The Best Bookish Merch from Small Businesses

A tote bag, tie dye shirt, and sweatshirt

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and by shopping local and supporting indie bookshops, we strengthen our local economy and foster a more diverse and dynamic community.

Not only do we love indie bookshops for their amazing book curations and displays, but because of their bookish merch! From apparel to totes to candles, these goodies make great bookish gifts for book lovers, family, friends, and even for yourself. And, most importantly, every dollar helps sustain and grow a local economy.


Apparel

Libro.fm 10th anniversary tie-dye t-shirt

When you purchase our limited-edition 10th anniversary tie-dye t-shirt, $5 will go to We Need Diverse Books to support various initiatives, such as: ⁠

  • Their Books Building Bridges program, allowing WNDB to partner directly with classrooms in diversity-scarce regions to help instill compassion in American students through access to diverse bookshelves & resources.⁠
  • Providing more Bookish Care Packages to LGBTQIA+ kids and teens, to give them hope and support in the face of increased discrimination and anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation.⁠
  • Empowering more underrepresented creators via earmarked grants, memberships, & book donations. ⁠

This limited-edition t-shirt is perfect for the bibliophile or bookworm who loves to support meaningful causes.

Check out all Libro.fm merchandise

Doodle hoodie from Meet Cute Bookshop

Calling all romance readers! This lavender hoodie shows off all things that make the beloved romance bookshop unique. 

Check out all Meet Cute merchandise

Book Femme” and “Book Butch” crewnecks from The Nonbinarian Book Bike

The Nonbinarian Book Bike is a trans+ led mobile mutual aid initiative bringing LGBTQIA+ & QTBIPOC books directly to the community in Brooklyn, NY.  These crewneck sweatshirts are both cozy and supportive of an important cause.

Support their work by shopping all their merchandise

Spacegirl tee from A Room of One’s Own

Located in Madison, WI, A Room of One’s Own is a queer and trans owned feminist bookstore with the coolest bookish apparels, including this Spacegirl t-shirt. 

See more from A Room of One‘s Own

Recirculation NYC shirt from Word Up Community Bookshop

Word Up Community Bookshop in Washington Heights NYC launched the Recirculation Project to create a community space for their neighborhood and offer bilingual programming. Profits from this collection go toward the space’s upkeep and accessibility. 


Hats and Caps

Romance-lover caps from Steamy Lit Bookstore

These hats will help you show off to the world your passion for romantasy, queer romance, and spicy romance books! They’re an ideal bookish gift for the romance book fan in your life.

Explore all of their merchandise

No Plot Just Vibes” cap from Litulla

Based out of Lisbon, Portugal, Litulla began as a bookstagram account and has evolved into a community space, reader program, and more. Show off your reading pride with this corduroy cap and Check out the “Unreliable Narrator” tote bag for a matching accessory!


Totes and Bags

Book club tote bag from Annabelle’s Book Club

Carry your books with this graphic tote bag, perfect for book club fans! A YA-focused bookstore in LA, Anabelle’s Book Club is known for their fun, eye-catching designs. 

Shop all of their merchandise

Cats on buildings tote from Strand Book Store

Love cats and books? Then this tote bag from Strand Book Store in New York City is for you. They’ve launched over 100 tote bag designs since the ’80s, and can be spotted all across New York City and make a great addition to any book lover’s collection. 

See all the totes

Large tote bag from Yu and Me Books 

What reader doesn’t need an extra large tote bag to carry their TBR? This illustrated tote from Yu and Me is perfect for hauling your favorite reads, library finds, or latest bookshop haul.

Explore all of their merchandise


Accessories

Traveler’s bottle from Cafe con Libros

Cafe con Libros is an intersectional feminist bookstore and coffee shop in Brooklyn, NY. This double-wall, vacuum-insulated water bottle that doubles as a sign of bookish pride is perfect for an everyday coffee cup, or for bringing along on your latest bookish adventure.

Love Language” mug from Harriett’s Bookshop

Let everyone know that books are your true love language by using or gifting this mug from Harriett’s Bookshop, a Black woman-owned bookshop in Philadelphia, PA that honors women authors, writers, and activists.

71 Charles candle from Beacon Hill Books

Beacon Hill Books has taken the internet by storm for being a book lover’s paradise, and its merch is no exception. This custom candle has notes of rose, jasmine, and geranium. 

Shop all their merchandise, including their custom tea blends and “Main Character Energy” dog collars


Which bookshops carry your favorite bookish merch?

Let us know in the comments! 

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