The best book, hobby & craft shops in Vancouver

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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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).”

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

“Craft Collective runs small, skill-based workshops in their East Vancouver studio that trade doomscrolling for hands-on wins. Dip into candle pouring, jewelry making, painting or punch needle, or snag an all-in-one DIY kit with yarn and tools so the creativity keeps rolling at home.”

From the Vancouver newsletter, August 11, 2026

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

“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).”

“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.”

“Friendly shop providing instrument repair and rental services, plus lessons.”