Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide: Shop New Jersey Independent Book Stores

In the hustle and bustle of last-minute gift shopping, few choices carry the warmth and charm of selecting a book or unique gift from an independent bookstore in the heart of New Jersey. As the holiday rush reaches its peak, these local treasures offer more than just a transaction—they provide a curated experience, a personal touch, and a connection to the community.

Opting for a last-minute purchase from a local independent bookstore not only ensures a memorable gift but also supports the vibrant tapestry of small businesses that enrich the cultural landscape of NJ.

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A Guide to New Jersey Independent Book Stores:

Asbury Book Cooperative, Asbury Park
Asbury Park’s Community-Run, Independent Bookstore features book clubs, books by local authors, and serves as a literary hub and community space.
644A Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ

Princeton Antiques & Book Service, Atlantic City
Princeton Antiques is a collector and search service for old, rare, leather-bound, and out-of-print books for sale. With 250,000 titles in stock, it is likely that they have the book you need in stock at the time YOU need it.
2917 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ

Little Boho Bookshop, Bayonne
Open since 2017, this independent bookstore sits in the downtown of Bayonne. According to owner Sandra Dear, “The Little Boho Bookshop is not your traditional Indie store, it’s a cozy getaway spot to find your happy place”
164A Broadway, Bayonne, NJ

LBI Bookswap, Beach Haven
The LBI Bookswap features over 10,000 new and used books for adults, young adults, middle grade, and children. They also frequently hosts well-known authors.
325 9th Street, Beach Haven, NJ

A Paperback Exchange, Belmar
The Paperback Exchange was established by Isabelle Carlo in 1977. This unique bookshop allows customers to bring in books and receive trade-in credit. They carry used fiction and non-fiction books, every genre from romance to horror, spirituality to science, history to science fiction. They also carry some collectible books and new books by local authors. Their inventory is constantly changing, so if they don’t have it today they may have it tomorrow.
703 ½ 9th Avenue, Belmar, NJ

The Bookworm, Bernardsville
Support a local bookstore in the heart of Bernardsville! They offer everything from the latest books to old favorites. Come in and browse their selection of books, unique greeting cards, journals, puzzles, book-related apparel, stuffed animals… and more!
99 Claremont Road, Bernardsville, NJ

Gingerbread Bookshop, Boonton
Gingerbread Bookshop is a whimsical independent bookstore located in the charming town of Boonton, NJ. Painted in a deep blue-gray hue in an early-Colonial style building, the Gingerbread bills itself as a “secondhand bookshop for all ages.” Open on weekends, the store at 410 Main St. accepts donations on Fridays. Bring in five books and you get a gingerbread cookie.
410 Main St, Boonton, NJ

Old Bookshop of Bordentown, Bordentown
The Old Book Shop of Bordentown is a general used, out-of-print and antiquarian bookshop. Browse approximately 10,000 hardcover titles which feature strong sections on New Jerseyana, American history and military, baseball, historical mysteries, children’s book, and more.
200 Farnsworth Ave, Bordentown, NJ

Kiss & Tale A Romance Bookshop, Collingswood
Kiss & Tale is a romance-focused bookshop dedicated to celebrating love stories and supporting local authors. The store features an extensive selection of romance novels, ensuring that romance is always the central theme. They actively promote local authors from the South Jersey and Philadelphia area, offering consignment opportunities and curated selections. Kiss & Tale also hosts community events and book clubs, fostering a welcoming environment for romance enthusiasts
688 Haddon Ave Floor 1, Collingswood, NJ

The Book Garden, Cream Ridge
Located in rural Cream Ridge in Central Jersey, The Book Garden is a must-see for all book lovers. Thousands of square feet filled with books of all sorts.Out of print and rare books, as well as back-issue comic books and magazines can also be found here.
868 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge, NJ

River Road Books, Fair Haven
River Road Books opened in 2006 with the goal of bringing a community of readers together. Author Events bring favorite writers, poets, and artists to you.
759 River Road, Fair Haven, NJ

Frenchtown Bookshop, Frenchtown
Frenchtown Bookshop is a family-owned independent bookstore. The bookshop is more than just a place to buy books—it’s a cultural hub where the community gathers for engaging events like author readings, book clubs, and writing workshops. Its inviting space, complete with comfortable reading nooks, encourages visitors to linger and explore new literary worlds.
28 Bridge St, Frenchtown, NJ

The Curious Reader, Glen Rock
The Curious Reader is a unique children’s bookstore that offers a lively reading environment with a wide selection and knowledgeable staff. They are the largest independent children’s bookstore in the community and look forward to growing with the contributions of each new reader who walks through their doors
229 Rock Rd. Glen Rock, NJ

Inkwood Books, Haddonfield
Inkwood Books is the area’s only full-service Independent Bookstore in downtown Haddonfield. Shop books, gifts, and signed books at this adorable community hub.
106 Kings Hwy E, Haddonfield, NJ

WORD, Jersey City
An independent bookstore featuring a wide variety of new books: literary fiction, non-fiction, gift books, kids’ books, puzzles and more.
29 McWilliams Place on Hamilton Park., Jersey City, NJ

BookTowne, Manasquan
Booktown’s motto is where “Good Friends Meet Good Books”. Along with a wide assortment of literature to choose from for the young and old alike, BookTowne also has events and happenings throughout the year that involve and nurture the reader in all of us.
171 Main Street, Manasquan, NJ

The Chatham Bookseller, Madison
The Chatham Bookseller is a charming, independently-owned bookstore located in Madison, NJ. Specializing in rare, antiquarian, and out-of-print books, it has been a literary haven for book enthusiasts for decades. The store’s warm and inviting atmosphere is filled with shelves brimming with a carefully curated selection of books spanning various genres, including literature, history, art, and more. Knowledgeable staff are always on hand to assist with recommendations or to help track down elusive titles
8 Green Village Road Madison, NJ

The Nature of Reading Bookshop, Madison
Nestled in Madison, the local environmental bookstore is a haven for literature enthusiasts and nature advocates, offering a carefully curated selection of nature writing, climate change literature, and seasonal reads.
22 Main St, Madison, NJ

Words, Maplewood
[words]‘ mission is to serve Maplewood and surrounding communities by offering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere for people and families of all stripes to pursue their literary interests. In particular, they are dedicated to the families in their community that have a member with a developmental disability. They strive to help Maplewood become a model community of inclusion through their treatment of disabled customers and employees, especially those with autism.
179 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ

Montclair Book Center, Montclair
The Montclair Book Center has been a part of the downtown Montclair scene since late 1984. They are one of the largest independent bookstores in New Jersey, with more than 9,000 square feet of new & used books.
221 Glenridge Ave, Montclair, NJ

Watchung Booksellers, Montclair
Founded in 1991, Watchung booksellers is a vibrant, independent community bookstore located in the heart of Montclair NJ. They are a general bookstore, with a fine collection of literary fiction, biography/memoir, and history, with strong sections of travel, education, poetry, and the arts. Their children’s room is a picture book space for all ages – from the smallest reader sitting on a parent’s lap to the happenin’ Teen Corner. They offer a full schedule of author events, poetry readings, storytime for toddlers, in-house book groups, and special programs for writers and readers of all ages.
54 Fairfield St, Montclair, NJ

Second Time Books, Mount Laurel
At Second Time Books, the business of books is a labor of love. They specialize in history and science-fiction/fantasy and hand-clean and cover every book on their shelves. With sections of art, science, philosophy, religion, music, and even children’s books, there’s plenty for you to browse. Boasting over 60,000 titles in stock, and more added daily, you’ll be sure to find the book you didn’t even know you were looking for!
114 Creek Road, Mount Laurel, NJ

Books and Greetings, Northvale
Books and Greetings has all your reading needs. Want a book they don’t have, they can get it in a day. Gifts and party supplies include merchants like Papyrus cards, Melissa & Doug toys, Alex toys, Mom agenda, Life is Good, Bee Posh, and Dylans Candy Bar.
271 Livingston St, Northvale, NJ

Howling Basset Books, Oldwick
Howling Basset Books is an independent bookstore located in a charming Victorian building in downtown Oldwick, New Jersey. Established in September 2022, the store offers a thoughtfully curated selection of literary fiction, genre fiction, biographies, memoirs, cookbooks, and children’s books. Shoppers can also explore unique gifts and branded merchandise, including totes and mugs. Visitors are greeted by Fern, the resident basset hound, adding a personal touch to the bookstore’s welcoming atmosphere.
39 Old Turnpike Rd, Oldwick, NJ

The Little Point Bookshop, Point Pleasant Beach
Established in 2019, the Little Point Bookshop’s hope is to create, foster, and celebrate the love for reading for people of all ages.
629 ½ Arnold Avenue, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ

Labyrinth, Princeton
Labyrinth is an acclaimed independent bookstore serving the students and faculty of Princeton University as well as the town of Princeton and beyond. They offer a large selection of constantly-changing inventory, daily sales, and deep discounts on most books, used and antiquarian titles, Labyrinth Books as well as gifts for readers and writers, art supplies, and stationery. Additionally, they are proud to host a full calendar of author lectures, conversations, and signings.
122 Nassau St, Princeton, NJ

Bookends, Ridgewood
Bookends Bookstore is a nationally known Independent bookstore that hosts over 100 author/sports/celebrity events annually. They have a large selection of autographed books both in-store and online for purchase.
211 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ

The Book Nook, Sea Isle City
Open seasonally, the Book Nook is located right on the boardwalk! They are a family-owned independent book store with a focus on regional titles, children’s books and activities, best sellers, and back-list books. They also carry puzzles, games, and photo products.
3700 Boardwalk, Sea Isle City, NJ

Thunder Road Books, Spring Lake
Flicks, books and rock & roll. Indie bookstore at the beach! Thunder Road Books is a charming independent bookstore nestled in the heart of Spring Lake, NJ. This literary haven offers a thoughtfully curated selection of books across all genres, from bestselling fiction and engrossing memoirs to children’s stories and local interest titles.
1108 3rd Ave, Spring Lake, NJ

Barrier Island Books & Art, Stone Harbor
This Cape May County used bookshop specializes in fiction, nonfiction, nature, birding, local history, US History, classics, and more. They also have great gift items, which including local art, and specializes in vintage beach tags & postcards.
301 95th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ

Stone Harbor Book Shop, Stone Harbor
Located in Harbor Square, this independent bookshop features books, games, and toys.
261 96th St, Stone Harbor, NJ

Here’s the Story, Union
Here’s The Story is an independent bookstore in Union, NJ that has been in business since 1995.
043 Stuyvesant Avenue Union, NJ

The Town Book Store, Westfield
The Town Book Store has been serving Westfield and neighboring communities since 1934. They specialize in good, old-fashioned customer service for the reading needs of adults and children.
270 E Broad St, Westfield, NJ

Hooked on Books, Wildwood
Open seasonally, this award-winning Jersey shore book shop’s primary focus is on second-hand books. Bonus: It’s two blocks away from the beach.
3405 Pacific Avenue, Wildwood, NJ

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