It’s holiday season in New York City, but things are a little bit different this time. QR codes and estimated wait times are part of the protocol for visits to the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Cookie swaps with co-workers are out, although cookie boxes are in. And we’d all be smart to get hygge with it at home, as we’ll be spending even more waking hours in our apartments than usual come wintertime.
Given all that 2020 has put us through, it’s about time to treat yourself and your loved ones with gifts. From cool merch to delicious snacks and chic kitchen goods, let this guide serve as a strong case for buying all of your presents from restaurants this year. They could use the help — and we could all use a reminder of what we love about dining in them. And if you’re looking beyond New York, we’ve got you covered there, too.
For the Die-Hard New Yorker
They didn’t leave the city when the first wave hit, and they frankly never will.
- The Sturgeon King Tote from Barney Greengrass ($15)
- Crispy Fried Chicken Mix and Kickin’ Hot, Hot Sauce from Sylvia’s ($10.48 for both)
- Au Poivre Sauce from Raoul’s ($20)
- 2020 T-Shirt from Fanelli’s ($25)
- Granola from The Odeon ($12)
- USDA Prime Burgers – Pack of 18 (add Extra Thick Cut Bacon) from Peter Luger ($221.80 including a 2-pack of bacon)
- Dim Sum Cart Laptop Sticker from Jing Fong ($2)
- Pigs in a Blanket and Deli Mustard from Katz’s ($21.20 for both)
- Shopsin’s Plate from Shopsin’s General Store ($25)
- Frozen Pizzas from F&F (from $13)
- Churchwarden Pipe from Keens ($59)
For the Cheffy Type
The kitchen is their happy place — and goodness knows there’s ample time to spend there right now.
- Olive Oil from King ($65)
- Chiang Mai Style Laab Chili Seasoning from Thaimee Love ($19.99)
- Vinegar Trio from Il Buco Alimentari ($70)
- Handmade Sardinian Pasta Cutters from I Sodi (from $90)
- Daphnis & Chloe Smoked Chili Flakes from Dame ($12)
- Really F*!#ing Hot T-Shirt from Pasquale Jones ($25)
- Strawberry Gochujang from Atonae aka Atoboy & Atomix ($22)
- Nesting Bowl Set from Momofuku x East Fork Pottery ($226)
- Korean Chili Oil from Nowon ($10)
- Recipe Book featuring Don Angie, Gertie, Popina, & more from Family Meal ($35, all proceeds go to ROAR’s employee relief fund)
For the Outdoor Adventurer
20-degree weather won’t stop them from taking long walks and dining al fresco.
- Embroidered Blanket from Ernesto’s ($22)
- 457 or F&F Neck Gaiter from Frankies Spuntino Group ($15)
- MCF Metal Logo Black Beanie from Mission ($20)
- Hot Chocolate Mix from Olmsted Trading Post ($15)
- Wine Tote from Stranger Wines ($25)
- Face Masks in prints like Moules Frites, Black & White Cookies, and Pretzels from Steak Diane ($30, also sold at Hart’s!)
- Insulated Picnic Bag from Daily Provisions ($25)
For the Cool Kid
Since it’s tough to see and be seen, gift them the scene.
- Pulltap Corkscrew from The Four Horsemen ($12)
- CMT Hat in black or white from Chez Ma Tante ($30)
- Mezcal Copitas from Colonia Verde ($20)
- Location T-shirt from Leo ($25)
- Peppermill from Dimes ($120)
- Coffee Mug from Hart’s ($15)
- Hoodie from Roman’s ($45)
- Cork Coasters from Public Records ($10)
For the Bad Cook
They can’t take the heat, but they can turn the oven on.
- Lilia’s Mafaldini with Pink Peppercorn from MP New York ($45)
- Latke + Babka Kit from Air’s Champagne Parlor (from $38, with optional add-ons of Champagne and caviar)
- Margarita Jug and/or Michelada Kit from Yellow Rose ($42, $25)
- Miso Wing Sauce from Bar Goto ($10)
- Cheese Board Staples (Chicken Liver Paté, Fennel Marmalade, etc.) from Altro Paradiso (from $12)
- Fresh Soba from Sobaya (from $10)
- “Tins on Tins on Tins” Care Package from Fort Defiance ($94.99)
- Whole Dake Cake from 232 Bleecker ($50)
- Lasagna Bolognese for Two from Rezdôra ($39)
- Cilantro-Coconut Chutney and Spicy Ketchup from Chaiwali ($7.50 each)
For the “Never Sweatpants” Crusader
Even after a year of quarantine, they still get dressed up for work (from home).
- Go Takagi Serving Stand from La Mercerie at Roman and Williams Guild ($80)
- Five-Panel Hat from Charlie Bird ($30)
- House-made Limoncello from Locanda Vini e Olii ($35)
- Panettone from Sant Ambroeus ($42)
- Wine Share from Oxalis (from $32/month)
- ‘Cafe the Jones’ Keychain from The Jones ($12)
- Le Golden Scissors from Di An Di ($12)
- Holiday Cookie Kit from Leonelli Taberna ($18)
- 18 oz. of Icebox Martini (vodka or gin) from Anton’s ($50)
Emily Wilson is a New York writer. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Follow Resy, too.
