Ultimate gift guide to shopping local bookstores in Huntsville + beyond

Bookwyrm 2 — The Bookwyrm is a favorite for used books and more in South Huntsville. (Ben Johnson)

Want to give a gift someone will hold forever? Reading leaves us with stories, knowledge and sometimes even escapes into fictional worlds for a time. While we are big proponents of digital reading (as you are now), the tangible book format is just so wonderful for many purposes—especially when gift-giving.

Read on for our book shopping and gift giving tips and a guide to bookstores in Huntsville and surrounding towns.

Local bookstores quick reference

Shopping for people who love books

Highway 72 — 2nd & Charles thrives on its trade-in system in which old books, CDs and more can go to new homes. (Cooper Smitherman / Hville Blast)

Choose with care, and a book may be the most thoughtful gift you give, and the most special your friend or loved one receives. For giver or receiver, here’s why books make such great gifts:

Thoughtfulness: Show you know the person with a novel, memoir or coffee-table book that aligns with their interests.
Sentimentality: Beyond the title or type you choose, you can also inscribe it or add a handwritten note or bookmark.
Perfect Size: Most books are relatively small + unlike clothing, there’s no guesswork about the fit.

Tips for gift shopping at local bookstores

Booklegger Used Books back to school. — Booklegger Used Books (Booklegger Used Books / Facebook)

I can’t tell you how many last-minute wins I have found in bookstores while wrapping up Christmas shopping. While they’re built for browsing, they’re also awesome in a time pinch, usually clearly organized by topic, so you can jump right to the sections you need.

Here are a few more tips to make your bookstore gift shopping most efficient:

📚 Get staff recommendations
🎁 Check the gift sections for things beyond books
🛍️ Bundle a gift card with a smaller item

Best gifts to buy at local bookstores

Inside of antiques store in Huntsville — Books fill our minds with stories and our spaces with color. (McCarley Northway / Hville Blast)

Bookstores typically carry a lot more inventory than books. Even better, local bookstores are likely to have more unique gift items you’re not likely to find anywhere else.

Here are some suggestions for the different types of people who may still be lingering on your holiday shopping lists:

📖 Avid readers: New releases, signed copies or special editions
✍️ Writers: Journals, planners, pens, book lights + desk accessories
🍳 Cooks + Bakers: Cookbooks, chef memoirs, foodie coffee table books + food-focused travel books
🧩 Problem Solvers: Puzzles, trivia games, brain teasers + activity books
🧒 Kids + Young Families: Picture books, early readers, chapter books, educational toys + games
🎨 Artists + Designers: Art history books, photography collections + beautifully designed books that double as décor
🌍 Local History Fans: Books by regional authors on Alabama-focused history, culture + nature

Guide to local bookstores in Huntsville + surrounding towns

Madison’s Blue Apple Books is a sister company to gift and home decor shop South & Pine next door. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

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