What to buy in New York?

[Stuckinstressville]

So off to New York ! Tomorrow eeek! Big birthday surprise for me so going for a few days with DH first time away without kids so freeeeddddom and am excited!

Am Determined to go Shopping so would love tips on where to go, what is best to buy there ( is it any different in value to the UK) and what is worth stocking up on stateside!
Clothes ( adult and kid), Beauty etc!

Never been and given his appetite for shopping I need to be focussed....

My bestie has just gone to NYC today for her 40th! I recommended going to Sephora for beauty (Glossier and Milk make-up both worth a look) and JCrew for clothes (cheaper there as is Gap) and Old Navy for casual stuff. Avoid Macy's etc.. - never understand why people go to a huge dept store and avoid Century 21 which is like TK Maxx but even worse. Personally I'd much rather mooch around Greenwich Village and look at the boutiques, markets etc. FAO Schwarz for kids toys.

I’m guessing you’re going to Manhattan.
Remember you need to add a sales tax on top of any prices you see.
Google “sales tax manhattan”

I’m being a killjoy I know but never felt it worth buying anything in USA unless it was easy to bring back. Even then it had to be something I couldn’t just go to the nearest retail park in UK and get there.

Spend the money on nice food and wine instead.

I agree with tanstaafl. (The exchange rate isn't brilliant either). Have a wonderful time!

Was not impressed at all by the shopping in NYC (went last Summer) Sephora was good and Old Navy for kids t-shirts. DD1 wanted a Levi’s New York t-Shirt and bought some Vans which were the exact same price as the UK.

Sadly the shopping isn't great because of the terrible exchange rate!!
You'll have an amazing time though. We enjoyed walking through downtown manhatten and looking around the Markets.

I don't live in the UK and so I found the shopping quite a treat. I came home with silly things, but things we cannot get here. Shampoo, chocolates, Cheetos, hair slides (they have the bent ones there that we don't get), and loads of cheaper make up products (Elf, Maybelline etc). My dd bought quite a lot of clothes from Old Navy, Forever 21 and i spent far too much in Victorias Secret. But I am sure you get those brands already, which we don't.

I would go back in a heartbeat. I loved every minute of it.

Have fun.

I went recently and I enjoyed the thrift shops (especially Beacon’s Closet in Williamsburg) for clothing and makeup stores like Ulta for different brands. Unfortunately the exchange rate is not good so it wasn’t any different to buying new clothes here. I did get a cool jacket in Century 21 though, but it wasn’t especially cheap and as another poster says you do have to rummage through loads of crap. We did bring lots of candy and Cheetos back from Walgreens.

Id be buying tons from bath and body works, ulta and sephora. New makeup, skincare, body care, my heaven

I was last there 5 years ago. I thought the high street shopping was very poor but the independent shops and markets were interesting (although not particularly cheap) and, if you're happy to buy second hand, the consignment stores were great. I particularly liked the Chelsea Market and Tokyo 7.

I can't really advise on makeup or skin care as it's not really my thing.

I think it's a great city - hope you have a fab time.

I love a market and boutique ! And makeup and skin care is my downfall!Thanks !

We went, albeit several years back. I enjoyed Sephora, Bloomingdales and we got some Ralph Lauren things in Century 21. I have to agree with the others though that the shopping was meh on the whole. It was seeing the city that rocked. Make sure you go to the top of the Rockefeller Centre, best view of all.

If exchange rate isn't great I wouldn't focus on clothes or toiletries as you're not going to get much in the way of bargains.

Definitely worth a visit is Economy Candy - sweet heaven!

Would avoid the main tourist trap areas for eating and drinking and enjoy danders through the less busy (but more interesting!) areas. Enjoy!