Compiler’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Searching for that perfect gift for the public service enthusiast in your life? Compiler’s got you covered! Here is this year’s round-up of our favorite transit-related gift ideas.

P.S. If you didn’t make the holiday cut off this year, we think these make great gifts year-round!

By Compiler Staff December 15, 2023

1. Light Rail Snow Globe Ornament

Whoever says “I have enough ornaments, I don’t need any more” is lying! They’re lying. They want more. And they absolutely want one with an adorable little train chugging her way through a winter wonderland. (If they weren’t lying, and they don’t want this, please send it to us).

An image of a christmas tree ornament with a cartoon train surrounded by snowflakes. Photograph courtesy of Metro.

2. NYC MTA Token T-shirt

For 3 years I lived down the block from the shop that sells these shirts, and I somehow never bought one. At the time I called it willpower but now I call it regret. * places order *

An image of a t-shirt with the an image of two trains, the MTA logo, and the slogan “We move New York”. Photograph courtesy of OnlyNY.

3. Go Metro Map Mug

For the person in your life who can never seem to remember when to make their transfer. As for when new lines are added? Put it on eBay and call it “retro”. Then suggest your friend get a boring ol’ non-mug map.

An image of a white mug with an illustration of a Los Angeles Metro light rail map. Photograph courtesy of Metro.

4. The People’s Transit Poster

Growing up my grandma had a poster like this but instead of railcars, it was dogs. My cousins and I would play a game where we’d all pick out our favorite one (and then pretend we were those dogs - but let’s pretend I didn’t just tell you that). That game is so much harder with this poster. Which one is my favorite, you ask? 1887! No, 1939! No, 1969. It’s too hard!! Pop this baby in a frame and you’re guaranteed to win “best gift” at the SF white elephant party this year.

An image of a poster with 16 railcars with the date they were made underneath and the text “The People's Transit”. Photograph courtesy of Transit Supply.

5. Public Transit is Bussin’ T-Shirt

For that teenager in your life who thinks taking the train is “high-key cheugy”. Maybe this will change their mind. They might not get the pun right away, but baby steps, amirite??

An image of a t-shirt that says “Public Transit is Bussin'”. Photograph courtesy of Raygun.

6. NYC Parks T-shirt

Not exactly transit-related but let’s face it, this shirt is just plain cute and that’s that. We love parks and that’s that.

An image of a t-shirt with a maple leaf and the text “City of New York Parks & Recreation”. Photograph courtesy of OnlyNY.

7. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Ring

I suggest you wear one of these token rings and every time you fist bump someone make a loud beeping noise to let them know they can now board the train. No? Ok fine, but this is still an awesome ring that from a distance looks like a beautiful, vintage band but up close you realize is an absolute relic.

An image of an MA transit token that has been made into a ring. Photograph courtesy of CoinRingandForgeCo via Etsy.

8. NYC Real-Time Subway Clock

Idea: hang this in your living room and set it to all your friends’ preferred lines to make sure your holiday party lasts until the last possible minute. Idea: hang this in your bedroom to ensure you get as many possible zzz’s before rolling out your door and down the subway stairs. Idea: hang this in your kitchen to give you peace of mind that you can enjoy your coffee without missing your train, or more realistically, so you can throw back your burning hot espresso when you look up and realize the L is 1 minute away. Idea: buy this.