I found this little gem soon after we moved to Belmont Heights in 2001. It was actually part of a larger shop next door that was going to close up until Michael, one of the shopkeepers, decided to buy the business. I was ecstatic when I realized that my favorite gift/greeting card shop would still be open for business. The gift selections are unique, and the greeting cards never fail to grab my attention. In fact, I have gained the reputation among my friends of being the go-to person for a great card if we're giving a group gift. Today, as usual, I walked in for one card, and walked out with at least 10 cards and three gifts for upcoming birthdays. I was able to find something pretty made by a local artist for my adult daughter and two gifts for my grandchildren, aged two and five. There's something for everyone and Michael always makes me feel welcome as soon as I walk in the door. The items are not outrageously priced, but everything in there is of high quality. I cannot recommend this little Long Beach treasure enough. read more

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I was in the area when I learned that there was a death in the friends family. I looked on Yelp to see if there were any greeting card shops close by. Babcock and Cooke came up on the list, so I called to see if they were open. It was a few minutes before 9 AM, the listed time that showed in their hours, but a gentleman answered the phone. He was so genuinely cheerful to let me know that yes they will be opening in a few minutes and that yes they had sympathy cards available. The small shop is located off the corner of Broadway and Redondo. It is nondescript with an old sign and honestly driving by it I would not have known it was there or what kind of shop it was so I'm thankful that I know it's there. Inside is super cute, tidy, and the shop holds a boatload of gift items. Walls of cards shelving filled with candles and other gift bag, stuffers and my favorite part, which I did not come in for, but ended up leaving with were yummy soaps that greet you right as you enter the door. My favorite part of the whole experience, was that when I walked in, and the shopkeeper greeted me, I had said that I'd called a while ago about the sympathy cards. He remembered our conversation and pointed me to wear on the wall. I could find them. I asked him later on if there was a post office nearby , and he said there was a mailbox across the street said that I had needed a stamp because I wanted to mail the card straight away. So, he kindly offered me a stamp and let me write the letter while I was in the shop. That was such a lovely experience, and if I'm in the area again, I will definitely come back and go gift shopping. The cards and collections were great. Also, the price was reasonable. And my favorite part was the shopkeeper was the nicest. Thank you, Babcock and Cooke! read more

Babcock & Cooke - Gift soaps (the shopkeeper said there will be more new stuff coming towards the holidays), sympathy card, incense matchbox. - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Long Beach, California

I really dislike giving generic greeting cards. So boring. Babcock & Cooke is my go to place whenever I'm in need of greeting card that is unique whether it be sentimental, humorous or thoughtful. Super cute lil store with so much to choose from. I'm always greeted warmly by the owner and he is always super helpful and expresses his gratitude for the business. read more

Great place for unique gift items and cards. Michael is always a pleasure to visit with and very helpful with gift suggestions. Love coming here. :) read more

This is a lovely neighborhood card shop. Friendly service and great selection of gifts and greeting cards.

I've been coming here for special cards, holiday box cards, and small gifts for the past 5 years and am so happy that this place remains a staple! Please come support this local business and the friendly owner and get one of a kind cards!! read more

Michael at Babcock and Cooke not only carries a nice assortment of cards and stationary, he also has a great selection of gifts. Very convenient for that last minute gift shopping. read more

A wonderful selection of cards and gifts. Always something new and surprising. Always helpful with reasonable prices. Local business with a lot of heart! read more

This place is the best for cards, gifts and last minute items. Interesting and exciting inventory. The staff is super helpful and friendly. For special and unique gifts talk to Mike, the proprietor . You will love this place. read more

Great Christmas cards, funny, general cards, interesting things to buy, especially decorations

This is my favorite go to card shop. Of course you can get cards just about anywhere, but this is my go to card shop because of the really good selection every time I've gone in there, that's why I've made it my favorite go to car shop read more

One of the last true card shops left in Long Beach. Good selection of cards and other nick knacks, pleasant atmosphere, and the person staffing the store was very nice. read more

Hands down the best place in Long Beach to buy greeting cards. I don't know how the owner does it but he manages to find the funniest and oddest birthday cards and also just the right mood/message for sympathy cards etc. This is the only card shop I've ever "planed" to visit (ie I go out with the intention of driving to the shop to buy cards rather than happening to pass it and wandering in) and that speaks volumes. read more

Babcock & Cooke - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Long Beach, California

I found some really cute and unique cards here, as well as one of a kind gifts. I could have spent hours looking through their inventory. They have a really unique collection of cards. If you're looking for something meaningful and different, this is the place to go. I came here looking for gender neutral anniversary cards and found plenty. As a gay couple, it's hard to find anniversary cards that aren't "to my husband from your wife" or vice versa. Highly recommend. read more

Babcock & Cooke - Selection of cards - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Long Beach, California

Wonderful selection of unique and quality cards along with plenty of gift options. Owner was friendly and welcoming. Can't wait to come back! read more

I'm so grateful this card shop exists nearby. So many unique and beautiful cards for every occasion. He also carries great gifts for all age ranges. read more

I've been coming here for decades. Great cards and a great owner!! I agree with the other reviewers; this is a local business that is a joy to support. read more

If you have never been to Babcock & Cooke, it's time! Sch unique cards, gifts, jewelry, so many things that are wonderful. It's that small neighborhood treasure that should be supported. Some 30 years this establishment has survived. The present owner, Michael Davis, is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet. The only difficulty is parking, but it's worth it to walk a few blocks if necessary. There are other unique little stores, bars & restaurants nearby. Enjoy! read more

Fabulous little shop! The selection of unique cards and treasures is unparalleled. I can always find a wonderful gift or two, and am in love with the selection of Pré de Provence soap bars. The owner is so friendly and accommodating and the prices are totally reasonable! Definitely worth dropping into this wonderful Long Beach fixture! read more

This is the best card and gift shop in such a cozy setting. Michael is the nicest store owner and so helpful. The cards are so unique and the funniest. Pair the card with the Italian soaps, hand creams, salsa bowl sets, oil air fresheners, candles, jewelry, writing journals and even wrapping paper. There are such different things to buy here that you cannot find elsewhere and Michael does an in credible job putting the gifts together. I needed a Long Beach Naples - water scene and Michael made this suggestion. The gift receiver was thrilled. This boutique is the best! Thanks Michael!! read more

Babcock & Cooke - Signed, framed artist prints! - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Long Beach, California

Pleasant environment, really good selection of cards and gifts. Easy to find just the right thing

Once again, A-Reliable one-stop-shop to pick up wonderful gifts for the people in my life. This time for the neighbor down the street that fixed me home baked goods for Christmas. read more

Babcock & Cooke - Babcock and Cooks is always my first stop for Cards & Gifts! - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Long Beach, California

Five Stars for STILL having the best overall greeting card selection I can think of across the Southland. The Birthday and Sympathy cards I have found here over the last 20 years have rarely been matched as far as being sincerely touching and heartfelt while aesthetically unique and just as visually moving. Here one finds a QUALITY card to express his or her greeting. I LOVE that they have always supported more unique publishers and products and local artists to not only Long Beach but independant artists in general whenever they can. The choice of gifts and holiday cards is smaller this year with the birth of the new store which is much smaller a space than next door but I applaud the practical transition and I am sincerely just very glad to still have a Babcock & Cooke as my "goto" for cards and interesting gifts. Long Live Babcock & Cooke who will always remind us why Small Businesses deliver what the boring corporate stores cannot. read more

Babcock and Cooke has been my go-to for greeting cards and special occasions for many years and Michael has always greeted with a warm smile and conversation. So after the larger space closed down, I was really happy to see him open the shop again next door! It carries it's specialties (cards) but also an assortment of candles, bath products and very unique and cute tea and serving sets and some jewelry. Whether it's Christmas or a birthday, a special thank you or a sympathy greeting, Babcock has it all. This store has been a well-loved institution in Long Beach and the Broadway area and I hope everyone comes here for their special occasion needs. read more

Wow! I was stunned to find such a fantastic card selection. I had been searching for a same-sex wedding card as well as a few birthday cards at Target, Rite-Aid, Hallmark, etc., and either the cards were horribly written or just plain stupid - not to mention expensive. I walked into Babcock & Cooke and found exactly what I was looking for in a matter of minutes! This is the place to go for all card and small gifts! No more wasting gas running around town looking for cards and finding nothing but disappointment. Babcock & Cooke is my new favorite card shop in Long Beach. read more

This shop is charming and exactly what I love about living here in Belmont Heights. Michael, the owner has a fabulous selection of cards and gifts - just love it. I have been fortunate enough to sell my jewelry designs here and it has been a fabulous relationship. We are lucky to have the tradition of Babcock and Cooke continue. These independent shops are what make Belmont Heights unique! read more

It is wonderful to have a shop like this in the neighborhood! Great selection of cards, wrapping paper and a ton of gift items! Good quality and good prices, too! read more

I loved the old store and this newer, albeit smaller version is equally great. A terrific place to find your cards and small unique gifts!

My favourite card n gift shop in the World. I work for an airline. They always have a card or gift that will help you express that you care just a bit more or are funnier or gave it some thought. And the staff is always very grateful for your business and helpful. They downsized but I'm so glad they didn't go away. These local businesses rather than the big box companies are one of the things that make Long Beach a special place and a great place to live. read more

Love this place! There are always new and interesting items to peruse. It is my go to shop for fantastic cards and gifts. : D

This store is much smaller than the original store, which was right next door. Thankfully, they still have the great greeting cards which was my main reason for visiting their store. They also carry a few select items you can't find anywhere else which makes it a great place to find unique gifts. read more

This is my go to place when it comes to creative/thoughtful greeting cards. I've been coming here for years, and I never fail to find the perfect card. The decor is cute and calming, and the employees are really sweet. I'm sad that the store is smaller than it used to be, but good things come in small packages. read more

A spectacular, uniquely curated card and gift shop. They have great cards for all occasions that you won't find at the big stores, ranging from classy to humorous and everything in between. There's also a good supply of gifts, journals, candles, gift wrap, and other rotating/seasonal items. Always a great place to go in a pinch. The service is nice and helpful, and the location is right in the charming Belmont Heights/ Shore neighborhood. read more

The new store is smaller, but it still carries the best and most unique supply of greeting cards and wonderful, small gifts. So glad you're back! read more

The perfect store for gifts and cards! Quality stuff and great taste. Proud to have you in the neighborhood!