Not Just For Book Lovers: Unexpected Finds At Barnes & Noble That Will Be The Best Surprise

Honestly, when I pop into Barnes & Noble, I usually head straight for the sci-fi new releases or business literature shelves. But this December, I decided to take a closer look. And you know what? It’s no longer just a bookstore. It is a full-fledged gift superstore where you can find everything from relaxation kits to serious collectible LEGO sets.

I took a lap around the store and gathered great ideas that will save you if you’re looking for last-minute gifts. And at the end of the article, there’s a special bonus on where to find the best holiday decor with great discounts.

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The Ultimate Relaxation Zone: Home SPA

The first thing that caught my eye was the Wellness section. If you thought only paper pages smell good here, you were wrong. I found some brilliant “Mini Getaway” and “Bath Tea” sets. These are aromatic Shower Steamers—the perfect item for those who don’t have a bathtub but still want to relax after work.

Right next to it, I saw proof that Barnes & Noble is breaking stereotypes. The shelf held not only women’s masks but also the “Bro Mask”—special face masks for men. And to complete the set, there are Pedicure Socks and gel patches. It’s a ready-made gift set for a colleague or a friend.

Hygge and Coziness

For those who are constantly cold, I found Warmies (microwavable plush warmers), but the real find for creative souls is the Needle Felting Kit. In the photo below, you’ll see a wool felting kit to make your own gnome (center right). It’s a wonderful alternative to regular puzzles and part of the large “Cozy Gifting” display.

Of course, what is Barnes & Noble without their legendary socks? Knitted, plush, thick—they look so cozy you want to put them on right there in the store. But my favorite find was the box shaped like a bookstore (“Book Shop”). This Book Lovers Countdown Calendar ($45) is essentially a 12-day advent calendar, with each day bringing a new stationery or book-themed gift.

And for a dash of pure holiday cheer, I found this Gingerbread Ornament tucked inside a charming book-shaped keepsake box. With such delightful detailing, this little cookie looks good. Perfect for gifting or starting a new tradition, it’s a cozy reminder of sugar, spice, and everything nice.

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Smart Play & LEGO (The Wow-Factor)

And now for the heavy hitters. I was shocked to see the collectible LEGO “Dune Atreides Royal Ornithopter” on the shelf. It’s a massive, detailed set for adult “Dune” fans. Next to it is the NASA Apollo Lunar Roving Vehicle. These are “Wow!” level gifts you definitely don’t expect to find between rows of novels.

For kids who love science, there are cool kits from National Geographic. For example, the Aurora Light Projector or a real metal detector. These are gifts that distract kids from phone screens.

If you’re looking for something compact for a party, pay attention to the card games stand. Here lies the hit of the year—the cooperative game “Sky Team”, as well as countless variations of UNO (even Super Mario!) and the fast-paced “Dutch Blitz”. The perfect size for stuffing a Christmas stocking.

Fandom Zone: Harry Potter, Snoopy, and Moomins

Harry Potter fans, brace yourselves! There is a separate stand with replicas: from magic wands to Time Turners in glass cases. They look very solid and expensive—a real treasure for a collector.

Another big theme this season is Peanuts (Snoopy). I found everything here: from 1000-piece puzzles to 3D crystals and plush toys. Snoopy is experiencing a new wave of popularity right now, so a gift like this will be on trend.

A real find for aesthetes is the Moomin shelf. This is a rarity for physical stores! Metal water bottles, cute luggage tags, and bright puzzles featuring Tove Jansson’s characters. A very heartwarming gift.

For younger school kids, I found a huge display featuring Dog Man. Besides the new Dav Pilkey books, there are cool plush toys of the characters themselves. If your child is a fan of these comics, they will be delighted.

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Barnes & Noble Seasonal Must-Haves

I didn’t forget about the little ones. In the Early Learning section, there are wonderful interactive books, like “First 100 Trucks” or “Alpha Block”. These are bright, high-quality editions that are pleasant to hold.

If an Elf lives in your home, B&N is your base. There is a huge selection of Elf on the Shelf sets, including new animal friends (St. Bernards, foxes) and clothes for the elves. Everything to create magic for the kids every morning.

And the final find at B&N is greeting cards. There is a promotion running right now: buy one box of cards, get the second for half price (Buy One Get One 50% Off). The best time to stock up on stylish cards for all the holidays ahead.

Bonus: Magic Decor and Discounts at Michaels

After B&N, I decided to pop into Michaels, and it was worth it. If Barnes & Noble is about gifts, then Michaels is about creating a holiday atmosphere at home. And the best part is the crazy discounts right now.

The first thing that greets you is a forest of Christmas trees. The “ALL trees on sale!” promotion is on, and the selection is impressive. The “flocked” (snow-covered) trees look especially beautiful, creating a winter fairytale feeling right in your living room. If you’ve been wanting to upgrade your tree, now is the time.

Next, I stumbled upon a dream for all parents (and cat owners). Huge sets of Shatterproof Ornaments for just $11.99. The color range goes from classic red to stylish Tiffany blue and pink. It’s cheap, stylish, and safe.

For lovers of classics, Michaels offers collectible Lemax Christmas villages at 40% off. I just got stuck staring at the animated “Everlasting Christmas Trees” composition—it’s a small factory with moving elements and lights. Something like this can become a family heirloom

But the main life hack for parents was on the shelf with the elves. It turns out Barnes & Noble isn’t the only place to find The Elf on the Shelf magic. Here at Michaels, I found the ultimate “Elf Ideas Kit” (24 idea bundles). Imagine: you don’t have to rack your brains every night coming up with something for the elf to do. The box already contains props for 24 days: a mini toaster, a mixer, a deck chair, and idea cards. It’s simply “buy it and forget the stress.”

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My Verdict: Go to Barnes & Noble for the gifts, and hurry to Michaels for the holiday spirit and decor!