The Surrey’s Upper East Side Gift Guide: Where to Shop for the Holidays in New York

Holiday shopping in New York City is a tradition all its own. Along Madison Avenue, festive window displays invite you in while galleries, museums, and boutiques offer inspiration far beyond the typical holiday wish list. From beautifully handcrafted pieces to experiences worth savoring, Christmas shopping in NYC is as much about the pleasure of choosing as the gift itself.

This season, The Surrey shares its own Upper East Side gift guide, a thoughtful collection of neighborhood favorites and distinctly New York finds, with something for everyone on your list.

For the kids 

A classic memory game with an artistic twist, Match a Masterpiece introduces young minds to the world of art through play. Developed in collaboration with publisher Laurence King, the game features highlights from The Met’s own collection. Part memory test, part friendly competition, the game is just as likely to entertain the grown-ups as the little ones. A playful addition to any holiday gift list, it’s perfect for budding art enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

For wellness

Give the gift of relaxation with a Black Rose Facial from The Surrey Spa. Featuring Sisley Paris’s Black Rose Collection, this indulgent treatment combines restorative skincare with a facial and scalp massage, leaving the skin refreshed and luminous. A welcome retreat from the bustle of the Upper East Side during the holidays, an afternoon at the spa offers the rare pleasure of having nowhere else to be.

For the home  

Inspired by Central Park at dusk, The Surrey’s signature No. 843 candle captures the quiet elegance of an evening on the Upper East Side. Spiced top notes give way to soft woods and delicate florals, before settling into a clean, musky finish. Warm and understated, the fragrance evokes the familiar pleasure of returning home after a day in the city. A distinctly New York gift, the candle brings a hint of The Surrey to wherever you call home. 

For fashion

Just a short walk from The Surrey, Ralph Lauren’s Madison Avenue flagship occupies an elegant Beaux Arts-inspired mansion, where classic American style is celebrated through beautifully tailored menswear, accessories, and made-to-measure services. Whether selecting a signature accessory or commissioning something more personal, the emphasis remains on craftsmanship and individual style. Come to admire the grand interiors, leave with something you hadn't quite known you were looking for.

For the design lover

For those searching for unique gifts in NYC, the museum shop at Cooper Hewitt offers an inspired place to begin. Among its collection, the ZandGlas Carafe is a particularly striking choice for someone who appreciates thoughtful design. Created by designers Nadine Sterk and Lonny van Ryswyck, the piece draws inspiration from the Dutch landscape and its relationship with water. Made from fused sand, its organic form reflects the beauty of natural materials and the artistry behind everyday objects.

For giving back

Some gifts celebrate the people we love, while others honor the places that bring us together. A contribution to the Central Park Conservancy does both. Responsible for the care and preservation of the city’s beloved 843-acre backyard, the organization helps sustain its landscapes, gardens, and public spaces. Whether through a donation or a dedicated gift, it is a meaningful way to support a place that gives New Yorkers so much. 

There is something particularly special about New York during the holidays, when the city’s familiar energy seems to shine a little brighter. From Madison Avenue's storied boutiques to the neighborhood's cultural institutions, the Upper East Side remains one of the most distinctive destinations for holiday shopping. The only real challenge may be resisting the temptation to find something for yourself along the way.