local favorites

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local favorites ☆

Gifts & Books

Friends NYC is a Bushwick-based indie department store founded in 2012 by best friends Mary Meyer and Emma Kadar-Penner. What began as a vintage boutique has evolved into a 2,200-square-foot shop offering eclectic gifts, home goods, apparel, and accessories. Known for its playful, nostalgic vibe, Friends NYC also hosts community events and artist collaborations, making it a beloved local staple.

The Strand Bookstore is a legendary independent bookstore located at 828 Broadway in New York City, just off Union Square. Founded in 1927 by Benjamin Bass, a Lithuanian immigrant, it began as part of “Book Row,” a stretch of 48 bookstores that once lined Fourth Avenue. Today, it remains family-owned and is operated by the third generation, Nancy Bass Wyden.
Known for its slogan “18 Miles of Books,” The Strand offers an extensive collection of new, used, and rare titles across every genre, along with literary-themed gifts and events. It stands as a cultural institution and beloved destination for book lovers worldwide.

The World's Borough Bookshop is an independent bookstore in Jackson Heights, Queens, founded in 2023 by Ecuadorian entrepreneur Adrian Cepeda. Created to reflect the diversity of its neighborhood, the shop focuses on books by BIPOC authors and serves as a cultural hub for the community. With regular events and a thoughtfully curated selection, it aims to amplify underrepresented voices and celebrate the rich stories of Queens.

Exit9 Gift Emporium is a quirky, community-focused gift shop with locations in the East Village and Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. Founded in 1995 by Charles Branstool, the shop offers playful and thoughtful gifts, cards, books, and locally made goods. Known for its strong neighborhood ties, Exit9 also runs a “Tuesdays for Good” program to support local schools and nonprofits.

McNally Jackson is a beloved independent bookstore founded in 2004 by Sarah McNally in NYC’s Nolita neighborhood. Now with multiple locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, it’s known for its thoughtfully curated selection, vibrant author events, and commitment to literary culture. In 2021, it launched McNally Editions to reissue overlooked literary gems.

Boyar Gifts, also known as “The F-Bomb Emporium,” is a bold and irreverent gift shop located on Bleecker Street in NYC’s West Village. Founded in 2017 by sisters Tali and Michelle, the shop offers a cheeky mix of art, books, home goods, and New York-themed gifts, all with a pop culture twist. Known for its humor and edge, Boyar has become a go-to spot for unforgettable, unconventional finds.

Fusion Artsy is a brand founded by Cindy Feng in 2020, offering a range of products including home decor, art prints, tote bags, cards, and NYC-themed souvenirs. Fusion Artsy's products are available at Little Market NYC, a marketplace located at 637 Broadway in NoHo, New York City. Little Market NYC, established by sisters Kim, Cindy, and Wendy Feng, provides a platform for women-owned brands to showcase their products. While Fusion Artsy operates independently, it is one of the brands featured within Little Market NYC and provides online ordering and delivery.

Their Pure Matcha—sourced from Japan—is one of the brand’s hero products, offering clean energy and antioxidants without the crash. Golde makes wellness easy to love, and even easier to sip.

Bowne & Co.

Bowne & Co. is New York City’s oldest operating business, founded in 1775 by Robert Bowne. Today, it operates as a historic letterpress print shop in partnership with the South Street Seaport Museum, offering workshops, demos, and a curated shop at 211 Water Street. It preserves NYC’s rich printing and maritime heritage through traditional craftsmanship.

Meet your neighbor

Adrian Cepeda

The World's Borough Bookshop is an independent bookstore located at 3406 73rd Street in Jackson Heights, Queens. Established in 2023 by Adrian Cepeda, a young Ecuadorian entrepreneur, the shop was founded with the mission to celebrate and promote literature by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) authors, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of its surrounding community.

Queens, known for its linguistic and cultural variety with over 130 languages spoken, had few bookstores that truly mirrored its demographic mosaic. The World's Borough Bookshop aims to fill this gap by offering a curated selection that amplifies underrepresented voices, providing residents with access to stories that resonate with their own experiences and backgrounds.

Beyond its literary offerings, the bookstore serves as a vibrant community hub, hosting events such as author readings, writing workshops, and cultural discussions. Notably, in October 2024, the shop was featured in the Queens edition of the Monopoly board game, highlighting its significance within the borough. Through these initiatives, The World's Borough Bookshop fosters a space where literature and community intersect, enriching the cultural fabric of Jackson Heights.