Visiting New York City almost feels incomplete without taking home at least one souvenir that…read morescreams, "I was here." During my recent trip, I stopped by the I Love NY Gift Shop right in the heart of Times Square, and it ended up being exactly what I expected from a classic NYC souvenir stop: lively, colorful, jam-packed with merchandise that is marked higher now with the added trump tax, while still being conveniently located at the Subway Station. Overall, I'd give the store four stars--it's not perfect, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're looking to bring home some fun memories.
The first thing that stood out to me was the sheer variety of items. This shop is a treasure trove of New York-themed souvenirs with trump souvenirs as well. LMFAO! You'll find everything from the classic "I NY" T-shirts and hoodies, to quirky Statue of Liberty figurines, to mugs, magnets, tote bags, and snow globes. There are even some novelty items like keychains shaped like taxi cabs and Empire State Building models that make for perfect little gifts. Prices range quite a bit--some things are reasonably cheap, while others feel a bit tourist-trap expensive. For example, I grabbed a T-shirt for around $10, which felt fair, but I also saw hoodies going for over $50, which seemed steep for basic quality. That said, the range does give you options depending on what you're looking to spend.
The atmosphere is exactly what you'd expect in Times Square: busy, bright, and buzzing with energy. The store itself is well lit and organized into sections, which makes browsing easier even when it's crowded. And yes, it will be crowded, especially during evenings when Times Square is at its busiest. If you don't mind the bustle, it's actually part of the fun--you're shopping for NYC memorabilia while standing in the middle of one of the most iconic spots in the world. Still, if you prefer a calmer shopping experience, I'd recommend going earlier in the day.
One of the highlights of my visit was the staff. Even though they were juggling a steady flow of customers, they were patient and helpful to some extent. Security guards and staff eyeball at you at your every move. If you misplace an item or unfold a shirt, they will come to you directly to help you put it back where it came from. LOL! When I asked about size availability for a shirt, one of the employees quickly checked the stockroom without hesitation. The checkout process was smooth too--they moved the line quickly while still greeting customers warmly. They accept all forms of payment except checks.
What keeps this from being a five-star review comes down to two things. First, the pricing inconsistency can feel frustrating. Some items are considered worth the money, while others are clearly marked up due to their prime location and the fact that they are mostly imported goods made in China. Notably, nothing is made in the USA, except for a bottle of water in the store and the cash when receiving change. Second, the store can feel overwhelming because of the sheer volume of merchandise packed into the space. It's exciting, but also easy to feel like you're being pulled in ten directions at once.
Overall, though, the 'I Love NY Gift Shop' is precisely what a Times Square souvenir stop should be: fun, vibrant, and full of options at a marked-up price plus the added trump tax. It may not be the cheapest or calmest shopping experience, but it's memorable and somewhat convenient to window shop. For affordable NY items, shop at Amazon and have them shipped home. It's as if you went to New York, and no one will know. If you're visiting New York and want to grab gifts for family and friends--or even treat yourself to a little piece of NYC nostalgia--you really can't go wrong here if you want to pay a premium price and NOW.
