather goods can be personalized with names, initials and dates using real gold or silver leaf ($12 per letter), and they’ll expertly gift wrap any item at no extra charge.