Are you super into collecting merch from a fandom or just a hobby? I used to collect Funko Pops. Not seriously in that I looked at what may be a collector addition, but rather just characters I like such as Marvel or Oliver Queen and Co. I love reading even though I’m at zero percent just now (I got logged out of Goodreads and haven’t logged back in in MONTHS), but book merch? I don’t know. I’ve not been super into it. There’s a reason I’m not really into collecting book merch, and I think part of the reason is as follows.
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When I was a teenager, maybe 12 through 14 or 15, I had ALL kinds of knickknack things everywhere. Including pins of American Girl sayings or characters. It was a whole thing, and since I grew out of that phase, I’ve been an anti knickknack person for myself. In fact I still have some of the stuff lying around in my closet, and some I’ve gotten rid of. But honestly, I do feel as though my 20 years collecting Funkos was a bit of a regression. That aside, I just am not into book merch because I never know what to do with it. Clothing is different to an extent because I do wear that. All that to say, if I were cooler or had a different house, here’s some book merch I may like – if I collected it.
BOOK MERCH I LIKE BUT WON’T BUY (PROBABLY)
1: BOOKISH SWEATSHIRT
This Bookish Sweatshirt is really fun and cute (from Etsy), and actually something I could be persuaded to buy. I love the white background with the colorful “bookish” script. Find on Etsy
Also, there’s these fun The Selection bookmarks too! I see lots of cute bookmarks, but guys, I rarely use them.
2: BOOK JOURNAL
I actually had one of these (a very tiny one) for several years that my mother would buy me each year. She found them at a bookstore or someplace when she’d go to a conference once a year and it was something she always brought back along with one of those children’s illustrated classic books. I used it for several years, and it was always a fun thing she’d bring back. Honestly, now, I probably wouldn’t use one, but I think places like Etsy do sell really pretty and fancy ones! Shop on Etsy
PS; there’s some digital versions out there, too!
CUTE BOOK & READER MERCH I LIKE BUT (MAYBE) WON’T BUY #TOPTENTUESDAY #ETSY #BOOKISH #BOOKMERCH #MERCH #SHOPPING Click To Tweet
3: PRIDE & PREJUDICE ART
If I lived somewhere different, I’d decorate and I think some book art would make the cut. Or at least something like this pretty ‘Bewitched Me’ Pride and Prejudice art (the shop also has ‘Your hands are cold,’ art too). I may also opt for a quick over a painting (though I really like this Etsy print) and I’d also have to feel confident that what I was hanging I REALLY liked. Let me tell you, I’d be really enjoyed if I did all the work (lining it up, making the hole, finding a frame) only to then hate the end result. How do you pick out your wall art? Find print on Etsy
Ps: these Pride and Prejudice Paper Art flowers and Pemberly print are both pretty, too!! Additionally, can we TALK about this stunning North & South watercolor!?
4: SHELVING
This industrial style shelving is cool looking, but again, I’d have to have the right space, and given my current likes, a lighter color too! I’m all about the brighter space right now. Shop Etsy Shelves
5: SWEET SEQUELS ILLUSTRATED BOOKS
Ok, I’m realizing that this post title may not be totally accurate because this shop too has things I’ll likely order. Just haven’t yet because I want to find the “one” book I’m really going to want and like. However, Haleigh has some really pretty things and her Instagram feed is full of her talent. Visit Sweet Sequels Illustrated Shop
Ok, over to you! What types of book merch do you like? Do you collect merch or are you like me, and feel so-so about it? Comment all the comments below! Let’s chat.
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Linking up with That Artsy Reader Girl April 19: Bookish Merchandise I’d Own
I have very little space in my house and am a hoarder so tend to buy as little as possible. In fact I mainly stick to Christmas and Birthdays. The only thing I fall down on is books themselves.
I had to do a bit of internet research for my post for “if I had more space”
Happy TTT
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2022/04/19/top-ten-tuesday-bookish-merchandise-id-love-to-own/
I just like cleaner, less-is-more spaces in general whether there’s room or not. But I’m a WIP since I still have WAY too many books in my office. I bring all of my unhaul/sell/donate books in here and they’re kind of driving me nuts. I’ll get it cleared out eventually. :) Thanks for visiting, Emily! Appreciate this.
I like your list and I totally understand. I used to move around a lot and have a minimalist, light packing kind of attitude, so collecting stuffs was out of question.
But since I settled down, I went started collecting again, and find it frustrated that a lot of my favorite book fandoms are barely represented. :)
Here is my TTT post: https://herseriallife.com/top-10-bookish-merchandise-love-own/
Really!? That’s not cool! I feel like Etsy is a treasure trove of fandom things. So sorry that yours aren’t well represented. That’s a bummer for the fangirl part of us. :) Thanks for the visit, Rae.
I love to collect things, and I definitely collect several kinds of book merch, particularly bookish candles and mugs. I do burn the candles and drink from the mugs, and I use them both a lot as props on Bookstagram, so I feel like those collections are both useful and fun to look add to. I also have fandom t-shirts for lots of movies and a few books. I have a few pieces of LOTR artwork in one room, and a few pieces of Shakespeare artwork in another.
I have several things from Sweet Sequels, including a few books, two book checklist posters, a booksleeve, and a throw. Her work is beautiful AND high quality. I definitely recommend everything I’ve gotten from her!
I’m glad to know my suspicion of Haleigh’s work is confirmed! I really do want to order one of her illustrated books and definitely will. Just have to decide which one (or two!) I’d like to own because I want them to be books I don’t ever say, “why did I get that?” I feel like one of Austen’s will be a pick because those adaptations were a HUGE part of my teen years.
I have some t-shirts of fandom things and still have my Funkos but at this point, I’m questioning what I’ll do with them? Maybe if I change the room my bookshelves are in I’ll snag another shelf to store them on. I know I’m odd in not collecting merch, but I went through this WHOLE teen phase where I had knickknack things everywhere (not always fandom things just random dollar store items, etc) so I’m kind of over that. ;D
Shelving is a good answer.
Can never have too much of that, right? :)
That sweatshirt is cute! My MIL recently bought us a very stylish bookcase and I love it, even though it doesn’t really hold a lot of books. On the other hand, it holds my cats rather nicely.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
Aw, cool! We love some new shelving, right? And I agree. Love a cute sweatshirt – and I have way too many. :) Thanks for visiting!
I do like bookish merchandise but rarely buy it for myself. I would rather use the money on buying books, LOL. Most of my bookish merch was gifted to me (except the bookish socks I own that I bought for my stocking at Christmas last year, LOL, and my reading cart).
I like your perspective, Cindy! Books all the way. :)
Yes, it’s the most important thing and brings the most enjoyment :)
YES! Have to have enjoyment in our reading. :)
Ooh, I do like those book shelves – and book shelves always come in handy :) I also love the sweatshirt!
YES! So much love for some good bookshelves. :) Thanks so much for taking time to visit, Lindsey.
I do love bookish merch. I mostly focus on HP stuff, though of course, that can easily get out of hand quick. LOL
Lauren
I’m glad you enjoy it! I know I’m in the minority of not collecting merch. :)
I’m a sucker for a comfy sweatshirt and I love that one! I have shelves very similar to those bookshelves you posted, but they’re temporary. When I have my dream library I will definitely have different shelves. When I have a room dedicated to only books I’d want light and bright and airy shelves and decor.
Ash @ Essentially Ash
A dream library would look really different for me too! These I’d probably use more in a room where I just wanted a shelf as part of a “look.” And I’m with you. Give me all the light and bright library room! I’m here for that. :)
That sweatshirt is so cute!
Right? I think so too! :)
Yes, a new bookshelf is on my list as well!
We love good and new bookshelves! They always make a space seem cooler. ;)