"Shop Early, Shop Local" Twin Cities Independent Bookstores Contest

In the months of October, November, and December 2020, holiday shoppers will be eligible to win gift cards redeemable at any Twin Cities independent bookstore just for purchasing their gifts at one, any, or all of the amazing independent bookstores in our metro area. Each month, we'll select three winners at random to receive a $50 gift card, and anyone who enters will also be entered into a drawing for a $150 gift card at the end of the year.

The sooner you do your holiday shopping at an independent bookstore, the less you have to buy to be eligible, so Shop Local, and Shop Early!

Contest Details

  • Visit 10 participating bookstores in October and document your visit to be eligible for one of three $50 gift cards to be awarded at the end of the month, and entered into a drawing for the grand-prize $150 gift card at the end of the year. The deadline to complete the entry form is November 7. Winners will be notified by November 15.
  • Visit 15 bookstores in November to be eligible for one of three more $50 gift cards and entered into the drawing for the $150 gift card. The deadline to complete the entry form is December 7. Winners will be notified by December 15.
  • Visit all 20 bookstores in December to be eligible for one of three monthly prizes and entered into a drawing for the grand prize. The deadline to complete the entry form is January 7. Winners will be notified by January 15.
  • Visiting a store's website counts as a "visit."
  • Acceptable forms of documentation include: 
    • a selfie at the bookstore
    • a picture of your purchase being delivered via curbside delivery
    • a screenshot of your shopping cart on a bookstore's website
    • a proof of purchase
  • Submit your entries via the online form linked below.
  • ​No purchase necessary.

If you have any questions about how to participate, please direct them to TheIndependentBookseller@gmail.com.