Shop Local This Holiday Season
The best gift you can give your community is shopping locally. When you spend $100 at a locally-owned store, $52 stays circulating in the local economy. That’s compared to only $13 when you shop at chain stores (source: American Independent Business Alliance). To make local shopping a breeze, I walked Mass St. on a beautiful autumn day, just to curate a list of the best biblio-buys for you. It was rather selfless of me. You’re welcome.
Third Planet
Third Planet, opens a new window knocked my socks off right out of the gate! I did a complete double-take when I saw this display of book-shaped handbags and clutches. I did actually emit an audible gasp. These bags are brilliantly merchandised under a display of fuzzy slippers. Very smart!
For the cozy readers on your list, grab a warm cardigan or sweatshirt and a stuffed animal for cuddling. You could also browse Third Planet's stellar collection of mugs, perfect for a book nerd’s hot beverage of choice! In the back of the store, you'll find shelves of giftable books, but I spied this super cute, stained-glass book stack lamp that would look beautiful on any bookshelf or side table.
Third Planet offers lots of quirky options for gift packaging, like the gift bag that reads, “Just smile and say you like it.” Instead of going with gift tags this year, I’m planning to buy this “Write Me Roses” kit, so I can add a mini paper rose with a personalized message to each present. Shhh, don’t tell anyone on my list.
Before you leave Third Planet, don’t forget to participate in their Banned Book raffle. They hold a drawing for a banned book every Thursday!
The Toy Store
My top Toy Store, opens a new window picks are these super cute, stuffed books. I felt a bit called out with the shelf containing “I like my books banned,” “I like my books extra spicy”, and “I like my fantasies with impressive wingspans.” Get out of my head, Toy Store merchandisers! They also have books for readers of mysteries, thrillers, and classics.
Another sure-fire gift for the bookish person in your life is a cute bookmark. Bonus points if there's a pun baked in. Luckily, you can find a whole display upstairs at The Toy Store! “Sorry, I have enough bookmarks,” said no reader, ever. If you do manage to find a reader with too many bookmarks, try a bookish sticker. Those can always double as a bookmark!
For the crafty reader, The Toy Store has a huge selection of DIY book nook kits. Some even come with lights and sound. My favorite is this Owl Bookstore — it’s a mini bookstore on your bookshelf! Perfect.
Before I left, I asked the Magic 8-ball if I should get myself a new book while I was out today. Luckily it said, “As I see it, Yes.” Who am I to doubt that kind of wisdom?
Brits & Au Marche
Brits, opens a new window is your go-to spot when shopping for readers who love British literature. Near the front of the store they have a wide selection of merch from Winnie the Pooh, Lord of the Rings, Roald Dahl, Jane Austen and so much more. My top recommendation is the vase shaped like a stack of books, including The Secret Garden, The Wind in the Willows, and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. It is just screaming to be walked over to Jungle House Goods, opens a new window to add that perfect houseplant.
If you have a Lord of the Rings fan on your list, I highly recommend you grab a Middle Earth National Parks patch or two. Before I left, I grabbed The Shire patch from Brits and an Orangina from Au Marche, opens a new window. Selflessly. You know, for the blog.
Brits and Au Marche both offer many opportunities to elevate your gifting by adding a sweet treat or beverage. If you’re not sure of personal tastes, many of the items come in travel sizes. This year, I am a big fan of reusable packaging. Over at both Brits and Au Marche, there is a wide variety of dish towels that would make beautiful gift wraps. They have a wide selection of holiday-themed towels or everyday towels.
Wonder Fair
What can you find in a stationery store for readers? Oh, so many things. Let’s address the obvious first. If you know a reader who enjoys annotating their books, Wonder Fair, opens a new window has an endless assortment of highlighters, sticky notes, and pens. They have these super cute book sweaters to keep all your gear together.
Remember that thing I said earlier about bookmarks? Well, Wonder Fair wins the prize for funniest and most unique bookmarks on Mass St. My absolute favorite is the Bookie Cushion. Any reader will be tickled to receive a reading log notebook, ex libris bookplate, or book stamp.
For a gift that isn't right on the nose, I suggest this book shop-shaped match holder and the “Read More Books” pennant. They really got my book-loving heart pounding. These gift offerings and a Dave sighting are well worth the visit to Wonder Fair.
The Raven
I went to a bookstore — shocker, I know. There are so many great bookish gifts here! The Raven, opens a new window has an amazing selection of stickers, enamel pins, and book totes. My top pick is the bumper sticker that reads, “My other car is a large pile of books I haven’t read yet.” It has everything I’m looking for in a gift — it’s funny, it’s pretty, and it’s true.
For the person on your list who is a lover of classics, I direct you to the Literary Oracle: A Guide To the Hidden Lore of Classic Literature, a beautifully illustrated deck of 55 cards featuring classic literary archetypes. For the more competitive bibliophile, a box of Literary Charades should do the trick. An honorable mention at The Raven is the Independent Book Store puzzle. It's one of those puzzles you can complete multiple times!
Ruff House
Another stationery store? Yes. Ruff House, opens a new window makes shopping easy by placing all the bookish items on one shelf! The “Sorry I’m Booked” notepad is sure to win over the most difficult person on your list. But don't sleep on this 2026 planner — the cat already beat you to it.
The Dusty Bookshelf
Last, but certainly not least, don’t skip Dusty, opens a new window! Their selection of stickers and totes are top-tier, but my hands-down, must-have for gift-giving this year are the “Read More Books” cups. Pair this with a gift card to a local coffee sho,p and you’ve just achieved top gifter status!
Buying books for someone else can be tricky, but not here. The Dusty Bookshelf, opens a new window has mystery bags filled with staff-curated titles that are sure to delight. Check the tag to see what genre is included in each bag.
Now that you’re armed with the top bookish buys, what will you grab on your next downtown outing?
—Angela Hyde is the LPLFF Program Coordinator at Lawrence Public Library.
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