Local Guides World

Top Novelty stores in New York, United States

Top Rated Novelty stores in New York

Top Reviewed Novelty stores in New York

Reviews

Angelica PR
at 2024 Feb 23
Angelica PR
at 2024 Feb 23
Love this place! Friendly and helpful staff, nice atmosphere, and very interesting things. I’m a oddities and curiosities collector so if you are one too I highly recommend this place for you!
Kia Andrews
at 2024 Jan 03
Kia Andrews
at 2024 Jan 03
Very small store with a selection that is in balance with the space available. The staff was helpful and knowledgeable about their inventory. The cost is pricey but it is high quality paper products so you get what you pay for. The place has a Maman bakery that is attached which is pretty cool and picturesque.
Richard Swanson
at 2023 Dec 30
Richard Swanson
at 2023 Dec 30
Not an actual store. 1/4 the size of a standard Paper Source with mostly gift store items. They had one pen for sale. This is a tourist trap.
Vesa G
at 2023 Dec 28
Vesa G
at 2023 Dec 28
Helpful and cheerful staff, made my last-minute gift wrapping experience a breeze :)
Brandon Espindola
at 2023 Dec 23
Brandon Espindola
at 2023 Dec 23
A bunch of signs and google say it opens at 9, but not a single employee insight to open the door.
Christine Baldwin
at 2023 Dec 21
Christine Baldwin
at 2023 Dec 21
Beautiful cards - better than we get in the UK
Johnny Zito
at 2023 Dec 16
Johnny Zito
at 2023 Dec 16
A lot of great gift ideas for all year 'round. Very polite and welcoming staff.
margie mayfield
at 2023 Nov 26
margie mayfield
at 2023 Nov 26
This was an Amazing store that had an unbelievable selection of everything! Staff was very helpful.
Cameron Samios
at 2023 Nov 13
Cameron Samios
at 2023 Nov 13
Decent selection, very helpful staff
Mubin
at 2023 Oct 26
Mubin
at 2023 Oct 26
Nice location, smaller than the other but has a coffee shop in the back. Very loud. The selection here is smaller for cards, but had some good gift wrapping options.
Francesca Conlin
at 2023 Oct 03
Francesca Conlin
at 2023 Oct 03
They’re amazing here! Not only did I get all the supplies for my entire wedding suite here thanks to the paper bar, but they have last-min gifts and I buy so many cards from here. The staff is so friendly. Shoutout to Devonte and Felicia for being friendly, welcoming and helpful! I’ve been to other locations, but I come here all the time and this is by far my favorite paper source location.
This location had cute collectibles and unique NYC-themed gifts (many of which are dog-related :))! I definitely plan on visiting PIQ again when I return to New York!
Crystal Clemons
at 2023 Sep 03
Crystal Clemons
at 2023 Sep 03
Helpful customer service from a young woman. 1st person I asked "a guy" not helpful. Dodging work.
Kevin Chou
at 2023 Aug 31
Kevin Chou
at 2023 Aug 31
Jess was super helpful in answering all of my questions and making sure I was able to take advantage of the promotion even though I realized it after I had already been rung up. Truly great service!
Nicholas
at 2023 Aug 25
Nicholas
at 2023 Aug 25
This store is filled with magic! ✨️ Huge selection of knick knacks and everything you need to creatively wrap your gift. The staff is also super helpful and friendly - they even stayed late to help me out and make sure my gift was perfect 🎁
raja lol
at 2023 Aug 17
raja lol
at 2023 Aug 17
another weird experience here. The worker purposely looked into my bag multiple times as if I were stealing. Making comments about what was in my bag. Someone checked in every 30 seconds as if were doing something illegal. And even during checkout she peered over the counter and asked for MY bag so she can put the items in there herself… the other white customers in the store did not get this treatment. will not return to the store ever again. it’s not a great environment for POC, unless you wanna be questioned every 30seconds about what’s in your bag and what you’re getting in the store. there’s a difference between servicing customers and making them uncomfortable with your presence.
Shant Rising
at 2023 Aug 13
Shant Rising
at 2023 Aug 13
Really weird store (in a good way). Definitely worth stopping by if you are in the area and are into bones, taxidermy, and fossils.
Very expensive stuff. I'd recommend shopping at Miniso or other stores for the plushies they sell there. There are some cool cat and dog stuff. I didn't like the comment I received from this short blonde hair cashier about finding a garbage can around the area. It wasn't difficult to find the trash can because there was one in the food court and outside.
Small store, but had the pin I needed. Pleasant customer service.
Yos Feit
at 2023 Jul 28
Yos Feit
at 2023 Jul 28
Two adorable stores in one. Up front there is a card and gift shop where I bought a sweet birthday card made by a mico-publisher. It's a small quirky room that wouldn't be out of place in Vermont. The back is a café which looked nice, but I did not try. Pay attention to the address because it's hard to see from the street.
Charles Sankowich
at 2023 Jul 27
Charles Sankowich
at 2023 Jul 27
I live on Columbus (near the store) and I love this place. I’ve been helped by Jennifer and Giuliana recently and couldn’t say enough about them. They are both sooo kind and courteous and super helpful. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention Joyce. The three of them are a pleasure to be helped by and they are fantastic at what they do. Paper Source, you’re fortunate to have Jennifer, Giuliana and Joyce on your side and you also have the best cards in the neighborhood. Your selection is fantastic. Please thank them for me. Much appreciated
Eriksen Lezama
at 2023 Jul 26
Eriksen Lezama
at 2023 Jul 26
The cheesecakes were the best ever! The brisket not much. Service was very good. I will return before leaving NYC so they can make me change my mind.
Mohammad I
at 2023 Jul 03
Mohammad I
at 2023 Jul 03
Nice and clean space, with a wide variety of gifts, card and wrapping paper. Huge stamp collection in the back of the store aswell.
Small but have most of the merchandise I was looking for
If you want merchant from past show this is a good place to look for them
B Joseph
at 2023 Jun 05
B Joseph
at 2023 Jun 05
I always love going to this store. So much to choose from and so fun. Highly recommend.
C K
at 2023 Jun 03
C K
at 2023 Jun 03
Vonte was a great help! Couldn’t find the items I wanted but he suggested other items which I loved a whole lot more! He spoke so kind as well. Lovely people work at this location.
Emily B
at 2023 May 25
Emily B
at 2023 May 25
Alexandra was patient and kind. She generously helped me decide on just the right gift wrap for my friend’s baby shower gift. She wrapped it so skillfully and beautifully!
Great store and staff. She explained the history on the monchhichi!
Christina Molfetto
at 2023 Apr 25
Christina Molfetto
at 2023 Apr 25
The only card shop that's still around to have the cutest holiday cards and gifts. You can find the best gift for the appropriate occasion. A little pricy but worth the expression of the person your giving the gift to
this store is so cool! really amazing pieces and the staff, Niko and Andes, were helpful and friendly. they explained the concept of the store really well and were open to answering any questions i had. this is definitely going to become a store i show friends and family when they visit the city.
Isadore
at 2023 Feb 23
Isadore
at 2023 Feb 23
Small and pricy but that is to be expected in NYC. Staff were super friendly and helped point me to another store where I might find what I wanted when they didn't have what I was looking for.
Kirsten McCann
at 2023 Feb 16
Kirsten McCann
at 2023 Feb 16
Nice store, super helpful staff! I was looking for something very specific and they had a few ideas for me. Great selection of cards you can’t find anywhere else - many of them by local/regional artists. I often go here just to stock up!
The person helping us was super friendly and talked musical with us!
Taylor Evans
at 2022 Dec 11
Taylor Evans
at 2022 Dec 11
Such a lovely little shop. It’s pretty crowded at busy times and hard to walk through. Grab a coffee and enjoy the courtyard :)
Frank
at 2022 Dec 09
Frank
at 2022 Dec 09
I love this place!!! So many cute things! Silly, fun, adorable are just a few words that describe this wonderland. This is one of those places that you need to return to over and over and over…and over…and over 😅 They will always have something new on display when you return. This place is great. So always pop in when you see a PIQ 🥰
P. Tepes
at 2022 Nov 26
P. Tepes
at 2022 Nov 26
What a fascinating store! I highly recommend to at least stop by if you are in the area. If you like science and evolution this is a store for you. It could be a store or an amusement experience. I would give 10 stars if I could.
ryan zimmer
at 2022 Oct 03
ryan zimmer
at 2022 Oct 03
i can easily say it was the most unique store i've ever been too. it i can justify spending $250+ for the taxidermy of a chipmunk i'd do it. maybe at some point in the future! the employees here are beyond friendly however. i'm sure most people coming in are just browsing and not coming it with intentions of buying something, but there's definitely a large selection of cool stuff!
Lovely lady that posed for a photo modeling a Marc Tetro bag for my friend. Excellent service.
Ellen Gendler
at 2022 Aug 10
Ellen Gendler
at 2022 Aug 10
The store is lovely and salespeople helpful. However, I ordered online because I was out of town. My order is not here after 10 days for a few shopping bags and boxes. The shipping was exorbitant. They are nasty in customer service. Will NEVER order online from Paper Source. DO NOT ORDER FROM THEIR WEBSITE UNLESS YOU WANT TO BE AGGRAVATED.
Jon G
at 2022 Aug 06
Jon G
at 2022 Aug 06
I came to the store and entered. I grab my card to purchase and was turned away. The sign posted said 6pm close and I was trying to check out even before closing… the associate told me that she wants to leave early and said come back another time. I asked if I can leave the cash for the card and she told me no. She then proceeded to lock up.
liz markuci
at 2022 May 05
liz markuci
at 2022 May 05
The staff could not be nicer or more helpful. Went above and beyond to ensure I could send greetings to loved ones in time. Always a great selection of paper goods-my mom won't put away her birthday card (sent 6 months ago) because she loves it so much.
I bought some magnets that were fun and are still working on my fridge. The custom novelty jewelry is fragile and irritated my neck but the CS was cool and the place is in a good location.
Leanne M
at 2022 Mar 02
Leanne M
at 2022 Mar 02
Cute and organized shop in a convenient location. Nice workers and also good place to shop if you want to grab a coffee or hot chocolate as well since there's a cafe in the back
Lee Gaul
at 2022 Feb 02
Lee Gaul
at 2022 Feb 02
I shop here because they have a pen I really love. My kid likes to go there too because they sell a few notable toys. Friendly service and a clean well stocked retail environment.
Bernardita Ries
at 2022 Jan 04
Bernardita Ries
at 2022 Jan 04
Rude people, poor selection of items. They don’t show any interest on costumer’s at the store. Two people at the cashier, both on their phones. The selection is ok, you can easily find the items at any pharmacy around and get a better deal.
Mary Osborne
at 2021 Dec 27
Mary Osborne
at 2021 Dec 27
This is definitely a tiny little store in Schubert Alley. Schubert Alley is cool if you want to check out current show posters in one spot. The shop does have shirts from most currently running shows and a few other souvenirs, but I’d recommend checking out the Theatre Circle shop across from the Majestic. It’s a bigger shop that has everything this tiny store has and a lot more.
Tram Santana
at 2021 Dec 08
Tram Santana
at 2021 Dec 08
It's a nice store. You're easy to find a cute gift/souvenir or a greeting card for your friends here. They have some self-care/self-love products, too. A cool store in the town that you should check it out.
Leah Cummings
at 2021 Jul 14
Leah Cummings
at 2021 Jul 14
Great selection of cards, gift wrap, envelopes, and paper for any custom work you are doing! This store is a lot bigger than the Paper Source around 86th street, which did not have as much available. This is a great store for browsing as it has a lot of those “random” items that could make great gifts for you or someone you know!

Pros:
-Clean store
-Friendly staff
-LOTS of paper, cards, and stationary to choose from
-Not just a paper store! There are cookbooks, games, little trinkets, etc - perfect if you are looking to pick up a gift for someone and aren’t sure what to get them (or if you want to get something for yourself)

Cons:
-Popular items may be out of stock
-Not really a clear organization of the store to quickly find what you’re looking for, you may need to take a few laps or ask the staff where something is

Although they did not have the envelopes I was looking for in the size I needed (out of stock, as it was one of the “popular” styles) I was still able to work with what was available and change my original plans.

Will be sure to stop by again for any of my gifting/card needs!
Lisa C
at 2021 Mar 27
Lisa C
at 2021 Mar 27
This store is quaint and is acts as an entrance to a cafe of sorts. I did not investigate beyond a glimpse. This location has a decent selection of greeting cards. However, the loose decorative paper selection was limited due to the shop size.

There is a walk up to the shop. I'm certain if another entrance is available though the cafe with easier accessibility. One can see the 1 train Franklin station right across the street.

I recieved excellent service from the staff. My phone battery died using GPS to locate the store so one of their employees walked me outside and pointed in the direction to the train to reach another store. She even opened her phone to show me a map.

I can easily get turned around in lower Manhattan when street numbers turn into names, colors, etc.
michael heffez
at 2021 Feb 19
michael heffez
at 2021 Feb 19
Love this little place. Well actually it’s not so little. They have a nice dining section towards the back but the real secret is their amazing cafe stand which offers incredible baked goods including a vegan carrot pumpkin loaf which pairs quite well with their house blend drip coffee. Highly recommend this place.
Gabrielle Vautrain
at 2021 Feb 11
Gabrielle Vautrain
at 2021 Feb 11
I absolutely Love this store!!! Best unique artistic cards for every occasion. Gifts are also unique and thoughtful. Lots of powerful women's books, gifts for your someone who needs something new no one else will buy them. The sitdown in back is like stepping into another world. Coffee, treats; sweet and savory.
A great get away to chat with friends not linger on a laptop.
Eddie Harper
at 2020 Feb 08
Eddie Harper
at 2020 Feb 08
Great staff, wide range of products. I have mobility issues and each staff member checked in to see if I needed any assistance especially when my Access A Ride vehicle came to pick me up. I was smitten by a box of cherry blossom note cards and stock paper for letter writing that I purchased in a light purple with plum coloured envelopes. I wish I could give this location a higher rating--they made my shopping experience a wonderful thing.
Michael Regier
at 2019 Dec 23
Michael Regier
at 2019 Dec 23
Small store, good selection, friendly staff. This paper goods store can be easy to miss, a wood door entrance on Spring street between the Nike and Moma stores. They have a large selection of witty cards, a wide variety of wrapping papers (by rolls or sheets), gift bags and assorted items for gift wrapping, as well as crafting items towards the back of the store. The selection of novelty gift items is on the witty end of things. The "cute" items lack the overt saccharin approach commonly seen in stores of this type - not the cute that throws you into an existential crisis of meaning of self and society. Overall, a good place to get the stuff you need for packaging gifts and crafting then to a higher level of being.
Jay TMG
at 2019 Dec 01
Jay TMG
at 2019 Dec 01
If you're looking for the perfect set of skulls carved from vintage billiard balls, a 5' long snake skeleton, pieces from that special meteorite, a mounted butterfly collection, skeletons for your family closet, slices of colorful minerals, or geological decor . . . this is the place.

It's pricey, a little snooty, somewhat aloof staff, and a whole lot of fun. When our kids were younger, and Evolution was in Soho, we couldn't keep them away from the place. After it moved, we lost track. Just happened to walk by Saturday.

The store has improved. It's bigger than it used to be and seems more varied. The oddities are great! It's very entertaining. Prices are a bit high, but I think that's what you'd expect for the unique
Devon Clark
at 2019 Oct 12
Devon Clark
at 2019 Oct 12
Terrible customer service. The man behind the counter is not personable, rude to customers. Today, apparently the card machine was not working and instead of making customers aware prior to making a purchase, he tried to run the card and then got an attitude for their card not working and unwilling to work with customers to solve the problem. Additionally, while I was retrieving what I thought I had purchased out of my bag to return to the man, he threw my card back at me. I informed him I was not being rude by searching for my purchase, and his retort was “oh you are being very rude.” Store has very limited selection, staff with poor customer service skills. As someone who works in customer service, you don’t get to take your frustrations out with the people you serve.
louiemojo
at 2019 Apr 27
louiemojo
at 2019 Apr 27
I stopped by Broadway to get tickets to see King Kong play as I walked to Times Square I took a few pictures I wanted to share.
Margaret Cardenas
at 2019 Feb 27
Margaret Cardenas
at 2019 Feb 27
Super cute spot for cards and crafts. Lots of cool nick nacks definitely stop in!! A little pricy though and no parking structure.
Peter H
at 2019 Feb 21
Peter H
at 2019 Feb 21
Always interesting to just walk in and browse at all their taxidermy collection! The butterfly they have are just amazing. This store is special in the sense that city people get to reconnect with the nature through taxidermy art. Every piece of specimen is very well done with live-looking and postures. It’s truly an icon for Manhattan. Almost like a mini- Natural History Museum. Give it a visit while in town !
jaq v
at 2019 Feb 11
jaq v
at 2019 Feb 11
I love the hell out of this store. It's by far one of my favorite stores overall. It's the perfect balance of quirky cards for all occasions because I love reading as many as I can until I find the perfect one but the right amount of crafts for my crafty needs. The paper color selection is great which I use for personalizing note cards with their embossing powders and stamps. But my favorite part of all is the giftwrap paper sheets they have available because I use them as backdrops for the small shoots on my business' instagram feed. They have the best paper varieties for all occasions.
m m
at 2018 Aug 04
m m
at 2018 Aug 04
maria, thank you sooo much for wrapping my bf gifts!! you’re a life saver. 10/10 customer service, quality of paper & prices!
Lots of denim made in Japan
Anna M
at 2017 Jan 19
Anna M
at 2017 Jan 19
This place is so unique and adorable! One of my favorite stores to walk into is an off-beat store like this that carries unique and fun items I wouldn't find in other stores. A store with personality and flavor. It's so rare to come across these days, so I'm so very passionate about the few that do exist! :)
I walked in with just a concept, but lacked technique and execution of my concept. There were 2 women who were extremely friendly and suggestive. I feel confident now in DIYing my wedding invitations. As I left I noticed that it was half an past closing. I couldn't believe that they stayed open for me, and never once tried to rush me. The customer service was beyond my expectations. I'll definitely be back!
Mary Alva
at 2016 Jul 16
Mary Alva
at 2016 Jul 16
Really organized place, if you love planners or anything to do with planning or crafting go there, as well as really helpful workers and are willing to answer any question
LOVE THEM! No joke I probably stop in here at least once a week. They have so much awesome sh** - I could literally walk around in there for hours. Everyone there is super nice and helpful too. They even let you try things out (like pens, stamps, etc) before you buy them to make sure you like & know exactly what you're getting. Definitely recommend!