About Us

A Brooklyn Story, 50 Years in the Making

Hello and welcome! In 1976, Dennis — a former machine shop operator — and Ria — a former seamstress — took a leap of faith and opened their own business right here in the heart of Brooklyn. They called it 86th St. Card & Gift Stop, a cozy card shop nestled in the heart of Bensonhurst!

Back then, selling on the internet wasn't even a thought. It was a neighborhood shop, built on handshakes, familiar faces, and the kind of warmth you only find in a true family business.

A Famous Corner

In 1988, Dennis and Ria moved across the street to their current location — right next door to Lenny's Pizzeria, the very spot where John Travolta filmed the iconic opening scene of Saturday Night Fever in the mid-seventies. It's a little piece of Brooklyn history, and we're proud to be part of it.

A Hallmark Legacy

The new location opened as a Hallmark Gold Crown Shop, a designation that reflects a commitment to quality, selection, and service. Over the decades, the store evolved with the times, and today it has grown into a thriving online gift destination — bringing that same Brooklyn heart to customers across the country.

Our Values, From Day One

From the very beginning, Dennis instilled in the shop a spirit of friendliness, familiarity, and integrity. Every customer who walked through the door was greeted with a warm hello and a genuine smile. Our staff carried that tradition every single day — and we carry it into our online store too.

Whether you're browsing for a birthday gift, a holiday surprise, or something truly special, you'll find the same care and attention here that Brooklyn neighbors have counted on for nearly 50 years.

Giving Back ❤️

Giving back has always been part of who we are. With your continued support, we are proud to donate to our favorite charities for every purchase you make on our website at www.rias.ws — through Pledgeling's GiveNGrow app. A portion of each sale goes directly to the following causes:

• Adopt A Pet
• Cure Alzheimer's Fund
• American Diabetes Association
• American Kidney Fund
• TACA — Talk About Cure for Autism
• Educate the Children
• Pledgeling Heart Disease Fund
• International Society for Children with Cancer
• Lupus Foundation of America
• Mommy Has Breast Cancer
• ALS Association
• Wounded Warrior Project

Every order you place helps make a difference. Thank you for shopping with purpose! ❤️

Visit our Charity page to learn more about the organizations we love and support.

Thank You

Thank you for being part of the Ria's Gift Shop family — whether you've been with us since 1976 or just found us today. We're grateful for every customer, every order, and every smile we get to be a part of.

With warmth from Brooklyn,
Angelos & the Ria's Gift Shop Family