Wandering through a local bookstore, filling a canvas tote bag with well-loved treasures while sipping a warm latte is one of the loveliest experiences. Sure, shopping at big-name retailers is convenient, but if you get the chance, you should definitely check out the independent bookstores in your state [1] (New Yorkers have soooo many good ones) for the quintessential charming, personal experience (just watch You've Got Mail if you don't know what I mean.) While getting a gift card for books or treating a book-lover in your life to the next novel on their list [2] is nice, you could also give your bookworm [3] friends really cool swag from some of the most iconic local bookstores this holiday season. How else will they be able to share their love of charming books and unique shops than by carrying a tote bag from The Strand in New York [4] or wearing a shirt from Powell's Books in Oregon? BTW, all of these stores will ship their cool merch, so don't worry if you don't live super close to one. Check out a few of our favourite independent-bookstore gifts ahead!
Powell’s Flyer Tee
Represent Powell's Books, based in Portland, with this Powell's Flyer Tee [5] ($25). It features the Powell's City of Books logo along with a book with wings as a reminder that reading causes your imagination to soar!
Powell’s Kitty of Books Tote Bag
Carry all your beloved books (or cats, no judging) in this Powell's Kitty of Books Tote Bag [6] ($7). Cats, succulents, books, and the Powell's name? It's perfect.
Read Rise Resist Tee
Reading makes you more aware of the world around you (in all of its flaws), which is why we love Powell's Read Rise Resist Tee [7] ($20). Educate yourself, take a political stand, and show the world how you read and stand up for your beliefs.
Books Are Magic Mug
Coffee, tea, water, and anything else tastes better inside this Books Are Magic Mug [8] ($17), featuring the logo from this Brooklyn bookstore.
Books Are Magic Lightning Tee
We love this simple Books Are Magic logo on the Books Are Magic Lightning Tee [9] ($22), featuring a nod to Harry Potter [10] with its mini lightning bolt.
Large Tote Lost in the Stacks
Get lost in the stacks of books at the Strand or at home with this amazing Large Tote Lost in the Stacks [13] ($28).
Women & Children First Grey Tote Bag
Represent the amazing feminist indie bookstore, Women & Children First, based out of Chicago, with this Gray Tote Bag [14] ($16) featuring a woman reading.
Half Price Books Fight Evil, Read Books Beanie
In cold weather, this Half Price Books Fight Evil, Read Books Beanie [15] ($19) will look so good on a book lover's head! And, how awesome is that slogan, "Fight Evil, Read Books"?
Book People Book Worm Sticker
This Book People Book Worm Sticker [16] ($3) features two fists with the words "Book Worm" written on the knuckles. It's a fun way to represent this quirky Austin, Texas, bookstore and your love of books!
Literati Mug
Literati, an Ann Arbor, MI, bookstore, has the coolest old-fashioned typewriter logo! Writers especially will love this Literati Mug [17] ($10) in black and white, featuring the typewriter on the front.
Literati Unisex Sweatshirt
Stay warm this winter with this Literati Unisex Sweatshirt [18] ($40). It's grey with the black typewriter logo on the front.