There’s something magical about holiday markets, isn’t there? The twinkle lights, the smell of cinnamon and pine, the buzz of shoppers finding perfect gifts, and the chance to meet the makers behind the products you’re buying. This year, I’m thrilled to be on the other side of the booth – and I can’t wait to meet you!
Our First Market: This Saturday!
The Story Grove is making its market debut this Saturday, November 22nd, at [MARKET NAME]! I’ve been prepping, organizing, and maybe doing a little excited dancing around my workspace. This is the moment where all the planning becomes real, and I get to do my favorite thing: talk about books with fellow readers!
Where to Find Us:
- Market: Allendale Artisan & Craft Fair
- Location: 10760 68th Ave, Allendale
- Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
- Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Booth: Booth 205, in the cafeteria
Look for the green logo with the reader sitting under a tree – that’s us!
What You’ll Find at Our Booth
Whether you’re shopping for the book lover in your life (or treating yourself – we fully support that!), here’s what you’ll discover at The Story Grove booth:
Story Boxes ($39-$69)
These aren’t your average subscription boxes – they’re one-time, curated experiences designed to delight. Each Story Box features:
- A carefully selected book
- Artisan gifts from small businesses that complement the reading experience
- Beautiful presentation that makes them perfect for gift-giving
We offer three levels:
- Standard Box ($39): Book + 2-3 coordinating gifts – perfect for treating yourself or a budget-friendly gift
- Premium Box ($49-54): Book + 3-5 premium items – the sweet spot for gift-giving
- Deluxe Box ($69): Book + 4-6 high-end products – for when you want to truly spoil someone (or yourself!)
Wrapped Reads ($15-$32)
Love a good mystery? Our Wrapped Reads are blind date books – wrapped and labeled by genre or vibe, but the title stays a surprise! These are perfect for:
- Gift exchanges (they look beautiful under a tree!)
- Treating yourself to a reading adventure
- Gifting to someone whose reading taste you know, but want to surprise them
Just tell me what genres or vibes you enjoy, and I’ll help you find your perfect match!
Individual Books
Not ready to commit to a full box? We’ll have individual books across all genres:
- Cozy mysteries
- Sweet and swoon-worthy romance
- Epic fantasy adventures
- Exciting Mysteries
- Historical fiction
- Contemporary fiction
- And more!
Every single book follows our “Stories Worth Sharing” promise – compelling storytelling with minimal sexual content (rated 0-2 on our spice scale). Whether you’re shopping for yourself, your teen, your book club, or your grandmother, you can shop confidently.
Bookish Gifts & Accessories
Because reading is better with the right accessories! Look for:
- Bookish themed candles – Because ambiance matters when you’re deep in a good story
- Jigsaw puzzles – For when you need a reading break (but still want something bookish!)
- Handmade charm bookmarks – Functional art for your current read
- Exclusive Story Grove bookmarks – You can’t find these anywhere else!
- Crocheted book sleeves – Protect your books in style
- Tote bags – Carry your book haul with pride
- Zippered pouches – Perfect for keeping your bookmark, reading glasses, and other essentials together
Why Shop at Markets?
I know you could shop online (and hey, our website is live at thestorygroveco.com if that’s easier for you!), but there’s something special about market shopping:
You Meet the Person Behind the Business
When you shop at my booth, you’re not just buying a product – you’re hearing the story behind it. Want to know why I chose a particular book? Ask me! Wondering if a Story Box is right for your best friend who loves historical fiction? Let’s chat about it! I genuinely love talking books, and getting to connect with readers in person is my favorite part of this whole adventure.
You Can See Everything in Person
Touch the crocheted book sleeves, smell the candles, flip through the books, and see exactly what’s in each Story Box before you buy. No guessing, no waiting for shipping – just instant gratification!
You Support Multiple Small Businesses at Once
Here’s something I’m really proud of: when you shop at The Story Grove, you’re supporting way more than just my small business. You’re also supporting:
- The artisan makers who create our candles, bookmarks, and other gifts
- The market organizers and vendors
- The authors who wrote these wonderful books
- Your local community
It’s the ripple effect of shopping small, and it’s beautiful.
You Get the Market Experience
Holiday markets are about more than shopping – they’re about the experience. The festive atmosphere, discovering new makers, finding unexpected treasures, and making it an outing with friends or family. Come for the books, stay for the magic!
First-Timer Bonus!
Because this is our first market, I want to celebrate with you! The first 10 customers at our booth will receive a free exclusive Story Grove bookmark.
Can’t Make It This Saturday?
Don’t worry – we have more markets coming throughout the holiday season! I’ll be updating our market schedule soon, so check back on the blog or follow us on social media @thestorygroveco for announcements.
And remember, our website is always open! Shop from your couch in your pajamas at thestorygroveco.com.
What to Expect at Our Booth
Fair warning: I will probably be REALLY excited to talk to you about books. Like, possibly too excited. I can’t help it – connecting readers with their next favorite story is literally my dream job!
Here’s what else you can expect:
- A warm welcome (even if you’re just browsing!)
- Honest recommendations (I’ll never push a book that isn’t right for you)
- Help finding the perfect gift (just tell me about the person you’re shopping for)
- Nerding out over books you’ve loved (yes, please share your favorites!)
- Easy payment options (we take cash, credit/debit cards, and Venmo)
The Story Grove Promise
Whether you shop at a market or online, every book we offer comes with our “Stories Worth Sharing” promise:
✨ Great storytelling – We only curate books we genuinely love
✨ Minimal sexual content – All books rated 0-2 on our spice scale
✨ Across all genres – From cozy to thriller, romance to fantasy
✨ Confidently shareable – Recommend them to anyone without worrying about content surprises
See You Saturday!
I’m counting down the days (okay, hours) until I get to meet you in person! Whether you’re a longtime book lover, new to clean reads, or shopping for someone else – I can’t wait to help you find something perfect.
Save the Date:
📍 Allendale Artisan & Craft Fair, Allendale High School, 10760 68th Ave, Allendale, MI
📅 Saturday, November 22, 2025
⏰ 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Look for the green tree logo and come say hi! And if you see someone who looks way too excited to be talking about books… that’s definitely me. 😊
Stay Connected:
- Website: thestorygroveco.com
- Instagram: @thestorygroveco
- Facebook: @thestorygroveco
See you at the market!
Kristin
Founder, The Story Grove
