About Us
Welcome to The Cat's Eye, a cozy independent bookstore and gift shop located in the Jersey City Heights. We specialize in curated fiction and nonfiction, children's books, greeting cards, stationery, handcrafted jewelry, and thoughtful small gifts.
Our shop blends the charm of childhood bookshops with modern design, creating a warm space for readers and families in the Heights. If you're searching for a local bookstore, children's bookshop, or unique gift shop in Jersey City. The Cat's Eye has something special for you.
Our Mission:
The Cat’s Eye exists to bring the warmth, wonder, and creativity of beloved childhood bookshops into a modern neighborhood setting. We aim to make books, craft, and community accessible to all by offering intentional curation, inclusive stories, and a welcoming space to slow down and explore.
We celebrate the artistry of both storytelling and handmade craft—pairing books with stationery, jewelry, and gifts chosen with a maker’s eye. Our mission is to build a space where people of all ages can discover something meaningful, feel connected, and return again and again.
Our Values:
Curated With Care
We select books, children’s literature, and gifts with intention—focusing on diverse voices, independent presses, and work that sparks curiosity and joy.
Craft & Creativity
Rooted in a background in jewelry and metalsmithing, we emphasize craftsmanship, artistry, and objects made with heart and skill.
Inclusion & Representation
We believe every reader deserves to see themselves in stories. Our shelves uplift underrepresented voices and reflect the richness of our community.
Community First
The Cat’s Eye is a neighborhood gathering space—warm, welcoming, and designed for people to gather, browse, and feel at home.
Wonder & Discovery
We honor the magic of childhood libraries and bookshops by creating an environment where discovery feels natural and delightful.
Integrity & Thoughtful Retail
We value slow, meaningful commerce—supporting small makers, ethical production, and local partners whenever possible.
About the Founder
Adriana Calderon is the founder of The Cat’s Eye, an independent bookstore and community space in Jersey City Heights. A Latin immigrant and lifelong reader, she grew up spending hours in libraries and neighborhood bookshops—places that sparked her imagination and shaped her love of stories.
Before opening The Cat’s Eye, Adriana spent over five years working in operations, managing logistics, inventory, and large-scale retail partnerships. She also worked in the jewelry world and trained as a metalsmith, an experience that deepened her appreciation for craftsmanship, detail, and design.
The Cat’s Eye brings together all of her worlds: a love of books, a respect for the maker community, and a belief that small, thoughtfully designed spaces can make a neighborhood feel more connected. Adriana’s mission is to build a shop that feels warm, creative, and welcoming—just like the places she loved as a child.