BY PAULINA TAM AND CRISTABELLE TUMOLA
Whether you are trying to find a present for your favorite neighbor or want to give a far-off relative a souvenir from your hometown, these Queens-themed gifts are as diverse as the borough they represent.
Bond No. 9 Queens
Price: 100ml bottle for $270 and 50ml bottle for $195
Queens is arguably the most ethnically diverse borough, and now local and outer-borough residents alike can smell like Queens. New York City-based fragrance company Bond No. 9’s unisex creation smells of “citrusy” bergamot and “come-hither” blackberry, among other notes that are mixed with sandalwood, musk and amber. Purchase it here: www.bondno9.com, Saks Fifth Avenue and their boutiques at 9 Bond Street, 399 Bleecker St., 897 Madison Ave., 863 Washington St. and 45 Main St.
Queens: A Culinary Passport (Exploring Ethnic Cuisine in New York City’s Most Diverse Borough) by Andrea Lynn
Price: Print list price is $19.99, but you can purchase it for the Kindle price of $8.89
This borough boasts a full range of ethnic restaurants to choose for all your dietary needs and cravings. But where to start? Astoria resident Andrea Lynn has the solution in her book, “Queens: A Culinary Passport.” Inside this fully illustrated book you can find chef and restaurant profiles, guides to more than 40 restaurants and food stands and, of course, recipes for the adventurous eater to try out at home. Purchase it here: www.amazon.com, www.us.macmillan.com.
Queens Is My Borough Pouch
Price: $12.95
Rep your borough or if you’re not a resident of Queens, your love for this diverse borough with the “Queens Is My Borough Pouch.” This cotton canvas mini sac measures 6.25 x 10 inches and is secure enough to hold all your essential to-go items, perfect for carrying all your traveling items as you go from country to country all in the comfort of Queens. It has a zipper top and is made in the USA. Purchase it here: 32-15 33rd St., Astoria, www.lockwoodshop.com.
Vintage Astoria Maps
Price: $25.00
This exclusive Lockwood item is made by artist James McDonald. Each 11 x 17 inch Astoria map poster features a map of the neighborhood as seen through historical documents that have been scanned and brushed up by the artist. Choose from a parchment color or nautical blue, and prepare to get lost in a world that is strangely far away yet close to home. Purchase it here: 32-15 33rd St., Astoria, www.lockwoodshop.com.
No. 7 Manhattan to Queens T-Shirt
Price: $21.00, or $18.90 for members
All aboard! Ship this one-of-a-kind, 100 percent cotton short-sleeved tee to anyone who is a fan of both boroughs, believes the 7 train is the gateway to the best of both worlds or is simply a junkie for all things related to the MTA. If you’re a member of the Transit Museum, you can purchase the T-shirt for only $16.80. This shirt is a great choice for both women and men. Purchase it here: Retail stores at the New York Transit Museum (corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn Heights) or at the Grand Central Terminal Shuttle Passage, www.transitmuseumstore.com.
Queens NYC Typography Map Cell Phone Case iPhone 5 Cases
Price: $44.95 per case
This already custom-made iPhone 5 case of a typography map of Queens is designed to include all the borough’s neighborhood and park names within its boundaries. Can’t keep your fingers off of Queens? Have it always in the palm of your hands as you text and swipe away in and out of your beloved neighborhood. Artwork is designed by iconyc. Purchase it here: www.zazzle.com.
The Unisphere, Queens, New Aluminum License Plate
Price: $16.99
Drive around with the world within your grasp — at the back of your car, to be exact. This 12 x 6 inch license plate depicts iconic Queens landmark the Unisphere and is made of durable aluminum. It is also water-resistant, which is great to weather out any winter storm that might come your way. This plate used to be $19.50 and is available now at a cheaper price, and it can be shipped within two days of an online purchase. Purchase it here: www.cafepress.com.
Infant Bodysuit
Price: $22.00
Start the little ones early with their pride for Queens. Dress them up with a baby bodysuit that boldly displays their love for the borough. Purchase the suit in cloud white, sky blue, petal pink or kiwi. It is made of 100 percent soft ringspun cotton and there are three snap closures for easy diaper changes. Purchase it here: www.cafepress.com.
Myrtle Avenue, Queens, NYC Mug
Price: $16.50
You don’t have to live on Myrtle Avenue to drink your coffee or tea out of this Queens-friendly mug. There are various other Queens streets to choose from, and they’re all made of high-fired ceramic and are microwave and dishwasher safe. This mug holds 15 oz. of fluid and stands 4.5 inches tall. Now your mug will sure to stand out from all the rest at your company’s kitchen sink. Purchase it here: www.cafepress.com.
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