With the traditional holiday shopping season now underway, multiple New York State agencies have announced an array of deals and promotions for New Yorkers to consider while shopping for the perfect holiday gift. Gifts are available both at in-person stores and online, offering a wide variety of options for loved ones who want to show their love of the Empire State. Options include ornaments themed to state landmarks, gift cards for one-of-a-kind experiences, and exclusive apparel.

State agencies offering in-person or online gift shops include:

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE & MARKETS

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Taste NY program showcases New York farmers and food and beverage businesses at large public events and at more than 70 Taste NY locations across the State, including the State's Welcome Centers, where New Yorkers can find a gift for everyone on their holiday shopping list.  New York’s regional Welcome Centers’ Taste NY Markets and Taste NY stores around the state offer specialty items as well as pre-made and customized gift baskets, local foods, handmade items, and other unique products. Taste NY Markets are also a great place to purchase a wide range of foods and beverages, from charcuterie meats and cheeses to wine and cider, that can be used to create fresh, delicious holiday meals. For a complete list of Taste NY locations, hours of operation and contact information, visit the Taste NY website.

The online marketplace, ShopTasteNY, offers opportunities to shop for New York agricultural products and gifts from the comfort of home. ShopTasteNY.com has holiday gift sets available for purchase, as well as its regular selection of products that highlight the quality and diversity of the state. Orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and Canada. To better ensure gift orders arrive by December 24, it is recommended to have orders placed by Monday, December 18.  This year, ShopTasteNY.com, Taste NY's online marketplace, will be offering several holiday weekend deals, including offering 50% off sitewide on Black Friday, Free Shipping and a Free Gift on Small Business Saturday and Sunday, and 30% off Gift Boxes and Free Shipping on Cyber Monday.

Shoppers are encouraged to follow the Taste NY website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for additional promotions throughout the holiday season.

BRIDGE AUTHORITY

The New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA), in partnership with Spectrum Designs, recently launched an online Bear Mountain Bridge Centennial Pop-Up Shop in celebration of next year’s centennial of the Bear Mountain Bridge, the first Hudson River vehicular crossing south of Albany.

Among the items are limited edition prints and notecards featuring the artwork of Hudson Valley artist John F. Gould (1906-1996) and his son Paul Gould, as well as a T-shirt designed by Ulster BOCES/Hudson Valley Pathways Academy student Jonah Perry.

All orders over $100 will receive a free, unframed John Gould print. The shop is live through Cyber Monday, Nov. 27, which also marks the 99^th anniversary of the public opening of the bridge. Proceeds will go towards funding the Bear Mountain Bridge centennial activities over the next year.

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Featuring New York’s nature and environmental news, DEC’s Conservationist magazine makes the perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From Nov. 24 through Dec. 24, 2023, use promo code HOL23 to get six issues (one year) of Conservationist for only $6. Plus, all subscriptions include access to the enhanced digital edition, as well as Conservationist for Kids three times per year.

Anyone giving a gift subscription will be mailed a Conservationist bookmark to give to their gift recipient(s), and all subscriptions purchased during this sale will start with the December 2023/January 2024 issue, which includes a popular wall calendar.

Current subscribers or those renewing a current gift subscription, the subscription(s) will be extended by six issues. This sale can be found at https://simplecirc.com/subscribe/conservationist-magazine/hol23 and runs from Nov. 24 through Dec. 24.

OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES

The Empire State Plaza Visitor Center in Albany, NY is the official gift shop of the New York State Capitol. Shop in-person or online at www.nyscapitolstore.com and find exclusive regional New York products and souvenirs that represent New York State. 

OLYMPIC REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Legacy Sites Winter Passport

https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/legacysitespassport/

For one unbeatable price, get discounts and admission to a whirlwind of thrilling Winter experiences at each of the Lake Placid Legacy Sites that were used during the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Amp up the adventure and save big by grabbing your passport for fun today.

SKI3 Season Pass

https://www.nyski3.com/

Skiers and riders can enjoy three premier New York resorts with the purchase of a SKI3 Season Pass. Whiteface, Gore Mountain and Belleayre offer a combined 7,300+ vertical feet of skiing and riding on eight peaks, 882 acres, 32 glades, and 250+ trails. Purchase on or before December 6 for the lowest price.

Olympic Authority Gift Cards

https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/giftcards

Perfect for every occasion, a Lake Placid Legacy Sites gift card does not expire and can be used year-round for any purchases at all Olympic Authority venues. The locations include Whiteface, Gore, Belleayre, Mt Van Hoevenberg, Olympic Jumping Complex, and the Olympic Center. Plan to use them for lift tickets, attraction admissions, food service, retail, and more.

Additionally, onsite at each Olympic Authority venue there is a retail location offering unique selections of memorabilia, gear, and souvenirs.

OFFICE OF PARKS, RECREATION & HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Do you know someone who loves the outdoors? Surprise them with some New York State Parks swag. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, in partnership with Spectrum Designs, offers State Parks-themed merchandise, including apparel, hats, drinkware, and home decor. A new line of merchandise to celebrate the New York State Parks Centennial is now available. Spectrum Designs is running a holiday sale from Nov. 22-30. To shop, visit https://nystateparks.store/.

Spectrum Designs is a New York-based full-service custom apparel and promotional products business with a social mission: to create meaningful and inclusive employment opportunities for people on the Autism Spectrum. As a nonprofit, 100% of the proceeds go towards furthering their mission.