Meet Shelly Ulaj Presser, the heart and soul behind Albana Books and Toys. Though she introduces herself as Shqype, she’s been known as Shelly since kindergarten. Born in the U.S. to Albanian parents, Shelly’s life is a beautiful blend of Albanian and Jewish cultures.
Her childhood was deeply rooted in Albanian traditions, from speaking the language at home to savoring home-cooked meals daily, complete with bread and feta cheese. Her family hails from Malesia in Montenegro, a place close to her heart, thanks to the unforgettable summers spent there with her beloved family.
Shelly’s Albanian heritage is a significant part of her identity, from the food and music to the language and traditions. The birth of her daughter, Stella, was a turning point, making it crucial for Shelly to pass on these rich traditions and values. She found a few books while looking for Albanian and bilingual children’s books but yearned for more. This gap in the market inspired her to create her line of culturally enriching bilingual children’s books and plush dolls for Albanian children and to share this wealth with non-Albanian families as well.
Albana Books and Toys was born from a vision to bring Albanian culture into children’s lives, aiming to foster a connection with their heritage and provide diverse books and toys for non-Albanian children. The brand doesn’t just teach the Albanian language; it enriches children’s upbringing with cultural representation, offering toys and books that reflect their identity. The idea is simple yet profound: introducing a doll in traditional Albanian attire or a book that mirrors their culture can make children feel seen and valued.
The onset of the pandemic was a pivotal moment for Shelly. Confined at home with a burning desire to immerse her daughter in the Albanian culture, she embraced her entrepreneurial spirit. She established Albana Books and Toys in August 2020.
Shelly believed if she was in search of such products, other parents must be too. Today, she is thrilled to share her vision and products, driven by the inspiration her two daughters, Stella and Zana, bring into her life. She hopes families will enjoy these books and toys, using them as a bridge to connect with their Albanian roots through literacy and play.
Shelly’s first book, “I Am, Unë Jam,” is a children’s book that champions words of affirmation, beautifully weaving the Albanian language with universal themes of strength and self-acceptance.
Shelly Ulaj Presser’s story is not just about creating a business; it’s about the love for one’s culture and the desire to pass on this rich heritage to the next generation. Albana Books and Toys is a testament to her dedication, inviting families to explore and embrace their Albanian heritage in a world where representation truly matters.
Check out Albana Books and Toys here. As of October 2026, its website says the shop is on a business sabbatical and aims to reopen in 2027, with updates posted on Instagram at @albanabooksandtoys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Albana Books and Toys?
Shelly Ulaj Presser, a US-born daughter of Albanian parents whose family comes from Malesia in Montenegro, founded Albana Books and Toys in August 2020.
What does Albana Books and Toys make?
The brand creates bilingual Albanian and English children’s books and plush dolls that reflect Albanian culture, for Albanian and non-Albanian families alike.
What was Shelly Ulaj Presser’s first book?
Her first book, “I Am, Unë Jam,” is a children’s book of words of affirmation in Albanian and English.
Author: Val Demiri
Valbona is an editor and writer at ALB Connection, where she covers the people, businesses, and culture shaping the Albanian diaspora. A journalism graduate of the University of Iowa, her work spans community profiles, success stories, and features on Albanian life across the US, Europe, and beyond. She is drawn to stories that celebrate Albanian achievement and keep the community connected across borders.
