The Best of Aroostook book stores, voted on by nearly 1,000 literature lovers from this neck of the woods. One thing that we love about all our bookstores is that they showcase works by local authors, host intimate readings and events, and support regional artists and writers. Here is who made the list for 2025 as voted on by you!

In Aroostook County, gift shops come in all shapes and sizes. You can browse shelves of books, pick up local maple products, find Scandinavian imports, shop for handmade goods, or discover a one-of-a-kind treasure you will not find anywhere else. In 2026, 1,737 voters from Maine and beyond shared their favorite Aroostook businesses as part of the Best of Aroostook Awards. Here are the 2026 winners of Best Gift Shop, as voted on by you!

With 137 votes, the award for Best Gift Shop in Aroostook goes to...

Neighborhood Books in Presque Isle, Maine! This charming bookstore provides a space where readers can linger, join book clubs, or simply strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. They are known for their community events such as new book launches, trivia nights, and live music nights! Unlike big-box retailers or online giants, this local bookstore curates selections that reflect the unique tastes and stories of our region. You’re not ready to turn the page on your visit to Aroostook until you stop here!  

2026 Winners for Best Book Stores

1st) Neighborhood Books

Presque Isle, Maine │ Directions or learn more

This one of kind of independent bookstore makes browsing feel like part of the experience as friendly smiles welcome you in.

The store offers a selection of books for readers of all ages, along with gifts, games, puzzles, cards, and other items that make it easy to find something for just about anyone on your list. Whether you are shopping for a young reader, looking for your next vacation read, or searching for a gift that is a little more personal than something from a big box store, Neighborhood Books is a great place to start.

With 137 votes, Neighborhood Books earned a first-place finish and was named the 2026 Best Gift Shop in Aroostook.

2nd) Volumes Book Store

Houlton, Maine │ Directions or learn more  

Located in Presque Isle, Maine, Volumes offers another place for book lovers and gift shoppers to browse, find something new, and support an independent local business.

Whether you are looking for a new book, a gift for a reader, or something fun to bring home, Volumes offers the kind of personal shopping experience that makes independent bookstores special.

It earned second place in the 2026 Best Gift Shop category.

3rd) Bittersweet and Thyme

Houlton, Maine │ Directions or learn more  

Located in Houlton's Historic Market Square, Bittersweet and Thyme offers a mix of gifts, home goods, décor, and other items that make it a fun place to browse.

The shop is the kind of place where you can walk in looking for one thing and leave with something entirely different. You'll find sweaters with the names of local lakes, mugs with the funny words we like to say up here, and of course Paul Cyr Calendars. From gifts for someone special to something new for your own home, Bittersweet Thyme is a new shop in town and we are so happy they are here!

Bittersweet Thyme earned third place in the 2026 Best Gift Shop category.

2026 Honorable Mentions

Listed in order of popularity among voters

• Bogan Books in Fort Kent, Maine
• Spring Break Maple & Honey in Smyrna, Maine
• The Stone Flower Boutique in Presque Isle, Maine
• County Collectibles in Presque Isle, Maine
• Timber Candle Bar & Boutique in Caribou, Maine
• The County Co-Op and Farm Store in Houlton, Maine
• Monica's Scandinavian Imports in Caribou, Maine
• Book and Brew Cafe in Houlton, Maine
• Mainely Merchants in Caribou, Maine
• Fifty8 & Maine in Caribou, Maine
• Bouchard Country Store in Fort Kent, Maine
• Fiddlehead Florals and Gifts in Patten, Maine
• Red Moose Gifts in Patten, Maine
• Brambleberry Market in Caribou, Maine
• Creative Carpentry in Caribou, Maine
• Gifts Galore in Caribou, Maine
• Ruska Coffee in Caribou, Maine
• Home Ec. Market in Presque Isle, Maine
• Mac's Trading Post in Houlton, Maine
• Pelletier Florist in Fort Kent, Maine
• Brookside Inn in Smyrna, Maine
• Merchants on the Corner in Presque Isle, Maine
• Tulgey Wood Emporium in Houlton, Maine
• Willow Wood Farm & Apothecary in Hodgdon, Maine
• County Ag and Turf in Caribou, Maine
• Deep in the Woods Gift Shop in Oxbow, Maine
• The Flower Shoppe in Madawaska, Maine
• JMM Gift Shop in Hodgdon, Maine
• Serendipitous Dragonfly in Houlton, Maine
• Theriault's Fly and Tie Shop in Stacyville, Maine
• The Rummage in Dyer Brook, Maine

“Best Gift Shop” is one of the 11 categories recognized through the Best of Aroostook Awards. To see the winners across all categories, visit the 2026 Best of Aroostook Awards winners page.

ACT is compromised of a 12 member volunteer board who work to promote all of The County and invite visitors to find their own Aroostook adventure through marketing. "Best of Aroostook'" is a fun way to highlight Aroostook County and no prizes are given. Aroostook County Tourism created a 17-question survey that was completed by 1,737 participants from January through March 2026. Votes with similar spellings or common typos were combined and tabulated. The top three businesses in each category were recognized as winners, while other businesses receiving votes were recognized as honorable mentions. The Best of Aroostook Awards are a fun way to recognize the places that make Aroostook special.