The best book, hobby & craft shops in Portland

“Packsmith is the local hangout for sports cards, TCGs, and retro video games, with a friendly crew that helps you buy, sell, trade, and even appraise your finds. Expect regular Pokémon League play, Magic: The Gathering tournaments, and themed game nights that make weeknights way more fun.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Bookseller chain stocking housebrand eReader, plus a broad selection of titles for adults & kids.”

“Whether your TBR leans spooky, swoony, or strictly nonfiction, Maggie Mae's Bookshop is a whimsical local haven with new and used finds for all ages, lively book clubs, and a calendar packed with cozy fun like quiet craft nights, trivia, and OBOB picks for the kids.”

From the Gresham newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Lego dealer offering new & used construction sets, plus rare figurines & a bulk table for parts.”

“Bulk Bookstore makes it painless for Tigard teachers, librarians, and team leads to order 25+ copies of the same book from a 3-million-title catalog, with real book specialists on standby. Classroom sets, book clubs, trainings... consider your next big read handled.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 21, 2026

“Comics Adventure just planted roots in Oregon City and it’s dangerously easy to lose an afternoon flipping through new releases, deep back issues from the Golden Age to now, manga, and kid-friendly graphic novels… plus prints, supplies, Funko Pops, and a modest stash of sealed Pokémon and Magic.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Books with Pictures is the cheerful, aggressively inclusive, woman-owned comics and graphic-novel shop Portland deserves, with kid-friendly vibes and shelves that spotlight creators across the spectrum.”

From the Portland newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Much more than a homeschool shop, Exodus Books curates thousands of hand-picked reads and life-enriching resources, with original reviews that actually help you choose.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Spoke & Word Books in nearby Milwaukie keeps it cozy with new and used finds, a smart lean into genre fiction and joyful queer reads, plus cheeky bookish merch. Consider this your midweek mood-lifter, the kind of spot where browsing counts as self care and recommendations hit just right.”

From the Lake Oswego newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Need a fresh stack of board games, shiny new dice, or that last Magic: The Gathering card for your deck? Guardian Games Aloha is the local HQ for tabletop everything, with Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer, Pokémon, and a community that loves to shop, play, or compete this week.”

From the Hillsboro newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Whether you're chasing a vintage Fender, a quirky offset, or a sleeper amp or pedal, Thunder Road Guitars PDX stocks premium new, used, and rare instruments with a genuinely friendly, gear-savvy vibe. Swing in, plug in, and maybe sell that closet queen for something that actually sparks songs.”

From the Beaverton newsletter, August 7, 2026

“Vintage Musicals has the Pacific Northwest’s largest selection of vintage classical, electric, and acoustic guitars right here in Lake Oswego, with over 600 in stock, all inspected and set up by seasoned musicians, plus luthiers for pickup mods and other tweaks.”

From the Lake Oswego newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Independent and delightfully nerdy, Old Town Music is the Southeast Portland guitar shop where friendly, gear-savvy humans help you chase tones, from a huge wall of effects pedals to a rotating mix of used, new, and vintage guitars. Swing by this week to trade or consign your rig, or get thoughtful estate help.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 6, 2026

“S. De L'Olla custom trumpets... perfect for students, educators, and working players dialing in their sound.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, August 5, 2026

“Wally's Music has been local to Oregon City for almost 80 years, and they’re the brass and woodwind repair specialists who can bring your horn back to life this week. They’ve also got vintage to new, pro to beginner instruments, rentals when you need them, and even used Selmer Paris finds on Sweetwater’s Gear Exchange.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, August 4, 2026

“Acorns & Threads is the Portland-area counted cross stitch HQ with walls of fabrics, threads, charts and kits, plus classes, stitch groups and special events to keep your stitch mojo lively. Check their Exclusives for patterns you can only snag here... perfect for leveling up your next project.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 26, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Whether you're after indie exclusives, fresh new releases, or that reissue you swore you’d stop hunting for, Music Millennium delivers across rock, hip hop, jazz, and more. Keep an eye on their listening parties and in-store performances, then stroll out with something your turntable will thank you for.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Hook & Needle is that laid-back spot locals rely on for great yarn, knitting tools, and hands-on classes, plus crochet, embroidery and fiber art lessons. Drop in when your project needs color, texture or inspiration… the shop vibe makes it easy to learn, tinker, and chat with fellow makers.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, September 20, 2026

“Whether you’re starting Suzuki with the kiddo, dusting off your viola chops, or eyeing a step-up cello, Kennedy Violins has musician-run guidance, rentals that match local school lists, quality setups from in-house luthiers, and lessons for everything from classical to Irish fiddling. Go get your groove back.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Huge music center with a cafe offering myriad classes plus instrument rental, sales & repairs.”

“From pro grade paints and sketchbooks to clay, printmaking gear, and bookbinding bits, Artist & Craftsman Supply Portland SE is the spot you pop in for a brush and leave with origami paper and a whole weekend plan. Think Golden paints, Canson pads, Princeton brushes.”

“From pro-grade paints and brushes to canvases, sketchbooks, printmaking gear, and bookmaking essentials, Artist & Craftsman Supply Portland N is the spot when your project pile needs fresh fuel this week. Nab Golden, Sakura, and Princeton favorites, then turn that rainy-evening itch into something frame-worthy.”

From the Portland newsletter, August 18, 2026

“Everyday Music is a Portland standby worth the short hop from McMinnville. They pay cash for used CDs, DVDs and vinyl, keep new releases flowing, host the occasional listening party, and surface out-of-print and collectible LPs and CDs on Discogs, so your shelves, speakers and trade pile all leave a little happier.”

From the Portland newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“White Rabbit Book Cafe is the kind of laid-back spot where you can browse shelves, sink into a comfy chair, and unwind with something warm while you debate which gift to snag for a friend. Perfect for a quiet midweek reset right here in Oregon City.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, September 16, 2026

“If your bobbin's been moody or you're itching to start that quilt, Montavilla Sewing Centers has new and pre-owned machines, classes, and repair pros to keep you humming, plus a monthly Cares NW quilting group at the Lake Oswego shop where neighbors sew for a cause.”

From the Lake Oswego newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Need a clarinet for the kid, fresh strings for you, or a trumpet that actually plays in tune? Music World handles band and orchestra rentals, lessons, and repairs, plus a solid shop for gear, so you can keep the music going without leaving Vancouver.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Part drop-in craft bar, part workshop hub, māk is the kind of community space that makes you linger, try something new, and actually finish a project. Swing by for the māk bar’s rotating projects, instructor-led classes, private parties, even Mahjong Mondays. Check it out.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, September 21, 2026

“Vintage Books is a family-run, old-school bookstore with shelves of used, collectible and rare finds, plus honest-to-goodness car manuals. It’s the kind of browse that turns into an afternoon, and you’ll walk out feeling like you outsmarted the algorithm.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Retailer with educational products for teachers & parents, including classroom furniture & books.”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Need a nudge to finally learn that riff? Lake Music has been teaching neighbors since 1970, with experienced teachers offering guitar, piano, drum and violin lessons, reliable repairs, and a wide selection of instruments, sheet music and accessories. Quick trip to Lake Oswego, big boost to your practice mojo.”

From the Beaverton newsletter, August 13, 2026

“Retail chain offering musical instruments, audio gear & accessories, plus rental & repair services.”

“Trade Up Music is the Portland spot to buy, sell, or trade gear, plus repairs that keep your favorites gig ready. With a selection that changes, you never know when a hidden gem will land... a great excuse to pop in, pick up, and maybe trade that pedal you keep side-eyeing.”

“This week, check out Rhythm Traders, a locally owned full-line drum shop founded in 1992, stocked with drum sets, cymbals, djembes, congas, marching gear and electronic kits. They teach lessons, handle repairs and rentals, and even have a kids' drum section... basically, The Drummer's Toy Store disguised as a shop.”

From the Oregon City newsletter, August 12, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Lake Hobby keeps Lake Oswego makers rolling, from RC car repairs to 3D printer help and drop-ship support. Stop in when a build goes sideways or you want hands-on guidance, then get back to racing, tinkering, and actually finishing that project.”

From the Lake Oswego newsletter, August 20, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“MIR Music has been Hillsboro’s go-to since 1991 for instruments you can buy or rent, on-site repairs by in-house techs, and lessons from pros (yes, their drum teacher is Ron Hurst of Steppenwolf). Bonus points for the recording studio and G&L guitars ready to test-drive.”

From the Hillsboro newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Whimzees Scrapbook Studio is Beaverton’s go-to papercrafting stash spot, with embossing folders, inks, metal dies, stamps, stencils, plus classes that turn half-baked ideas into brag-worthy cards and pages. Pop in this week for fresh finds from Spellbinders, Hero Arts, Uniquely Creative, and Emily Moore Designs...”

From the Beaverton newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Jackpot Records is that reliable spot for new and used vinyl, CDs, DVDs, and oddball collectibles, with in-store performances that feel like a hang with fellow music nerds. Their in-house label curates sharp AAA reissues and cult favorites, so even seasoned diggers find surprises.”

From the Portland newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Retailer with a range of craft supplies, plus picture frames & other decor items.”

“Chain carrying a variety of arts & crafts materials, plus party supplies, fabric & home-decor items.”

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”

“Thirsty Caterpillar is a local bookstore built for lingering and discovery, with shelves you actually want to browse and a community vibe that makes it easy to say yes to one more read. Swing by this week, find something surprising, and let a good book do the heavy lifting.”

From the Lake Oswego newsletter, August 10, 2026

“Chain retailer carrying art & hobby supplies plus home decor (most offer classes & custom framing).”