The best book, hobby & craft shops in Princeton

Neighbor Books is a locally owned bookstore in downtown McKinney, with a thoughtfully changing selection, monthly events, and book club picks to help you find your next read. It’s a lovely spot to browse when your to-read pile is somehow still not big enough.

From the McKinney newsletter, November 12, 2026

Read Shop pairs a thoughtfully stocked bookshop with coffee, so you can pick up a good read and settle in with a cup. It’s also known for its Jellycat selection, making this Dallas neighborhood gem a happy stop whether you’re shopping for a book, a plush pal, or both.

From the Dallas newsletter, November 13, 2026

Family-owned The Toy Maven is the spot locals hit for actually good toys, games, and books, from LEGO and Playmobil to Calico Critters, Jellycat, and STEM kits. Age-graded picks and gift wrapping make birthday runs painless, plus multiple DFW locations and online ordering keep it easy.

From the Dallas newsletter, October 23, 2026

For Bibles and Christian books, Alabastro Christian Bookstore - Libreria Cristiana offers a focused local spot to browse resources for your faith. A handy alternative to scrolling through endless online listings, especially when you’d rather find your next read in person.

From the Fort Worth newsletter, November 10, 2026

Whose Books Neighborhood Bookstore nails the cozy vibe with a thoughtful mix of fiction and nonfiction, regular author visits, and a quiet reading room that begs for a lingering chapter or three. When your brain wants a scroll break, this is the move.

From the Dallas newsletter, October 2, 2026

Whether you’re hunting a new study Bible, a devotional that actually sticks, or thoughtful gifts like journals, candles, tees, and Melissa & Doug kid picks, Prestonwood Bookstore has shelves for every season. Swing by this week, browse, and leave with something that encourages you or a friend.

From the Plano newsletter, October 24, 2026

Interabang Books is the independent shop locals lean on for smart recs, a stellar kids’ section, and author events that actually feel fun. Browse new releases, join a fiction or nonfiction club, or try their children's, YA, or mystery subscriptions when your stack needs fresh energy.

From the Mesquite newsletter, November 13, 2026

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

All You Can Books, LLC packs more than 200,000 audiobooks, ebooks, podcasts and even language courses into one easy app, perfect for DFW commutes or couch marathons. Unlimited access, smart recommendations, and downloads you can keep mean your next read is always queued up.

From the Carrollton newsletter, October 28, 2026

Bibliobar pairs general-interest and children’s books with a cozy, community-minded space made for reading, chatting about favorite authors, or letting the kids explore their own dedicated book nook. It’s a welcome Plano hangout for book lovers who like their browsing with a side of conversation.

From the Plano newsletter, November 9, 2026

Deep Vellum Bookstore & Publishing Co. is a Dallas nonprofit literary arts hub and home to the country’s largest publisher of literature in translation, with shelves full of its own titles plus a handpicked mix of literary fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. Swing by for smart recs, indie gems, book clubs, and events.

From the Dallas newsletter, October 30, 2026

The Dock Bookshop is part bookstore, part community hangout, with shelves to wander and plenty of audiobooks and ebooks when life gets busy. Peek their events for author talks, film screenings, signings, and the weekly Dock Open Mic, plus book clubs that actually spark conversation instead of homework vibes.

From the Fort Worth newsletter, November 3, 2026

Dallas Vintage Toys buys, sells, and trades the stuff your inner eight-year-old still dreams about, from 1960s classics to 2000s favorites.

From the Mesquite newsletter, November 7, 2026

Plano players, Nadine's Music Manor is the low-stress spot for a massive sheet music library, instruments, guitar repair, and legit lessons in person or online. They've been at it since 1972 and even have a recording studio, with picks spanning K-pop to Joe Hisaishi.

From the Plano newsletter, November 3, 2026

Whether you're eyeing your first keys or upgrading, Metroplex Piano is an authorized retailer for Yamaha, Schimmel, Bosendorfer, Pearl River and Kayserburg, offering new and pre-owned pianos, financing, plus tuning and restoration from a team that actually helps you find your dream instrument.

From the Allen newsletter, October 23, 2026

From flutes and clarinets to drum sets, digital pianos and sound gear, Brook Mays Music Store 5 stocks serious band, orchestra and percussion essentials plus reeds, strings, sticks and print music, so your next rehearsal doesn’t sound like “first day back.”

From the Fort Worth newsletter, November 1, 2026

Brook Mays Music Store pairs a wide selection of band, orchestra, guitar and percussion gear with instrument rentals and repairs. Family-owned since 1901, it’s especially geared toward helping students find director-approved instruments, with a large repair team to keep them in playing shape.

From the Dallas newsletter, November 6, 2026

Friendly staff and helpful service mark this clean chain venue, which sells instruments, guitars and other musical gear.

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

From a master violin craftsman to re-tuned Steinways and Yamahas that won’t wreck your budget, Violins And Pianos is where Allen players level up fast. Rent a handcrafted violin for the kiddo this week, snag a refurbished beauty for the living room, or book their pro studio when you’re ready to hit record.

From the Collin County newsletter, October 29, 2026

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).

Vast retailer offering a huge array of guitars, drums, pianos and other instruments, plus sound, recording and DJ gear.

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

The Guitar Sanctuary is a haven for players who care about the details, with boutique and vintage guitars, amps, pedals, and other gear from an impressive range of makers. They also offer repairs and lessons, so whether you’re chasing a particular tone or finally learning those chords, there’s plenty to explore.

From the Allen newsletter, November 8, 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.

Murphy's Music Center has a wide-ranging showroom, from guitars, keyboards and drums to band and orchestra instruments, plus used gear. They also offer instrument repairs and music lessons, so it’s a handy local resource whether you’re picking up a first instrument or giving a well-loved one some attention.

From the Coppell newsletter, November 8, 2026

From fresh reeds and mouthpieces to violins, drum kits, marching percussion, digital pianos, synths, PA gear, and a deep bench of print music, Brook Mays & H&H Music is where Irving musicians restock, upgrade, and get inspired... whether you’re band, orchestra, mariachi, or bedroom producer.

From the Sherman-Denison newsletter, October 23, 2026

Brook Mays Music Store specializes in band and orchestra, with director-approved instruments, rent-to-own options, and repairs to keep them playing. It’s a family-owned Texas music company with roots going back to 1901, and a helpful place to sort out the gear before the first note.

From the Collin County newsletter, November 5, 2026

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

Chain retailer with a large array of brand-name electronics, computers, appliances & more.

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

Whether you're eyeing a step-up flute, hunting down sheet music, or tricking out your setup with clever accessories, Carolyn Nussbaum Music Company has it covered with expert guidance, repair services, and even instrument trials. Bonus joy for the week: compare flutes on Flute4u and yes, the flute hats are real.

From the Plano newsletter, October 25, 2026

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

Whether your strings are acting dramatic or you’re done guessing your chords, Texas Music Lab hooks you up with lessons, quality stringed instruments, and straightforward repairs. Make this the week your practice actually sounds like progress.

From the Allen newsletter, November 14, 2026

Serving local band students since 2007, The Band Connection! keeps school band life simple with rentals, sales, repairs, and accessories, plus a buyback option when that trumpet phase passes. Owned by a former band director and parent, they focus on student-friendly service and prices that won't blow your budget.

From the Collin County newsletter, November 12, 2026

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

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

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.

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

From string changes and professional setups to fretwork and full restorations, Guitar Doctor handles guitars, basses, mandolins, ukuleles, and more. The consignment gallery also carries new and used instruments, so you can bring in a beloved six-string for care or browse for its next chapter.

From the Plano newsletter, November 13, 2026