I visited Lockwood because I wanted to support local people and small businesses in the…read moreneighborhood. Now don't get me wrong they have nice items that are very overpriced but supporting a local person I can deal with it! Unfortunately not everything in this store is local, I found kids toys that were made in China, a rag doll to be precise for $20. It's an awful shame that their story says they focus on local makers.

Nifty shop with lots of knickknacks, socks, mugs, plates, oven mitts, cards, toys, children's…read morebooks, candles, soaps, unique chocolates, accessories for oneself or the kitchen or bathroom or your tool chest, giftable items, etc. I've befriended one of the ladies who works there and we exchange great conversation when the shop/register is not busy with sales. It's a great comfortable place to go when you need to get out but it's too hot/cold outside. They're usually open until 8pm so if you needed a gift or some other item quick, they'd be easy enough to get to after a regular work schedule if you live in or are visiting the area. All of the sales team that work there are super friendly and can assist you if you're looking for something in particular. It also smells lovely in there - probably due to the candles they house in store. Happy shops!

Butala is a great place to pick up Indian handicrafts, books on yoga and Hinduism, prayer items,…read moreutensils, etc. I frequented their Manhattan location for years but recently discovered they had closed down that store permanently. My guess is the sales did not offset the high rents. It is likely that this Queens location might come under a similar pressure. It is a large store, well-stocked and clean. The service is friendly but I find their knowledge of the inventory is lacking. Their collection of books, especially the Amar Chitra Katha comic books that I was raised on, is quite unique. Unlike with a grocery store, this is an episodic business and customers visit the store infrequently. But if I am in the market for Indian merchandise, I will be sure to check out Butala. An excellent resource for New Yorkers, although I realize the Manhattan location was too good to be sustainable.

This very nice place, the customer service was excellent, very helpful, amazing selection of…read morereligious artifacts, statues, accessories books, I am so happy found this store!

This is a smart way to build shopping into your airport experience. It's very European! I love the…read moreway you have to walk through here and be tempted to buy so many things! Brilliant strategy. You can eat and relax before your flight.

I didn't know what I was walking into when I walked through The Bowery Bay Shops. I was minding my…read moreown business walking to my gate when you come up the escalators after security check and you stroll through this gorgeous shopping area! I know all airports have this but this one is top notch. They have everything from Legos, Beats headphones, electronic devices, books, specialty food items, drinks, fancy chocolate and treats, touristy NY gifts and designer label gifts. It's INSANE!!! Lucky for me I had time to kill and just walked around admiring the different gift options and was debating what I actually needed to buy. Haha. LaGuardia Airport did a stellar job renovating this airport into an updated and modern space. Wait until you come out of the shops and see the water fountain. Nice work LaGuardia Airport!!!

FIRST OFF THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!…read more We had Anna bring our vision to life for my baby's first birthday party last month. She drew it all out for us, we supplied all the materials and they got to work! It was just such a pleasure and relief to work with such good people that know exactly what you want! I would definitely recommend these people to anyone hands down .... They decorated two rooms for us at Blend Astoria and it came out to $650. So so worth it! We didn't have to worry about a thing. Again THANK YOU GUYS! You are a god send.

Got my daughters sweet 16 balloons here…read more In and out in a jiffy at an affordable price. The woman behind the counter was extremely sweet and friendly. Highly recommend for all your party supply needs!

I love this store soooooo much! It has the cutest stuff and I usually end up leaving with something…read morefor bubs. This time I left with a candle for myself. I went in for looking for some type of stress ball because Bub's OT suggested it for him. Surprisingly, they are hard to find right now bc of the dumpling craze. IYKYK. Come in and buy a gift for a friend or for yourself. You'll find the best stuff!

So cute! Awesome sale going on and even with that their stuff isnt too bad. Blindboxes here are…read morecheaper than some other stores and they carry cute original artwork

I've browsed in this store a couple of times and made one small purchase. The prices are…read moreoutrageous. The stuff is cute, but there are about a hundred stores in the city that sell the same items for a better price. They must have a big problem with shoplifting because at least three of the staff were patrolling the aisles and watching customers like a hawk. They sell the $60 Labubus so the store was busy, but half the customers put them back on the shelf when they saw the price. I'd say this is a cute place to look at if you're nearby, but do your research on more reasonable options in the city before you spend your money here.

A nice little toy and stationary store. The selection and prices are pretty good, and worth a visit…read moreif you're in the area.

Over priced junk don't know how they stay open terrible selection and high prices we walked outread more

I first heard about The Brass Owl through Shop Small Astoria, and decided to take a look around the…read moregift shop. I was duly impressed by how much variety of brands The Brass Owl managed to showcase despite the small space. I loved the funky cookbooks up front and center and the hyperlocal gifts by the entrance. I noticed they even stocked one of my favorite local beauty brands, mumu bath! Overall, a gorgeous boutique worth the visit!

A new store opened on the block, and the grand opening was on Dec. 10th. This is one of their…read morenewest store locations, since they're sprouting up like wildflowers. This store used to be a clothing store for over 20 years and the location has a basement floor (mostly for inventory storage), besides the first floor. The shop itself is of a rectangular shape, and most of the merchandise are on the first floor. They carry mostly imported goods from China and most of the inventory just screams cute, adorable, and girls will love it. So it's perfect for guys that needs a one stop shop to make their girlfriends happy (especially teenagers). I actually saw someone buying this giant bear that's almost his own height. There's a ton of stuffed animals, hair/cell/and beauty accessories, cup sets, beauty products (scents, beauty tools, make simple makeup items), stationary ... Like cute puked on their shelves and everything just makes a little girl want to buy stuff. And there's more ....... They take credit cards with no minimum. And I heard two Spanish speaking staff members (so don't worry, that's an implied requirement to do business on this block.) But you do still get the occasionally non-English speaker that only speaks Mandarin and they will call another staff to assist you. However, no refund or exchanges so shop carefully. The biggest thrill for me was finding a 10 in one pen.... it's a personal weakness. And then buying their biggest printed tote bag of cuteness for like 18cents. (A bag I didn't mind paying for and actually wanted to pay for one to take home. It does come in varies sizes, but you get to pick.) And the staff does ask you if you want a bag beforehand; So, you won't just find an extra charge you said no to afterwards, like a lot of stores are doing now since the plastic bag ban. (Yes, it's a big peeve for me with that crap, especially when I have my own bag on me) . Double win in my book lol Extra info. : This is def. a Chinese owned and operated business. They're actually opening up a lot of locations in New York (Soho, Queens Mall and Junction Blvd. (Elmhurst locations), The Mills Mall, at Jersey Garden, NJ and they're expanding even further across the country; It seems like they're trying to be the Chinese version of Japanese Muji. The inner business structure is relatively new and have not fully acclimated as a chain franchise in the US.

Located on Astoria's Steinway Street, this store is a branch of a popular toy and lifestyle store…read morein the Northeast US* that carries all manner of East Asian bath and beauty products, fashion accessories, household items, stationery, snacks and drinks, toys--especially plushies, blind boxes and other collectible figurines. You'll find a mix of Korean, Japanese and Chinese brands here, and the price point is low to mid. They compete with a similar audience as Pop Mart, since they both carry a lot of collectibles, though Rumi offers on a broader range of goods while Pop Mart seems more collectibles-focused. Inside this pastel-colored store everything is arranged neatly, and it's a large location with several claw machines in the front, several aisles of merchandise with cute characters plastered everywhere. Along the right side of the store, the wall running most of the length of the store features hundreds of stuffed animals, notably many capybara plushies which are all the rage. Not sure why, but in April on an afternoon well into the 80's F and humid, there was no AC in the store...it felt like the heat might've been turned on accidentally it was that warm. I felt kinda bad for the staff there having to suffer thru the heat, I hope they get that fixed soon! For more info: https://rumilifeshop.com *operating in NY, NJ, CT, MD and VA. And online.

This store is similar to Daiso and Miniso, but with the added bonus of being based in New York…read more They offer a wide range of products, from plushies, toys, and stationery to Asian snacks, makeup, bags, home goods, hats, and accessories. Plus, they even have a few claw machines by the entrance for added fun. The store is bright, well-organized, and really enjoyable to shop in. The prices are reasonable for most items, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. I walked in not really needing anything--just curious--but left having spent nearly fifty bucks! If you're in the market for a fun gift or just want to browse, this is a great place to visit. There's a ton of novelty, trending, and super cute Asian-inspired items to discover.

Beautifulmy curated collection of home decor!! if you are looking for special pieces to add…read morecharacter to your home I highly recommend. Got this beautiful blue pillow which added the perfect pop of color I have been looking for!

This is a great place to purchase items that will make your home more cozy. I have bought gifts and…read morepersonal items and have been happy with everything. There's never remorse or regret because the items are quality and special. The owner has specially curated items that are either locally sourced or imported from artisans from Mexico. He also hosts pop ups, which is amazing because he exposes more small businesses and gives them the space to sell their items as well. I enjoy the way the store is decorated. It's all so beautiful and the service is as great and the quality of the items. It is all worth its value. Highly recommend. I've bought towels, candles, kitchen items, seasonings and a mirror. It feels one of a kind instead of a catalog, "picture perfect", cookie cutter type of stuff. Instead the items have character and individuality.