Where to Buy NYC Postcards: A Collector's Guide
New York City is a treasure trove for postcard collectors, offering a diverse range of views, styles, and themes. From iconic landmarks to bustling streetscapes, there's a postcard for every taste and occasion. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, this guide will help you find the perfect NYC postcards to add to your collection.
Postcard Shops and Boutiques
One of the best ways to discover unique and vintage NYC postcards is to explore the city's charming postcard shops and boutiques. These shops often carry a carefully curated selection of postcards, including limited editions, artist-designed cards, and hard-to-find treasures. Here are a few must-visit postcard shops in NYC:
- A View From Here: Located in the West Village, this shop specializes in vintage and modern postcards featuring iconic NYC landmarks and street scenes.
- Greetings House: This Greenwich Village shop offers a wide variety of postcards, including humorous, pop culture, and vintage designs.
- Paper Factory: This Lower East Side shop carries a diverse selection of postcards, including art postcards, travel postcards, and custom-printed cards.
- Museum Shops: Many of NYC's world-class museums have gift shops that sell postcards featuring their collections. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the American Museum of Natural History are all great places to find high-quality postcards.
Bookstores and Gift Shops
In addition to specialty postcard shops, you can also find a good selection of NYC postcards at bookstores and gift shops throughout the city. These stores often carry postcards from popular publishers and local artists. Here are a few suggestions:
- Barnes & Noble: This national bookstore chain has several locations in NYC and carries a variety of postcards, including cityscapes, landmarks, and historical views.
- The Strand: This iconic NYC bookstore is known for its vast collection of books, but it also sells a wide range of postcards, including vintage and modern designs.
- City Books: This independent bookstore in the West Village offers a curated selection of postcards featuring NYC landmarks and neighborhoods.
Online Retailers
If you can't make it to NYC in person, you can still purchase NYC postcards online from a variety of retailers. These retailers offer a convenient way to shop from the comfort of your home and often have a wider selection of postcards than local stores. Here are a few popular online retailers that sell NYC postcards:
- Amazon: This online marketplace has a vast selection of NYC postcards from various sellers, including vintage, modern, and custom-designed cards.
- Etsy: This online marketplace is a great place to find unique and handmade NYC postcards from independent artists and sellers.
- Redbubble: This online print-on-demand platform allows you to purchase NYC postcards featuring designs by independent artists.
Tips for Collecting NYC Postcards
- Start with a theme: Decide what kind of NYC postcards you're interested in collecting, such as landmarks, neighborhoods, or historical events. This will help you focus your search and build a cohesive collection.
- Look for unique and interesting designs: Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and themes. There are many beautiful and unusual NYC postcards out there, so take your time and explore the options.
- Consider the condition of the postcards: If you're collecting vintage postcards, be sure to check the condition of the cards before purchasing. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as creases, tears, or fading.
- Get involved in the postcard community: There are many online and offline communities for postcard collectors. Joining a community can be a great way to learn more about collecting, connect with other collectors, and find rare and unique postcards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to find vintage NYC postcards?
Vintage NYC postcards can be found at specialty postcard shops, antique stores, and online marketplaces. You can also try searching for vintage postcards at flea markets and estate sales.
How to preserve NYC postcards?
To preserve your NYC postcards, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. You can also use archival-quality sleeves and boxes to protect your postcards from damage.
How to create a postcard display?
There are many ways to display your NYC postcards. You can use a bulletin board, a corkboard, or a magnetic board. You can also frame your postcards and hang them on the wall.
How to write a postcard from NYC?
When writing a postcard from NYC, be sure to include the date, your name, and the recipient's address. You can also write a short message about your trip and your experiences in the city.
How to find rare and unique NYC postcards?
Rare and unique NYC postcards can be found at specialty postcard shops, online marketplaces, and postcard shows. You may also need to do some research and networking to find these types of postcards.