Best used and independent bookstores for holiday shopping

December 9, 9:09 PMSeattle Books ExaminerDanielle Dreger-Babbitt

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You have your gift lists and you've checked them twice.  You have an hour to kill on your lunch break and you want to squeeze in some much needed holiday shopping, but your only dilemma is where to go.  I've made it easy for you and scouted out the best new and used bookstores around the Seattle metro area to find your holiday gifts.

Capitol Hill

Twice Sold Tales

This is rapidly becoming my favorite used bookstore in Seattle.  I think I've been there three times in the last couple of weeks.  Last Saturday when I went I even found a brand new copy of Are You There Vodka?  It's Me, Chelsea on sale for $8.  The store has recently moved to their new digs on Harvard Ave. and East Denny Way and they are still in the process of unpacking.  You should also check out their stores in Queen Anne and in the University District.

Horizon Books

Horizon Books is still having their massive clearance sale.  The selection is still good and there's a bargain book truck on the front porch.  They might not have as many titles as Twice Sold Tales, but they do have a nice section for recent bestsellers. 

Bailey Coy Books

Bailey Coy Books has more new than used books, but deals can still be found.  They might not have any romance novels, but they do have a decent selection of graphic novels and staff picks.  The staff is always friendly and ready with recommendations.  It's also a great place to pick up non book gifts like librarian action figures and stationary.

Half Price Books

This is a nationwide chain with a store on Belmont Avenue East.  It's a good place to find newer releases and a larger selection of books and music.  There are also locations on Roosevelt Way Northeast, on University Avenue, in Tacoma, and Tukwila.

Downtown

Peter Miller Books

Sue, the Seattle Travel Examiner, doesn't want anyone to forget this great specialty bookstore on First Avenue and Virginia.  People from around the world come here to check out the selection of art and architecture books.  If you're searching for something for the coffee table, this is the place to go.  There is also a good selection of non book items that would make excellent stocking stuffers.

Elliot Bay Book Company

This is my favorite new/ used bookstore downtown.  Whenever I have out of town guests I bring them here.  It's classic Seattle.  There's a large selection of new books as well as 'zines and magazines and stationary.  The store is full of staff selections and there is usually a reading or event going on at least once a day.  There is a nice nook for used books, though the selection is sometimes limited.  The staff is pleasant and friendly but not annoying.  Fair warning:  it's really easy to drop twice as as much as you were planning on spending here.

 Seattle Mystery Bookshop

If you have a mystery lover on your list, this is the place you want to shop.  The store is totally dedicated to musty books (as if you couldn't tell by the store name).  One whole wall of the store is dedicated to Northwest mystery authors and the rest of the store is divided into mystery subsections (like culinary mysteries, animal mysteries, etc.)  They also host a number of signings and events so you could wind up with brownie points if you have a book personalized for your recipient.

University District/ Ravenna

University Bookstore

This is not just a place to get next semester's textbooks.  There is a great selection of used books and new releases.  The store offers author readings and book signings in addition to story times.  There are locations throughout the area including Bellevue, Mill Creek, and Tacoma.

Third Place Books

There are two locations for this awesome store:  Bothell and Ravenna, but only Ravenna has a pub downstairs.  There is a nice selection of used and new books here in addition to a few non book gifts.  It's easy to spend several hours browsing here.

Mockingbird Books

If you have any children or teenagers on your list, you might want to check out this specialty store near Greenlake.  They invite you to stop by for some festive holiday reads this December.  If you or your little ones get famished while shopping, grab some lite fare in the Finch Cafe.