The best book, hobby & craft shops in Polk County

“Whether you need textbooks without the runaround, a Drake Nike crew, a Griff II plush for the desk, or tailgate-ready swag from The Drake Relays Collection, Bulldog Shop: Drake University handles it. They even stock Apple audio, home and car decals, and graduation gifts when it's time to flex that diploma.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, October 7, 2026

“Mayhem Collectibles Inc has served the Ames and Des Moines areas for over 30 years with a deep selection, from new and back-issue comics and manga to board, card, roleplaying, and miniature games, plus Funko POPs and supplies.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 4, 2026

“Divine Treasures Inc is a neighborhood spot for faith-focused books, beautiful figurines, meaningful jewelry, and the kind of gifts that actually get used, not dusted.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Ratt’s Underground Records LLC is a family-run spot for new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and vintage pop culture collectibles, with every record ultrasonically cleaned and play-tested. They buy your band tees and music stash for cash, source from local collectors, and keep events and sales rolling.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Choices is a local Christian book store with shelves of new releases and classics, Bibles in multiple translations, kids' favorites, music, DVDs, gifts, and church supplies. Their engraving center personalizes Bibles, wood ornaments, even silicone baby bibs, so gifting gets delightfully easy.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Enchanted Mystical Boutique is the spot for locally made mystical gifts, crystals, jewelry, and tarot cards, plus readings from owner Anu, who’s been at it for over 30 years. Head over when you need clarity, a class, or just a pocket stone that feels like a tiny pep talk.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Ankeny’s own Walls of Books keeps the shelves packed with new and used reads, plus thoughtful gifts and high-quality toys. Swing by to browse, let the kids pick a surprise, and even trade in finished titles for fresh ones... your nightstand stack will thank you.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Beaverdale Books is the relaxed neighborhood indie where new releases rub shoulders with Iowa authors, staff picks are dangerously on point, and the event calendar keeps the book talk lively. Pop in this week to browse, chat books, maybe meet an author, and upgrade your nightstand stack.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 4, 2026

“Shelf Love DSM is the joyful indie romance bookstore in the Drake neighborhood, curating everything from small-town charmers to dark fantasy flings, plus LGBTQIA+ picks, signed preorders, and author events that feel like a book club hangout. If you crave community with your happily-ever-afters, this is your spot.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Storyhouse Bookpub is the kind of indie shop where the shelves feel intentionally picked, with children’s and adult titles that actually match what you want to read. Swing by when your TBR pile needs a plot twist, then leave smugly clutching your new favorite.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, August 31, 2026

“Tucked in Highland Park, The Little Book keeps it local with thoughtfully curated picks for all ages, staff recs that actually hit, and community-first vibes. Go when you crave a bookstore that champions literacy, inclusion, and wellness, then leave with a story you can’t stop talking about.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 31, 2026

“If your TBR pile needs fresh perspective, Nos Books is an independent, family-run shop curating fiction and nonfiction that centers diverse voices and big ideas. Swing by when you’re craving something thoughtful, conversational, and genuinely new for your book club or solo night in.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, October 14, 2026

“If your guitar needs fresh strings or a full setup this week, American Music Center has been Iowa’s go-to for decades, with new and pre-owned guitars, amps, drums, and PA gear plus legit in-house repairs. Pop in, geek out, maybe even ogle the classic cars rolling into their expanded space soon.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 22, 2026

“If band sign-ups are hitting your household, Rieman Music - Altoona makes it easy with rent-to-own band instruments, from horns and woodwinds to percussion, plus lessons and in-house repairs.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 29, 2026

“From saxes and electrics to drums, keys, and all the little bits that keep them humming, Uptempo Music has the new and used gear, repairs, and affordable rent-to-own for school band and orchestra that make leveling up your sound this week ridiculously easy.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 24, 2026

“Family owned and stocked with everything from sock to ultra super bulky, Yarn Junction Co is the go-to spot locals hit for hard-to-find yarns, classes, and friendly guidance. Come for the skeins, stay for the community... and maybe join a retreat when the knitting bug bites.”

From the Urbandale newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Large chain carrying acoustic and electric guitars plus amps, drums and keyboards.”

“Memory Bound Papercraft Store has fueled Ankeny creativity for 25 years with the latest card-making, scrapbooking, mixed media, junk journaling, and DIY home decor goodies. Friendly pros are ready with ideas, plus a full events calendar if you love learning with others... bring that half-finished project back to life.”

From the Ankeny newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Rob's Music & More is the kind of full-service guitar shop locals actually root for, with new, used, and delightfully unusual stringed instruments, solid repair work on anything with strings, buy-sell-trade options, and lessons if you’re finally ready to stop noodling and start shredding.”

From the Des Moines newsletter, September 4, 2026