Jolabokaflod: What is it?

Jólabókaflóð

Roughly translated from the Icelandic to be:

Christmas Book Flood

Need we say more? But wait, it gets better.

Jólabókaflóð is the coziest, most wonderful of Icelandic traditions.

How to celebrate in 3 easy steps:

  1. Exchange books on Christmas Eve

  2. Everyone settle in with your new book and hot cocoa

  3. Enjoy the cozy delight of a holiday evening spent with family reading and sipping hot cocoa

It’s seriously that easy!

Extra points? Gift hot cocoa with the book!

Not sure what books to get for friends and loved ones? Ask our booksellers! We read hundreds of books every year to be able to recommend that next fabulous title for you.

What began with an abundance of books during a time of few pleasures in World War II (paper was one of the few things not rationed in Iceland during the war), quickly developed into a national tradition. This tradition cemented Iceland as a nation of bookaholics and has since spread to be celebrated more worldwide in recent years. Be still our bookish hearts!

The Story Shop Holiday Gift Guide

Keep reading. It's one of the most marvelous adventures anyone can have. -Lloyd Alexander

Struggling to find that perfect gift for your book-loving child, spouse, or friend? Find some of our favorite gifts for fellow bookworms below!

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The Obvious

A book they’ll treasure. One of the best gifts for anyone is a book that they will read over & over again or a beautiful edition that’s an old favorite. Not sure what to pick? Ask one of our booksellers. We love helping find a next favorite or beloved title.

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Subscription

Never run out of new reading material with a new release sent right to their door every month:

  • Gift a monthly subscription for a period of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, or 1 year

  • Picture books recommended for ages 1-9

  • Middle grade books recommended for ages 8-12

  • Subscription will contain 1 recently-released book per month & will include promotional goodies related to that book as available through the publisher

  • Shipping included in the subscription cost

  • Automatic recurring payments set up upon purchase of a several-month subscription

  • Billing will go through on the 10th of each month

  • Holiday boxes will ship December 15th!

  • Subscribe here

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Audiobooks

Get your audiobooks through Libro.fm & support us at the same time!

  • Comparable pricing with Audible, but supporting local indie bookstores

  • Gift a 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, or 12 month membership

  • OR gift a certain title

  • Use credits whenever AND purchase extra titles with membership discount

  • User friendly app for iPhone or Android

  • Listen on multiple devices

  • Subscribe here

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Bookish Wearables & Accessories

Let them wear their favorite book in the form of a bookish t-shirt or onesie, drink their morning brew with a book-related mug, mark their place with adorable magnetic bookmarks, or read into the wee hours of the morning with a book light.

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Continuing the Adventure

Do they love a certain series? Continue the adventure with an activity book or a character plush!

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