Gift for friend (not XMas/bday) and NYC faves

[anamika]

A friend of ours is letting us stay at her place in NYC and I wanted to get her something nice - but my mind is a complete blank. Any suggestions? She has two kids but I really want to get something nice for her and her DH.
Also, things to do in NYC with a 3 y.o.? We'll be there over Xmas so probably not everything will be open (I'm guessing?). We've never really explored the city and would love to just walk around, see some museums - nothing which involves too much effort or prior planning.
Thanks,

[mamalia]

Do you know about how much you planned on spending? That might help everyone to give ideas.

I think it might be nice to get a splurge present - something nice that she might love to have but wouldn't necessarily buy for herself. I guess this depends on who the person is, but these things popped to my mind...

Oprah raved about these WS croissants, they're darn $$$, but I've always been curious about them and if your friend is a sucker for starches (like me) this might be nice...
http://www2.oprah.com/presents/2005/holiday/gifts/gifts_oft_350_114.jhtml

A gift basket of nice candles? My favorites are by Capri Blue, www.anthropologie.com

A gift basket of bath goodies...
I love Fresh's Milk Bath in Nectarine: http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P7839
L'Occitane Hand Creme in Lavender

You could spring for theater tickets (or some other date idea, maybe dinner and a movie?) for her and her hubby, and be the babysitter for the kids one night while you are there.

Have fun!
Malia
(My FIRST post on the new boards!) :)

[anamika]

Thanks for the ideas Malia. I should have clarified that she's loaning me her house in NYC (she lives near me). I was planning to spend ~ $50. Does that sound like a good amount?