The best book, hobby & craft shops in North Jersey

“Toytastik blends toys, comics, and collectibles into a rabbit hole you actually want to fall into, perfect for Bergen County gift runs, last‑minute birthday missions, or a quick nostalgia fix when you’re pretending you just stopped by for the kids.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Part bookstore, part family hangout, The Chatterbox Books curates educational toys and cozy reads, hosts engaging storytimes and weekend activities, and throws kid-approved birthday parties for ages 1–9 with private space and themes like Enchanted Kingdom or Unicorn Magic, drawing South Orange, Maplewood, and West…”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Whether your TBR is under control or already a skyscraper, The Cranford Bookstore nails the community vibe with smartly curated fiction, children’s and YA shelves, cookbooks, audiobooks, and buzzy preorders. Expect lively book clubs, regular story time, and author events like Maria DiLorenzo on September 26, 2026.”

From the Westfield newsletter, September 13, 2026

“New World Manga is the spot for trading card fans, with singles for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh plus a weekly slate of events. Expect HeroClix, One Piece, Commander nights, Pokémon League, Modern, Edison and Advanced formats, and plenty of booster drafts to keep your deck evolving.”

From the Staten Island newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Looking for a new bedtime favorite or a book they’ll demand at breakfast, The Curious Reader is the local children’s bookstore that actually feels curated. There’s a small selection for adults, plus gifts and gift-wrapping, so you can slip in a treat for yourself and still leave looking like the responsible one.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Joker's Child Comics is the local treasure chest for everything from this week’s buzzy releases to deep-cut back issues, plus action figures, graphic novels, trading cards, statues and tees. Drop in midweek when new books land on Wednesday, then let your pull list thank you later.”

From the Fair Lawn newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Chasing new releases, hunting a silver-age gap, or need a scuffed favorite cleaned and pressed this week? Clockwork Comics & Cards nails it with a well organized selection, sports and CCG cards, and a friendly, seriously knowledgeable crew, with thirty-three years in the game to back it up.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Zapp! Comics We Buy Comics, Cards and Much More! is the local treasure chest for new releases, graded keys, and back issues, plus shelves of Funko Pops, NECA and Mythic Legions, Hot Toys, and Pokémon/MTG/Yu-Gi-Oh cards.”

From the Wayne newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Lively retailer for hobby and craft supplies such as model kits and train sets.”

“Whether you need a study Bible, a thoughtful gift, or a new prayer journal, Yeshua Adonai 2 Bookstore is a small, family-tended spot in Elizabeth where owner Mariana personally curates the shelves, answers questions, and sets items aside... they don’t sell online, so call first for a warm, one-on-one visit.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Bookseller chain with a broad selection of titles for adults & kids, plus magazines & gifts.”

“Go! Calendars is part of Go! Retail Group’s Go!”

From the Wayne newsletter, September 18, 2026

“From Florida Water and sage to tarot cards, dressed candles, spiritual oils, colognes, and saint or Orisha statues, Botanica San Lazaro is the spot locals hit when intention meets shopping list. Build your practice, refresh your space, or find that just right bath or bracelet without leaving the neighborhood.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 22, 2026

“East Side Mags is the kind of shop where your pull list never misses, new releases sit alongside graphic novels, and shelves tempt you with statues and collectibles. They host signings, Dungeons & Dragons, drawing classes and a Saturday Morning Cartoon Club... a legit hangout for local readers.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Whether you're hunting new releases, gently used gems, or flipping through the vinyl bins, Montclair Book Center is the kind of place you wander and accidentally find your next favorite thing. Friendly staff picks, events, and serious browse energy make it a go-to close to home.”

From the West Orange newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Just Kidding Around is an independent toy shop with legit taste, from Jellycat plush and Maileg minis to LEGO, Magna-Tiles, science kits, and outdoor fun. Swing by this week for arts-and-crafts fixes and smart games that zap boredom, plus staff picks perfect for last-minute gifts.”

From the West Orange newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Craving Chinese books without the city trek? Timesbook Inc curates Chinese-language novels, history, lit crit, and beautifully illustrated kids’ picture books, plus fresh magazines and new arrivals you’ll actually want to page through tonight. Perfect for topping up your home library between laundry cycles.”

From the Elizabeth newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Amazing Heroes is stacking fresh new releases on August 19, plus deep runs of graphic novels, Magic The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, World of Warcraft, and statues and memorabilia. Hunting something oddly specific? Peek at Previews, tell them, and they’ll snag it for you so your stack stays legendary.”

From the Irvington newsletter, August 19, 2026

“When the TBR pile needs reinforcements, locally owned Here's The Story Bookstore delivers with a large selection and plenty of new releases. They also stock jigsaw puzzles for all ages, which pairs nicely with cozy weather and a cup of something warm at home.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Manifest Comics is the laid back local hub for comics, manga, board games, and TCGs, with pull lists that just work and events run by friendly staff. Swing by, discover your new favorite thing, and find your people in a space that loves the same stuff you do.”

From the Bayonne newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Little City Books is the cozy, compact indie shop that keeps Hoboken reading, with shelves spanning every genre plus thoughtful gifts and stationery. Swing by for author signings or children’s story time, then leave with a novel you’ll actually finish and a card you didn’t know you needed.”

“Trinity Book Service curates Bibles (ESV, KJV, NASB, NKJV), Puritan Paperbacks, Banner of Truth staples, and commentaries from Pillar to Welwyn, plus Trinity Pulpit Press. If you’re prepping for Sunday School or just want theology with teeth, this is a dependable, no-fluff resource close to home.”

From the The Bronx newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Cristianismo Historico is a Spanish-language Christian bookstore with a surprisingly deep catalog, from LBLA and RVR Bibles to creeds, catechisms, Puritan classics, MacArthur and Hendriksen commentaries, Ryle’s gospel meditations, evangelism pamphlets, and family worship helps.”

From the Union City newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Stevens Campus Bookstore is more than textbooks, with a Course Materials Concierge, an Apparel & Spirit Shop, and shelves of tech, notebooks, calculators, snacks, even vinyl. When you need a diploma frame, dorm essentials, or a last-minute charger, this place keeps campus life simple.”

From the Hoboken newsletter, September 15, 2026

“com/) is a Black queer woman-owned, community-driven literary fourth space blending a curated book selection with coffee sourced from across Africa.”

From the Hoboken newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Lark Street Music is the local go-to for used and vintage guitars, amps, and banjos that make practice feel like play. " and "Instruments In Stock" pages this week, then tell yourself you’re only window shopping… famous last words.”

From the Bergen County newsletter, August 5, 2026

“From pro-grade paints and paper to kid-friendly sketchbooks and colorful pens, A Paper Hat Art + Design Supply is the neighborhood spot that actually makes you want to start a project. Established in 2016, they curate global makers, stellar stationery, and giftable finds you didn’t know you needed.”

From the Parsippany newsletter, August 6, 2026

“From sturdy upholstery yardage to sequins, satins, cottons and bridal, Mivia Fabrics in Lodi stocks home decor and clothing fabrics at all price points, plus custom window treatments and reupholstery.”

From the Fort Lee newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Supplier of musical instruments and equipment such as guitars, amps, and keyboards.”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Retailer with educational products for teachers & parents, including classroom furniture & books.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Drum machine, guitar, piano and keyboard retailer featuring lessons and repairs.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Need a rainy-day backup or a group project win? EconoCrafts stocks DIY kits and supplies for kids and adults, from wooden and STEAM crafts to seasonal projects and even bulk sets for camp or after-school, and they’ve been making their own clever stuff since 1956.”

From the Newark newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Bergen County builders, Gundam Planet has the plastic you actually want this week, from Perfect, Master, Real, High and SD Gunpla to option parts, waterslide decals, action bases, paints and legit tools that make builds click. New to it? Their beginner picks and tips get you from sprue to shelf fast.”

From the Paterson newsletter, August 22, 2026

“ReWax and UnWine Candle Making Bar mixes candle crafting with karaoke and BYOB, so you can pour a signature scent, then grab the mic.”

From the Irvington newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“When your brain needs a break from errands and emails, The Beetch Barn Craft N' Sip runs laid-back, instructor-led projects from woodwork and sewing to seasonal make-and-takes, letting you hang with friends, laugh a little, and head home with something you actually made.”

From the North Jersey newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Guitar and piano store with lessons, repairs and rentals, plus friendly service.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”