The best book, hobby & craft shops in Philadelphia

“Whether you're grabbing textbooks to rent or buy, fresh notebooks, or a hoodie that says you survived midterms, Widener Campus Store keeps it easy with official merch, school supplies, and gifts. A solid local go-to for students, alumni, and neighbors who like errands finished in one stop.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 9, 2026

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

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

“If your pull list keeps expanding, Cherry Hill’s Plunder Palace hooks you up with fresh Wednesday releases, subscriptions, and shelves of back issues. They buy, sell, and trade comics, toys, vinyl, movie memorabilia, and retro video games, so you can thin the stash or score something you didn’t know you needed.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Into quirky lit rabbit holes this week? Nelson Rare Books specializes in 18th and 19th century British literature, Gothic Revival, street literature, chapbooks, and private press treasures, with a soft spot for the unpopular, obscure, and forgotten.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 29, 2026

“Inkwood Books is the neighborhood spot for thoughtful browsing, mixing timeless classics with buzzy new releases so you always leave with something you’ll actually read. Keep an eye on their events calendar for low-key gatherings that make chatting about books feel easy, not homework.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 3, 2026

“Bookshop specializing in romance novels, organized by tropes and subgenres. Friendly service is also offered.”

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

“Need a low-key spot to caffeinate and browse this week?”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Refill your cup and your energy at Mystical Blossoms Gift Shop & Tea Bar, where handmade teas, matcha, and functional sips meet crystals, tarot cards, and small-batch soaps. They also host workshops, pop-ups, and healing sessions, so grab a friend and make a mini reset happen this week.”

From the Mount Laurel newsletter, September 19, 2026

“Whether you're chasing a boutique guitar tone, leveling up your home studio, or hunting that serendipitous vintage find, Centro Musical pairs premium instruments with pro audio know how and real talk.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 3, 2026

“From Fender and Martin acoustics to Ibanez electrics, Yamaha keys, drum kits, brass and woodwinds, recording gear and DJ lighting, 8th Street Music is basically your all-in-one gear playground.”

From the Camden County newsletter, September 9, 2026

“Local chain, featuring new and used guitars, basses, drums, keyboard amps and other musical instruments for sale, plus lessons and repairs.”

“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).”

“Russo Music Philadelphia is where pedal curiosity meets real deal guidance, with walls of guitars, amps, drums, synths, and recording gear plus techs who’ll help you slot that new pedal into your signal flow. Stop in, try everything, and leave sounding suspiciously professional.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 18, 2026

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

“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).”

“Musical instrument shop selling guitars, keyboards, drums and amps.”

“Whether you're crate-digging for vinyl, tracking down CDs you loved in '03, or grabbing a used instrument or accessory you swear you'll practice with, Rustic Music keeps it real with a rotating secondhand stash, plus they buy and trade. A quick Philly run that pays off for Bethlehem collectors.”

From the Bethlehem newsletter, September 6, 2026

“Whether you want a low-key night painting a mug you’ll actually use or need a go-to for kids’ energy, All Fired Up! runs paint-it-yourself pottery plus workshops for kids and adults, parties, and team-building. It’s an easy Collingswood hop when you crave creativity that dries before dinner.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 3, 2026

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

“DiPinto Guitars is the Philly go-to for distinctive electrics and basses, from Galaxie and Mach IV to the Safari and Custom Safari Line. They also stock new and used gear and handle repairs, so your next riff or resurrected favorite is basically one visit away.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Chain supermarket and department store selling a range of items from fashion to pharmaceuticals.”

“Casual destination offering a wide selection of vinyl records and instruments such as guitars and ukuleles, plus lessons and repairs.”

“Dutch Label Shop helps Philly makers level up with custom woven, printed, or iron-on labels, plus patches, hang tags, and care labels. Orders ship from New Jersey with fast delivery, low minimums, expert-reviewed proofs, and a money back guarantee, so your gear looks retail-ready without the headache.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, September 16, 2026

“Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room is the country’s oldest running queer and feminist bookstore, celebrating 50 years, with shelves packed with new and used reads and staff-curated finds like queer horror. Pop in this week, scoop a tote, and support those living with HIV/AIDS, or join the Philly Queer Book Club.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 26, 2026

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

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

“Employee-owned retail store with a large selection of instruments & music gear (many offer repairs).”

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

“Bluebond Guitars is the neighborhood spot for vintage and used finds, pro repairs from an in-house luthier, and lessons on guitar, bass, drums, keys, and voice. Feeling brave? Their Adult Band Program rehearses you with a coach then puts you onstage at their own venue.”

From the Philadelphia newsletter, August 10, 2026