Winter is here (as much as it ever is in the valley), and that means the holiday season is upon us! Which also means many people are scrambling to find the perfect last-minute gifts. And the best place to find the perfect gift is at local businesses. You can support local and still get the perfect gift! Whether you’re shopping for the BookToker in your life, the ravenous romance reader, the fantastical fantasy fan, or an early reader, we found 6 local bookstores that have the perfect book for every reader on your list!
Ante Books in McAllen, Texas
A hidden gem in the heart of McAllen, Ante Books is an independent bookstore that has been around for a little over 1 year and has been making waves in the local community. Ante has a comfy nook to read, discounted finds, and some great literature to browse, from the hottest BookTok books to feminist literature, popular cookbooks, A24 film scripts, and more! Not to mention, they’re always hosting events for the community.
Located at 1713 W Hackberry Ave Suite B, McAllen, TX 78501
Follow: @antebooks
J’aime Les Livres in McAllen, Texas
Our main street neighbors , J’aime Les Livres (translation: I love books in French) is a quaint cozy house turned bookstore! When you walk in, you’ll be transported to a maze of books and an assortment of cute notebooks, cards, and more! They also have an amazing selection of maps for the adventurer in your life or vintage books for the person in your life who loves to collect.
Located at 1219 N Main St, McAllen, TX 78501
Follow: @jaimeleslivres
The Storybook Garden in Weslaco, Texas
Established in 2001, The Storybook Garden is an indie children’s bookstore that offers children’s books, gifts, toys and events for all the children in the RGV! So for all the kiddos in your life, give them the gift of all things picture books and children’s literature for the holidays!
Located at 260 S Texas Blvd, Ste 106, Weslaco, Texas 78596
Follow: @storybookgarden
Books-N-Things in Harlingen, Texas
A little gem in Harlingen, Books-N-Things offers a plethora of books, but most people online have mentioned their great selection of mystery and romance novels. Check out their books for the Agatha Christie in your life or someone looking for the next best romance novel to cozy up to this Winter.
Located at 523 N 1st St, Harlingen, TX 78550
Búho in Brownsville, Texas
Since 2023, Búho has become Brownsville’s only traditional bookstore located in the historic downtown area. The bookstore has made waves in the local community, offering books of over 40 genres, which include newly published, second hand books and a unique selection of rare vintage books as well. Buho also hosts community events, book club meetups, and poetry open mic nights, and will soon feature a coffee and wine bar!
Located at 1140 E Washington Street, Brownsville, Texas 78520
Follow: @buhobtx
Unruly Cactus Books & Coffee in Port Isabel, Texas
Since 2021, this family owned and operated bookstore in Port Isabel has been offering new books, gifts, and coffee for all the bibliophiles that live amongst the sea.
Located at 412 E. Queen Isabella Blvd. Suite C, Port Isabel, Texas 78578
Follow: @theunrulycactus
