Books
This Saturday, Indie Bookstore Day, is a day that all book-lovers look forward to. Independent book stores serve such a vital role in our communities, from personalized recommendations to intimate events with authors and illustrators, to a curated selection of only the best books. While all book stores are necessary and needed, the difference between shopping a chain store and an indie is undeniable... And this Saturday, April 29, will only go further into cementing your local store as your ultimate favorite. Events are taking place at over 450 stores throughout the U.S. and each one will offer different reasons to attend. Some will have cocktail hours, others will have signings, still others will have parties and giveaways.
But the best part of Indie Bookstore Day is definitely all of the exclusive books and merch you can get your hands on. All of the participating stores will carry different merch, so be sure to call your local favorites ahead of time to see what they've got on hand (you can check out which stores in your area are participating on this handy map.) We've compiled all of the limited items you can grab this Saturday below. Mark your favorites and your must-haves, and get your game plan ready.
1
'Kindred Spirits' by Rainbow Rowell
Once only available in the UK as an exclusive for World Book Day, Rowell's short story will be available, in gorgeous hardcover, at some participating book stores for free this Saturday. The story follows Star Wars fangirl Elena as she waits online outside her local movie theater to see the new movie. She's expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does. What she's not expecting is to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels.
Retail Price: FREE, so grab it while you can!
2
'Welcome To Night Vale' Vinyl Record
If you're a Welcome to Night Vale fan, this purple vinyl needs to be in your collection. It features highlights from the audiobook and exclusive commentary, as well as a full-length digital download of the audiobook.
Retail Price: $24.95
3
An Original Art Print By Jenny Lawson
This gorgeous print by beloved humor writer Jenny Lawson (author of Let's Pretend This Never Happened and Furiously Happy) would look gorgeous on any wall in your home, especially above your bookshelves.
Retail Price: $17.99
4
A Literary Map Of The United States
Who doesn't love a good literary map? This one is set up like a reading list of America, with each state carrying the title and author of a book, from the classic to the more obscure. You can hang it up and pin each one as you read them.
Retail Price: $42.00
5
'An Author's Best Friend' Pouch
OK, it's probably true that you own too many pouches, but that doesn't mean you don't need this poochy edition. Just try to look at Basket Stein without dissolving into a fit of cute-enduced lit-themed giggles.
Retail Price: $14.00
6
Literary Condoms
Because...why the hell not?
Retail Price: $3.99
7
'Bad Citizen' Stencil
Every year, the people behind Indie Bookstore Day create a "Bad Citizen" graffiti stencil that highlights the authors and ideas that push us all to read and think more intesely and broadly than ever before. This year's features a quote from professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr.
Retail Price: $35.00
8
Literary Tea Towels
We all need tea towels, right? Why not make them these pretty literary quotes ones? Because if there's every a quote everyone could relate to, it's one about the importance of dining well, am I right?
Retail Price: $22.00
9
A Limited Edition Signed Story By Michael Chabon
This never-before-seen short story was cut from Chabon's newest novel, Moonglow. It's a hilarious story about the half-baked plan to catch a German spy via the well-connected Jewish members of Philadelphia's underbelly in the 1940s. It's fast, funny and any Chabon fan needs it on their shelves.
Retail Price: $6.00
10
'A Literary Cocktail Party: Favorite Drinks From Our Favorite Writers' By Various Authors
This fun and useful book contains witty anecdotes and cocktail recipes from some of our favorite contemporary writers, including Sloane Crosley and Emma Straub.
Retail Price: $16.99
11
An 'Elephant & Piggie' Onesie
Have a new baby in your life? They need this adorable Elephant & Piggie onesie. Not only will you be the awesome friend/family member who encourages their love of reading super-young, you'll be insuring they look super-cute while doing it.
Retail Price: $22.00
12
The 'Got Character?' Card Game
Another great grab for the kids in your life is this card game featuring beloved Macmillan characters like The Pout-Pout Fish and Little Elliott.
Retail Price: FREE, so run to your local children's bookstore for this one.
13
A Limited Edition Signed Oliver Jeffers Print
Oliver Jeffers' art is beloved by children and adults alike, and this gorgeous signed print (of which only 1000 were made) is a gorgeous grab for any lover of books.
Retail Price: $29.99
14
Indie Bookstore Day Merch
If you can't make it out to the stores on Saturday, you can still grab a little piece of the event by grabbing Indie Bookstore Day swag online. There are t-shirts and tote bags just dying to be worn, but act fast as they're selling out quickly.
Retail Price: $12.00 for a tote; $16.00 for a t-shirt
