Summer weekends are a thing of wonder, especially when you’re lucky enough to be a guest of a friend with a Hamptons house or an airy apartment with Central Park views. But what gifts to get for the hostess with the mostest? Finding a present can seem nothing short of impossible, especially when the lady (or man) of the house seemingly has everything. Now that summer is in full swing, we’ve scoured New York City for the best, most guaranteed-to-please gifts. Read on for our picks—you may even find something for yourself along the way.
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Armchair Traveler
Give your host the chance to take a vacation too (even just via scent) with Diptyque’s new Les Voyages Travel collection of gorgeous candles. We’re particular to Mimosa, inspired by the fragrant hills of the French Riviera.
Diptyque at Grand Central Terminal, 89 E. 42nd St., grandcentralterminal.com
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Space-Saver
Made of recycled chopsticks, this collapsible basket from the Museum of Arts and Design Store is as clever as it is useful. It's ideal for impromptu fruit or bread basket needs.
Museum of Arts and Design Store, 2 Columbus Circle, thestore.madmuseum.org
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Nature Lover
Audubon-illustrated coasters from the New-York Historical Society Shop make a charming gift for anyone who appreciates the beautifully illustrated 19th-century work of John James Audubon. These are made from absorbent sandstone with a non-slip cork back.
New-York Historical Society Shop, 170 Central Park West, shop.nyhistory.org
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Snack Connoisseur
The party can instantly get started when you gift one of Murray’s Cheese’s divine cheese and meat boards. Whether you opt for a pre-concocted version or to pick-and-choose your own variety, there’s a fromage certain to make any host very, very happy.
Murray’s Cheese, 254 Bleecker St., murrayscheese.com
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Artistically Inclined
Twinkling tea lights are the perfect accessory to set the mood for any summer alfresco dining. And when they have a resting place as chic as these hand-painted and glazed holders from The Shop at the Standard? Well, all the lovelier.
The Shop at the Standard, 444 W. 13th St., standardhotels.com
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Mod Thinker
There is something wonderfully compelling about Alexandra Von Furstenberg’s rose pink-and-clear acrylic vase. It looks as gorgeous empty as full, but we do recommend gifting this beauty with an elegant bouquet of flowers.
Barneys New York, 660 Madison Ave., barneys.com
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Tea Drinker
A streamlined tea kettle will be happily received by anyone, whether they’re of the AM English breakfast variety or a PM chamomile sipper. Michele Varian’s kettle is made of white enamel with a clean wood handle and knob.
Michele Varian, 27 Howard St., michelevarian.com
Guest Gifts NYC: For the Whiskey Aficionado
Handmade by the master glass craftsmen of Krosno, Poland, this whiskey decanter from Crate & Barrel features intricate strands of platinum. Bring this to your host along with a bottle of his favorite bourbon and expect a rewarding nightcap during your stay.
Crate & Barrel, 611 Broadway, crateandbarrel.com