The best book, hobby & craft shops in Tacoma

“Collins Books is the local rabbit hole for out-of-print, scholarly finds across anthropology, archaeology, ethnomusicology, and all those gloriously niche sciences you forgot you loved.”

From the Renton newsletter, September 12, 2026

“Midgard Comics, Games & More keeps the fun rolling with fresh comics, graphic novels, and game releases weekly, plus Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League, and a chill Draw Club for all styles. Pop in to browse, meet fellow nerds, or set up a subscription and have new reads shipped right to you.”

From the Federal Way newsletter, August 24, 2026

“Fantagraphics Bookstore And Gallery is the spot for graphic novels that actually surprise you, from current releases to out-of-print treasures, plus a legit art gallery and event space.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 17, 2026

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

“Page & Pine Bookshop is a locally owned spot that actually gives you reasons to linger, with monthly book clubs for adults and teens, story time, frequent author events, and fun local pop-ups. You can even rent the shop for private gatherings when your living room feels too small.”

From the Puyallup newsletter, September 14, 2026

“The Lakewood Bookstore is your cozy, community-first spot for thoughtfully curated new and used titles, from twisty mysteries to picture books. Swing by for events or the book club, discover Pacific Northwest voices, and leave with a story you’ll want to recommend to everyone.”

From the Lakewood newsletter, August 17, 2026

“King's Books keeps Tacoma reading with new and used finds, sharp staff picks, and a calendar packed with happenings. This week brings Tacoma Zine Fest and delightfully specific book clubs, so browse, trade recs with neighbors, and walk out with something you didn’t know you needed.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Family-run and right in downtown Sumner, A Good Book _ A General Bookstore mixes new and used finds with comics, board games, and jigsaw puzzles. Swap in your reads with their trade-in program, let the kids loose in the loft, then ask their book detectives to hunt down that elusive title.”

“Third Place Books is the rare spot where browsing new and used shelves actually feels relaxing... then you look up and there’s an author event and on-site dining right there. Perfect for spontaneous hangs, low-key dates, or refueling your TBR without trekking far from home.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 9, 2026

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

“Paper Boat Booksellers is that cozy indie spot where staff tuck honest "what we're reading" notes between shelves, so you discover new releases alongside trusty classics. They build sections based on what readers ask for, host community events, and generally make book browsing feel like catching up with good neighbors.”

From the Kent newsletter, September 5, 2026

“Bundok Books is Puyallup’s independent bookstore with shelves that spotlight local authors, nature and history picks, and underrepresented voices, plus rotating showcases for area makers and kid-friendly story-and-craft fun. It’s the spot to find something unexpected, then feel a little smug about supporting neighbors.”

From the Puyallup newsletter, September 2, 2026

“Invitation Bookshop is a family-owned, woman-run indie in Gig Harbor with a curated lineup of new books for all ages... plus puzzles, cards, and stationery for the bookish among us. Hop over this week for thoughtful bookseller recs that make your next favorite find weirdly easy.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Whether you're wrangling new classes, reclaiming your desk, or just chasing that perfect pen, University Book Store has the goods.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 8, 2026

“Clearing out that extra gear or hunting for something with history, Re-Animated Music buys, sells, and trades new, used, and vintage musical equipment. Perfect for turning closet clutter into something you actually want or finally grabbing that piece your band needs. Worth the quick hop from Edmonds.”

From the Edmonds newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Venue dealing in various instruments for sale or rental plus sheet music, service, classes & shows.”

“Ugly Baby turns bath time into art time with its original Shower Art, waterproof pieces that suction right onto your tile, plus a rainbow of DIY kits from cross-stitch to eco resin. Book a class or dream up a custom piece for that inside joke only your group chat understands.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 19, 2026

“Instrument chain stocked with electrics, acoustics and basses, plus amps, drums, pro-audio gear and keyboards..”

“Family-owned shop since 1931 offering instruments for sale or rent, plus music lessons, and repairs.”

“Remakery keeps Tacoma’s makers humming with secondhand craft and sewing supplies by the pound plus an open creation space to use tools or tackle your own project. This week, try Bug and Moth Embroidery on Wednesday, August 12, then keep the momentum going with visible mending later this month.”

From the Tacoma newsletter, August 13, 2026

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

“Whether your bandmate keeps hinting about intonation, Dusty Strings Music Store & School packs guitars, harps, mandolins, ukes, and hammered dulcimers, plus a repair shop, rentals, used and vintage finds, and in-person or online lessons. Make this the week you trade, tune, or learn something new.”

From the Port Angeles newsletter, August 28, 2026

“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).”

“American Music has been Seattle’s music shop since 1973, with a curated spread of guitars, keyboards, synths, pro audio, amps and drum kits. Swing by for new or pre-owned gear, expert repairs, and clutch rentals when a last‑minute session or gig pops up.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 22, 2026

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

“Whether your craft stash needs a refresh or your kiddo needs a creative outlet, Seattle ReCreative is a nonprofit creative reuse store and art center with pre-loved supplies plus classes and camps that turn would-be waste into inspiration. Drop in, browse, and leave buzzing with project ideas.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 26, 2026

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

“Thunder Road Guitars is the Pacific Northwest source for premium new, vintage, used, and rare instruments, plus a wall of amps and effects that make weeknight jams more interesting. Swing by the Seattle showroom this week to trade in the closet queen or test-drive something inspiring... real people, real service.”

From the Seattle newsletter, August 12, 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).”

“Family owned since 1996 in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, Emerald City Guitars specializes in used and vintage guitars and amps, plus effects, repairs, appraisals, guitar identification, and options to sell your instrument when you’re ready to shuffle the lineup.”

From the Seattle newsletter, September 4, 2026