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What gift to give to a friend moving to NYC ?

36 replies

Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 22:13

They are moving to start a PhD in New York city. Is there anything I could give them that would "serve them well in NYC"?

OP posts:
MaryTheTurtle · 21/06/2025 22:15

A big apple?

Noodzakelijk · 21/06/2025 22:16

Framed photo.
personal alarm
pocket size AtoZ of New York

socialdilemmawhattodo · 21/06/2025 22:18

As small as possible. I don't think they need stuff. Perhaps a ticket voucher? When I moved to DC, I was astonished how expensive tickets were in the US compared to the UK at that time.

Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 22:19

I just remembered that one friend is going for her PhD yes.

But I have a second friend moving for a master's!

Ones at Columbia the other will be at NYU.

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ChooseAtRandom · 21/06/2025 22:20

Cash? NYC is hideously expensive.
Seriously though, thee things I miss are proper tea and edible chocolate.

Xmasbaby11 · 21/06/2025 22:21

I don’t think I’d give anything now as they’ll have enough to carry of their own belongings. Unless it’s something small like a fancy bookmark.

maybe send something out they miss in a few months, or some postcards to stick on the fridge?

Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 22:24

I was wondering what would be a good goodbye present.

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Notupmyalley · 21/06/2025 22:26

A Union Jack mug and some Yorkshire gold.

myrtle70 · 21/06/2025 22:29

teabags and as per your username cadburys hot chocolate

Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 22:53

myrtle70 · 21/06/2025 22:29

teabags and as per your username cadburys hot chocolate

I only put that username as I was eating some chocolate!

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ShrubRose · 21/06/2025 23:18

Do they wear make-up? If you knew what brand and colours they used you could send them over with a few things. A lot of brands are not available there and if they're in graduate school they won't have time to go looking for a match.

Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 23:19

ShrubRose · 21/06/2025 23:18

Do they wear make-up? If you knew what brand and colours they used you could send them over with a few things. A lot of brands are not available there and if they're in graduate school they won't have time to go looking for a match.

I genuinely don't know. I could ask this is a good idea. Thanks.

OP posts:
Sofiewoo · 21/06/2025 23:20

Noodzakelijk · 21/06/2025 22:16

Framed photo.
personal alarm
pocket size AtoZ of New York

Is it 1993?

Snorlaxo · 21/06/2025 23:21

Is she American ? I thought Trump was trying to stop colleges recruiting as many overseas students or is that just at Harvard?

TourangaLeila · 21/06/2025 23:21

Pepper spray a rape alarm and a bullet proof vest

Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 23:24

Snorlaxo · 21/06/2025 23:21

Is she American ? I thought Trump was trying to stop colleges recruiting as many overseas students or is that just at Harvard?

No she's Portuguese.

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Cadburychocolate12 · 21/06/2025 23:27

Sofiewoo · 21/06/2025 23:20

Is it 1993?

I actually thought a framed photo of all of us (our friendship group) would be a nice thing to have

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MissConductUS · 21/06/2025 23:44

New Yorker here. There are a few British shops in NYC. I've been to this one and it's quite nice.

https://myersofkeswick.com

Perhaps you could contact them and see if they sell gift vouchers.

nobeachesplease · 21/06/2025 23:51

Another thought would be a gift card/app that would be relevant … e.g., subway/bus map/trackers. Hugely helpful/practical. Or gift certificate/gift car for some fun experience in their neighborhood (e.g., home cooking nyc - great for meeting people and getting to know the area for the NYU location; Zabar’s gift card for the Columbia student, etc.).

Cadburychocolate12 · 22/06/2025 00:11

Thank you for the ideas! @MissConductUS and @nobeachesplease

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Cadburychocolate12 · 01/07/2025 13:06

I'm going to get them a gift card for a bagel shop!

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Spirallingdownwards · 01/07/2025 13:10

Seriously she will be travelling light. Don't give her tat. A photo on her phone of you all is fine.

If you have to get something £ Starbucks cards can be used in any Starbucks worldwide but don't give her unnecessary bulk to a limited luggage allowance.

Cadburychocolate12 · 01/07/2025 13:12

Spirallingdownwards · 01/07/2025 13:10

Seriously she will be travelling light. Don't give her tat. A photo on her phone of you all is fine.

If you have to get something £ Starbucks cards can be used in any Starbucks worldwide but don't give her unnecessary bulk to a limited luggage allowance.

I can give the gift card online. It's for a bagel chain in NYC

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Spirallingdownwards · 01/07/2025 13:22

Cadburychocolate12 · 01/07/2025 13:12

I can give the gift card online. It's for a bagel chain in NYC

Edited

Yes I should have got to the end before posting. That's a perfect NY gift!

Cadburychocolate12 · 01/07/2025 13:27

Spirallingdownwards · 01/07/2025 13:22

Yes I should have got to the end before posting. That's a perfect NY gift!

Awesome. I'll do so.

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