I bought a gift card today at the St Regis! I called about a dozen luxury properties in NY (St R, RC, W, JW, LC) a few weeks ago to take advantage of the current Amex promo, and found 2 that sold gift cards, the St Regis and the Ritz Carlton. (And yes, my offer was triggered.)

The gift card is branded St Regis, but can be used at any Marriott property. If that worries you, just register the card at https://gifts.marriott.com/ then tell them you lost it. They will replace it with a no-name electronic gift card.

Also, gift cards are available at the Courtyard Elizabeth near EWR and I think the Element. Not sure since I called back in July. My flight through EWR was canceled so I didn't get to make that purchase.

I hope no one is too embarrassed that someone from Toronto had to do the legwork to find out where to buy a gift card in NY.