Get Thee to a Borders!
I heard on NPR that Borders Bookstores are closing something crazy, like, 200 locations across the country. Lucky for me, one of those stores is my local Borders. While I hate to see businesses go out of business because I think about all those people without jobs, I did do a little happy dance when I heard it was closing. Bean LOVES books. He reads them all the time and because of that our books go through a lot of wear and tear. So, I’ve been thinking for a while that it’s time to replenish our supply.
What great timing because all of the books at my local Borders are 20% off at least. I hit up the bargain books (which is just about the only place I buy books anyway…) and not only were they already discounted, but they were an additional 20% off! Bean got a whole supply of new books.
He got a giant Bible story board book called, “Baby’s First Bible.”
Each page tells a different Bible story with big pictures and writing. Bean likes it because it’s oversized. I like that he’s learning those stories…and that it was $1.99!!
I also found an oversized Toy Story book and, naturally, Bean went crazy for it. That one was the most expensive, but it was still only $8.00.
Bean’s favorite kinds of books are books that either have something to do or something interesting to look at – like pop ups, activity, or sound books. They had all of those on sale for 20% off, too.
We got “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly.” We have this one in paperback, but paperbacks are tough for Bean to maneuver. He’s so rough with books anyway, so board books are really better for him. And this one even had little animals and things to push while you read.
Plus, I thought the illustrations were beautiful. And – bonus! – this one was only $4.00!
My biggest steal of the day was this beautiful, colorful, pop up book called, “My Under the Sea Pop-Up Adventure.” Bean has several sea life books and they are his current favorites, so this one was added to that collection and has already become a favorite.
It’s so pretty and it has these giant pop-up images of sea creatures for Bean to poke at.
If that one is Bean’s new favorite, then this next one is my old favorite. One of my favorite books when I was little was called, “Dinnertime.”
It’s about a frog who gets eaten by a vulture who gets eaten by a gorilla who gets eaten by a tiger who gets eaten by a crocodile who gets eaten by a shark. Kind of morbid now that I think about it. But it is the cutest book and I loved it when I was little. I’m so glad Bean gets to experience it now, too!
The last two books I picked up were themed – potty books! Who knew there were so many books about poop out there! In order to get Bean to stay on the potty for a while, I read books to him. Seems only fitting then that we spend that time reading potty books. So, I got “It’s Potty Time” and “A Potty For Me!”
I got all of these beautiful, colorful, engaging books for about $30. Moral of the story? Get thee to a Borders! I’m sure the sale prices will continue to get even better as the books get picked over, so pace yourself. I’m planning to go again next week (or, rather, next paycheck) and see what else I can find.
Happy hunting!
13 Comments
Alaina
The Borders we have here in downtown Indy is closing, too, which makes me sad because it’s the only downtown bookstore we have.
but I’ll have to make a Borders run because those deals sound awesome…even though it is sad they’re closing stores….
Katy @ MonsterProof
Oh, wow! They’re closing the one in King of Prussia, PA, too! It’s always packed! I’ll have to get there.
Catherine M.
Hey Katie—As a book suggestion, I highly recommend Leslie Patricelli’s books. Really great illustrations. I think she has a book about potties too. Nora can’t get enough of them!
Jordan
I went to the one closing near me and there was a line wrapping around the store! It wasn’t even that long when I was in there on Black Friday! While I could use a few new books, the 20% off wasn’t enough for me to spend an hour standing in line. Maybe I’ll go back on a day that everyone isn’t off of work!
Elizabeth@The Sweet Life
I’m from Ann Arbor, where Borders was founded, so I’m especially sad. Too bad, for sure. Glad you stocked up!
Jen at Cabin Fever
I hope you get something for yourself, too!! And its so sad to see Boarders closing. I love their store. 🙁
Cabin Fever in Vermont
Elle
I had that Dinner Time book when I was little! The pop ups are fantastic. It has seen many a generation of visiting children entertained at my paretns house.
megan
Good finds, and I remember the Dinner Time book too, the illustrations are great for that one! Also, a suggestion if you still want to expand Bean’s library, I find the best, cheapest children’s books at garage sales, library sales, and thrift stores. From 10 cents to $3 max. Great vintage ones too! Though, if you want more pop ups, it’s probably better to stick with new since those don’t usually last past the first owner.
Jessica
I got laid off by them last January. 🙁
Our closing sales were awesome though! The last few days, everything was 85% off. So there’s definitely amazing deals. We were super surprised by a lot of the things that were left!
Megan @ Red Dirt and Crazy
We have one not far from us that is closing as well! Q-Tip LOVES books so I was planning on making a trip. Maybe I should go sooner rather than later!!
Thanks for the heads up!
🙂
Megan
Melissa
That’s awesome! Have you ever heard of the Jesus Storybook Bible? It’s an amazing kids Bible with beautiful illustrations and a great story-telling style to it. It’s definitely something you’ll want to pick up for the bean. We have one and we don’t even have kids, yet…it’s that good! You can find it on Amazon. Check it out.
Verity
I love Borders, they closed their UK stores about 13 months ago & I miss that place so much! It was the only place near me to browse books & get a Starbucks too 🙂 but the final sales went to 80% and 90% off prices so keep checking in as my husband & I almost doubled our collection at the time! But I’m still pining for that Starbucks!
Mary S.
While you did get some great deals on some awesome books…what will your bean do next year when it is time for new books? Ever try a pop-up on the Kindle? Having your local bookstore go out of business is never, ever cause for celebration.