The culture of reading has evolved to be more than physical books or e-books themselves. With the rise of reading, the concept of books has branched out into the world of book merchandise. Readers can now accompany items or possessions through the stories they read. It can build a stronger connection to the story and enhance their relationship with the characters by having a piece that ties them to the narrative.
Many buy merchandise for their favorite series to pay homage to the series and showcase their love for the book. Others view the buying of book merchandise as more of a social currency that has run rampant on social media and online book platforms. There are many companies in the book world today that offer book subscriptions, which include a chosen book, as well as book merchandise that correlates with that book or other related books. Everywhere you turn, there is merchandise for books, and knowing what to buy can be slightly overwhelming, but we are here to help. Here are eight must-have bookish merchandise items and where to find them.
Bookish Clothing
For romance readers and readers of all types, bookish clothing is the perfect way to show off your love for a particular book or book series. Whether it is a sweatshirt, a t-shirt, or even a long-sleeve shirt, shops have everything you will ever need. Whether you opt for a simple design based on the book or one that is specifically inspired by it, you can’t go wrong. Shops like Etsy, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, The Strand Bookstore, and The Ripped Bodice offer a variety of book-related clothing options to meet your needs. Etsy artist kawarthawooddesigns creates her merchandise with book audience in mind, allowing them to have a shirt right from Cousins Beach. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong with an item that aligns with your books.
Specialty Bookmarks
Looking for something special to hold your place in your book? Specialty bookmarks are the perfect fix. Offered almost everywhere, you can get a bookmark that is perfect for the book you are reading. From metal bookmarks to plastic ones with book series designs, to even wood ones that are artistically designed to be a part of your book. Shops that offer these specialty bookmarks include Etsy, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Books-A-Million, and Powell’s Books. Ditch your book receipts and scraps of paper, and get a bookmark that is a part of your book, showcasing its beautiful design.
Scene Setting Book Candles
Have you ever wanted to experience the surroundings in your book or know what some characters smell like? Readers just like ourselves have created book candles that can bring the setting of a book to life with a simple spark of a match. Candles can be made for books after their specific lands/setting, main male characters, and side characters. These candles can help immerse you in the story and make you feel as if you are inside it while reading. Shops and subscriptions that offer these candles include The Bookish Shop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Etsy, The Strand, and The Ripped Bodice Bookstore. You can never have too many candles, and these just make the reading experience come to life.
Fantasy Journals
In classic Fantasy fashion, journals have been created to fit more of a magical look so that they can transport you inside the world. Be prepared to write down some spells or generate a map to take you on your special journey. Writers and artists can now feel as if they are a part of their story with leather-bound journals that can feel more authentic. This fan merchandise can be versatile and open to any genre, making it a helpful item for everyday use. You can find these specialty-designed journals with subtle designs at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Etsy, The Strand, Powell’s Books, Books-A-Million, author websites, and The Ripped Bodice. This is the perfect gift or merch for readers who find themselves entranced in fantasy worlds and want their own journals like their heroes.
Booklover Stickers
Stickers at any age can feel like a prize and achievement. As an added bonus, stickers are designed for your books and can be placed just about anywhere. From holographic to sayings to characters and even book-specific stickers, you can find just about anything to fit your mood. Specialty stickers can come in packs of 10 or more and can be designed specifically for each genre of book.
These stickers are best shared with friends or even book clubs that are reading the same book. Share the power of reading with a small piece of the story. Stickers can be found anywhere you buy books, like Barnes & Noble, Powell Books, Amazon, Books-A-Million, The Ripped Bodice, and The Strand. If you are looking for something directly from an artist that reflects the books themselves, consider Etsy. Relive your child-like wonder with book-related stickers.
Decorative Book Sleeves
Tired of damaged or dull book covers? Decorative book sleeves can add a touch of design and style to your book while protecting it from physical damage. These sleeves are an easy and protective piece of book merch that can add a little extra color and piece of your story to your life. Shops like Etsy, The Bookish Shop, Books-A-Million, and Barnes and Noble carry a multitude of designs that cater to any reader while providing the added security of protecting their books. Be sure to take care of your books and add a little pop of color to make your books that much better.
Comfy Book Blankets
The perfect recipe for a reader is a book, a blanket, and a cup of tea. To make that experience even better, consider replacing your regular blanket with a book blanket. With different designs of book sayings, book community sayings, book characters, and many more, you can capture the community set inside books. Book blankets add the extra little sparkle to a reader’s life and can be as subtle or as decorative as you prefer. You can pick up your book blanket at Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, Amazon, and Etsy. Designs can carry across fandoms and bring to life the stories many hold dear to them.
Book Inspired Fan Art
Have you wondered what your favorite characters look like or what a particular scene would be like if it came to life? Fan art created by artists around the country brings to life the books that many love to read, creating a snapshot of the book. While books themselves are art, the prints and designs made to represent characters or places in books bring art to a new level. You can find just about any book or book character made by an artist, and whatever you can’t find, others can make for you. Etsy artist TheGraceShack creates unique artwork for various book series, bringing to life the images we envision when we read. Bring your characters and book settings to life off the page in a tribute art piece created by fellow readers and artists. You can find fan art in The Bookish Shop, Etsy, and author websites. Capture your characters in real life with artwork by fans of book fandoms across the spectrum.
Books are a part of a community full of readers and artists that fall hopelessly in love with the written word. Bring to life the magic of books outside of themselves and into merchandise that can give you a chance to relive your favorite story. Countless shops and artists create beautiful designs and pieces, allowing us, as readers, to showcase our love for books and their power to change our lives. Give yourself the chance to live inside your book with these specialty book merchandise items.
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If you are looking for some book recommendations, check out our Bookstr Book Club bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
