5 Unique Bookish Stores Every Bibliophile Needs to Bookmark

The first time I stumbled upon one of these bookish stores, I was searching for a gift for a friend who, like me, lives and breathes literature. I discovered a candle that smelled like the 221B Baker Street – yup, Sherlock and Watson’s base of operation. Holding it, I realized these weren’t just items; they were portals to the worlds we’d visited in pages and on screen.

bookish stores

What are Bookish Stores?

Bookish stores are treasure troves for those of us who want to wear our book hearts on our sleeves—quite literally. These magical establishments sell not books, but the essence of stories themselves: a sweatshirt emblazoned with quotes from Jane Austen, vases shaped like dragons from high fantasy epics, clothing patterned after maps of fictional realms, subscription boxes curated to surprise you with a mix of literary-themed tea, candles, and more.

I’ll add that the merch in these bookish stores are not just from books; you’ll find masterpieces that pay homage to our some of our favourite screen gems, both big and small. Their popularity has skyrocketed among readers and literature fans for a simple reason: they allow us to showcase our literary and pop culture passions in our everyday lives, connecting us to the stories that have touched our hearts and to fellow nerds who understand that joy.

Who Are Bookish Stores For?

Bookish stores are more than just retail spaces; they’re havens for personal expression and community support. Each purchase is an opportunity to fly your nerd flag high, whether it’s through a tote bag featuring your favourite feminist quotes or a cosy sweater embroidered with the iconic imagery of your most-cherished fantasy novel. This personalization extends beyond mere fashion or décor; it’s about finding a piece of your identity in the items you choose, celebrating your favourite books or genres in ways that are uniquely yours.

Moreover, every time you make a purchase from these bookish stores, you’re not just acquiring a new treasure for your collection; you’re supporting a vibrant community of artists and fellow literature lovers. These creators pour their hearts into crafting items that resonate with fans, often working as small businesses or independent artisans. Your purchases help sustain their efforts, allowing them to continue doing what they love while fostering a sense of connection and support within the literary community. It’s a beautiful cycle of appreciation and acknowledgment, where your love for books and pop culture helps keep the magic of storytelling alive, both on and off the pages.

Tips for Shopping at Bookish Stores:

Social Media: Here’s a little insider advice to make your journey even more rewarding. First up, follow your favourite bookish stores on social media. This isn’t just about scrolling; it’s your secret pass to flash sales, exclusive offers, and the launch of coveted collections that resonate with your literary heart.

Read Reviews: Next, never underestimate the power of community feedback. Reading reviews about bookish stores you’re just discovering isn’t only about ensuring quality; it’s about seeing how a piece resonates with fellow book lovers. Does that candle really smell like Sherlock’s study? Only one way to find out.

Check for custom Orders: Lastly, for those of us who cherish a personal touch, many bookish stores offer custom orders. Dreaming of a necklace with a quote from your go-to comfort read? Just ask. These stores thrive on making your literary dreams come to life, offering a slice of personalization that makes each item uniquely yours. Happy shopping!

List of Bookish Stores

1. Storiarts

Where style meets literature. Every Storiarts purchase helps kids worldwide learn to read, write, & create.

Storiarts is definitely one of my absolute favourite bookish stores. Based in the U.S., this haven for bibliophiles ships internationally, ensuring no book lover is left out. Imagine wrapping yourself in a cosy, literary-themed scarf or jotting down your musings in a gorgeous, handcrafted notebook. Storiarts isn’t just about bringing our favourite stories to life through their beautiful accessories and home decor; they’re also about giving back, with a portion of their sales supporting literacy programs. Whether you’re searching for that perfect, heartfelt gift or treating yourself, Storiarts is a treasure trove where every purchase feels like a contribution to the larger story of promoting reading and education worldwide. Trust me, visiting Storiarts is like stepping into a storybook dream come true!

What’s on offer: Stationary, Apparel (for adults and babies!), home décor and more

Shipping: Worldwide

2. BiblioBloom

Nestled in pages, bursting in blooms. Elegant Décor for Literary and floral enthusiasts.

Bibliobloom speaks directly to my soul because 1. I love books, and 2. I love flowers. Perfect combo!

Bibliobloom offers Elegant Décor for Literary and floral enthusiasts. Beyond the usual apparel and prints, they offer these incredibly unique book shaped acrylic and ceramic vases featuring books covers from the classics: The Great Gatsby, Alice in Wonderland, Pride and Prejudice, Romeo and Juliet, just to name a few. They are designed to slot perferctly into your bookshelf, or just display as prize pieces on on your mantlepiece – your choice. each item tells its own story, perfect for gifting or adding a touch of literary charm to your own space. Their selection is carefully curated, ensuring you find something that resonates, whether it’s for you or a fellow book lover. It’s that thoughtful approach that sets Bibliobloom apart. So, if you’re hunting for a place to snag a gift or just want to treat yourself, this bookish stores’ defo worth a look. Trust me, it’s literally like browsing through a friend’s well-loved bookshelf—full of surprises and familiar comforts.

What’s on offer: Acrylic and Ceramic Vases, Acrylic, Flower and Paper Bookmarks

Shipping: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Belgium 

3. And She Reads

From bookish fandoms to mythology, academia and tons more

Discover & She Reads, a vibrant, Latina-owned boutique from sunny South Florida. This unique bookish shop offers a blend of reading and arts, with a product range that extends from charming bookmarks to stylish apparel, perfect for any literature enthusiast. Their ‘Blind Date with a Book’ option stands out, offering a surprise read that’s ideal for gifting or a personal treat. Their commitment to mixing bookish fandoms, mythology, and academia into their collections makes each item a treasure. Whether you’re indulging your own passions or searching for a special gift, & She Reads promises a delightful and meaningful shopping experience.

Shipping: Worldwide

5. Library Lights

From bookish fandoms to mythology, academia and tons more

If you’re on the hunt for a unique spot to find gifts for book lovers or to treat yourself, let me introduce you to Library Lights. This charming store offers an array of hand-poured candles inspired by beloved literary worlds, perfect for setting the mood during your next reading session. With scents ranging from District 12, Panem to Stars Hollow, each candle promises to whisk you away to your favorite fictional places. Yes, this is where I got my 221B Baker Street candle, they ship worldwide! Not just a treat for the nose, these candles serve as beautiful decor and heartfelt gifts for any bibliophile. Dive into Library Lights for a truly novel gift shopping experience.

What’s on offer: Candles, Reed Diffusers

Shipping: Worldwide

6. Lit Love

From bookish fandoms to mythology, academia and tons more

Imagine discovering a magical subscription box that fuels your literary passion month after month – welcome to Lit Love Box!  It is a monthly subscription box for people who love to read! Each box is a curated surprise of the latest novels, exclusive bookish goodies, and delightful treats. What sets them apart from a regular subscription box merchants is that you have the option to curate your own box – yup! Just pick and choose from their selection of delights, chuck them in the box, and enjoy your spoils. They are based in BC, Canada and currently only ship to the U.S. and Canada. But if you’re lucky enough to be based in any of these countries, then gift treat yourself, or a friend. Your future self (or bestie) will thank you.

What’s on offer: Books, Bath and Body Goodies, Candles and Snacks, Wearables

Shipping: Canada, US

Why we love Bookish Stores?

Once upon a less digital era, bookish stores were whispered secrets among us nerds, hidden in the quaint corners of cities or tucked away at fan conventions. I remember there was a time discovering a bag or even a button from my favourite book was akin to striking gold! However these niche markets, fueled by the love and creativity of small artisans, have since blossomed into vibrant online communities, offering a global stage for their unique wares. It’s a testament to how the internet has transformed our access to the things we love, turning what was once a hunt for rare finds into a rich, easily navigable literary marketplace.

So, what makes these bookish stores so irresistible? Imagine owning a piece of your favorite fictional world—a candle that fills your room with the scent of Gatsby’s lavish parties, or a purse inscribed with your favorite motivational quote from Maya Angelou. These unique, often handmade items are crafted with care, designed to cater to every type of book lover. Whether you’re a fantasy fanatic, a classic literature buff, or somewhere in between, there’s something for you.

The range of products is a testament to the creativity and passion of the artisans behind them. You can find literary-themed candles that evoke the ambiance of ancient libraries, bookmarks that mark your place in style, t-shirts that lets you wear your literary heart on your sleeve, and home décor that turns your living space into a reflection of your literary tastes. Subscription boxes surprise you monthly with a curated mix of items that might include tea blends reminiscent of fictional locations, beautifully designed notebooks, or exclusive prints by artists.

But what benefits do these treasures offer? Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they foster a sense of belonging to a community of like-minded individuals. They’re conversation starters, allowing us to express our personalities and passions in tangible forms. They’re also a source of inspiration, reminding us of the stories that have shaped our perspectives and encouraging us to embrace the adventure of reading. In essence, the items bookish stores offer enrich our lives, blending the magic of books with the reality of our everyday existence.

Wrap up

In the heart of every book lover lies a deep-seated desire to bring their favourite stories into the real world. That’s where bookish stores shine, offering not just products, but pieces of worlds we’ve lost ourselves in. From vases shaped like Hogwarts to tea blends that would make Jane Austen proud, these shops turn our literary dreams into tangible treasures. It’s where our beloved pages meet our personal spaces.

Have we missed any? Share your favourite bookish stores in the comments section below, and we’ll add it to the list. Happy hunting!

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