As a small publisher whose job is to make books, I wanted to share some of my favorite ways to purchase books.
I think books can make the best gifts. Whether you're shopping for a child or an adult, you can almost always find a book that makes you think of that person. I love it when when I find a title so specifically perfect for someone that I just have to pick it up for them.
If you want to buy books for people on your list, but like me, are not wild about buying them on Amazon — or at most big box stores — this post is for you.
There are plenty of great places to purchase books, on- and offline. You might think that Amazon is the only easy option, but there are a lot more fun places to get your books, even last minute!
In no particular order, here are a few of my favorites:
1. Your closest local bookstore! If you don't know whether you have an independent bookshop near you, you can find out at indiebound.org thanks to the American Booksellers Association. My closest shop is M Judson Booksellers, pictured below.
These shops will happily recommend a title for anyone on your list. The more specific your request, the better!
2. Even non-book retailers understand that books make great gifts, so look for a curated selection of titles at most small boutiques and gift shops. Their job is to know what people might like, so ask them! Even coffee shops will sometimes carry a selection of books or have pop up bookstores. I wrote more about this here.
This option is also a great shortcut to finding the perfect gift for someone. Does your person love plants? Visit a plant shop, and see if they have any books on their shelves. Your person likes coffee or tea? What type of books does your coffee shop have on display?
Here are a few of my books at Page & Post in Greenville, a fantastic source for cards and stationery — and also a place to find books that card and stationery people would love!
3. For folks who prefer shopping online, there are a variety of great alternatives to buying books on Amazon.
First up is bookshop.org. In addition to being a great storefront where a portion of every purchase goes to indie bookstores — many readers and shops curate reading lists there which I’ve found can be super helpful!
4. Buy directly from the publisher, especially small independent publishers like Good Printed Things, Loblolly Press, or Microcosm Publishing. Every sale means so much and helps us keep doing what we’re doing. Many of us also have gift card options that allow your recipient to choose their own books if you can’t decide what they’d like best.
5. Book fairs and festivals. Visit a book fair like one of these and buy directly from authors, publishers, and booksellers! Maybe you even bring your gift recipient with you and make a fun day of it together.
6. Don't forget secondhand! Browse your local thrift stores – our local Goodwill opened a used bookstore called Second Story which I love, especially for kids books.
You can also find secondhand books in Little Free Libraries, or look at online sources like ebay.com for rare books or thriftbooks.com. (Pro tip: be aware that Thriftbooks titles have a really annoying sticker on every spine, so while I might buy books for myself here, I don't usually purchase gifts from their site).
Happy book shopping! And don’t forget to pick out something for yourself while you’re at it. 😉