The best book, hobby & craft shops in Amherst

“Old Editions Bookshop & Gallery is the kind of rabbit hole locals love, a 15,000-square-foot sprawl of antiquarian books, art prints, posters, comics, postcards, vinyl, and memorabilia. Bring a wish list, because if they don’t have it, they’ll hunt it down.”

From the North Tonawanda newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Textbooks Buffalo is the local spot for textbook buyback with instant cash, plus they donate and recycle with area libraries and charities.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 10, 2026

“Run by three best friends, The Velvet Bookmark is a Tonawanda local bookstore for new and pre-loved reads across fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, poetry, kids and YA, plus local authors and LGBTQIA+ shelves. Pop in for puzzles, reading accessories, and a low-key book club.”

From the Amherst newsletter, September 17, 2026

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

“Empire Comics is the Southtowns' go-to comic emporium, with shelves of current titles, vintage back issues, and display-worthy statues that make your bookcase look buff. Swing by this week to discover a new series, hunt a grail, or just nerd out with folks who speak fluent panel-to-panel.”

From the West Seneca newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Entertainment retail chain selling new & pre-owned music, movies & video games, plus T-shirts.”

“If your sax needs TLC or your kid just decided drums are life, Matt's Music has you covered with rentals, repairs, and legit lessons for vocals, piano, guitar, brass, woodwinds, strings, and more. Family owned since 1963, they also run performance teams, camps, and workshops.”

From the Amherst newsletter, August 5, 2026

“From emergency string changes to full-on guitar and bass repair, school-band rentals, and a wall of picks, pedals, sticks, and reeds, Allentown Music, LLC keeps Buffalo’s players gig-ready. Swing by this week to trade, upgrade, or finally grab that small PA for your backyard jam.”

From the Buffalo newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Guitar Center chain offering a huge variety of musical gear, plus lessons.”

“Studio for do-it-yourself craft projects, including parties and team-building events.”

“Retailer specializing in guitars, basses, drums and keyboards, plus recording, DJ and lighting gear.”

“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).”

“Thinking about upgrading your sound this week?”

From the Buffalo newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Whether you're chasing a first guitar, upgrading your rig, or bringing a beloved axe back to life, Music City has acoustic and electric guitars, basses, amps, effects, parts, plus lessons and repairs. Take a spin through this week, check out product demos, then go make some noise.”

From the Cheektowaga newsletter, August 27, 2026

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

“From school-band rentals with most repairs included to lessons with certified teachers and their Lesson to Own option, Northtown Music keeps Cheektowaga playing, with a large selection of new and used instruments, NYSSMA solos, sheet music, and all the supplies and mouthpieces you only remember right before practice.”

From the Cheektowaga newsletter, September 17, 2026

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

“Buffalo’s little game store, Gather & Game, packs the shelves with modern board game hits, Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, and small press RPGs, plus a big open-box library you can actually play. Swing by this week for in-store events and leagues, meet new rivals, maybe a co-op ally or two.”

From the Buffalo newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Whether you need custom wedding invites, a handbound journal that feels like it has a soul, or paper flowers that never wilt, Papercraft Miracles crafts eco-friendly stationery, plantable seed bombs, and workshops to spark creativity.”

From the Buffalo newsletter, September 10, 2026

“From buttery Daniel Smith watercolors and Princeton Artist Brushes to Golden SoFlat and Ecoline markers, Hyatt's All Things Creative is basically a playground for sketchers, painters, and paper nerds. Pop in this week for their demos, fresh inspiration, and the custom framing and studio gear to finish strong.”

From the Amherst newsletter, August 27, 2026