Abacus: More Than Just a Bookstore — It’s a Creative Universe You’ll Never Want to Leave

Picture this: a space where creativity fuses with learning, where books and board games live next to science kits, where your next art obsession is just a shelf away. That space? It’s Abacus. And if you’ve stepped foot in one of their shops or even scrolled through their site, you’ll know exactly what we mean when we say — it’s not just a store.

Founded in Catalonia over 50 years ago, Abacus is the go-to spot for students, families, artists, educators, DIYers and imagination-lovers of all ages. It’s equal parts bookstore, stationery haven, toy emporium and craft lover’s paradise. But what makes it a fan favorite isn’t only the variety… it’s the values at the core.

Abacus is a cooperative model, which means it’s owned and shaped by its members, and yes — that includes everyday shoppers. That means they don’t chase profits above all else, they invest in community, education, and culture. And let’s be real, in a world filled with bulk retail and fast consumerism, that feels refeshing.

A World Built for Curious Minds (Big and Small)

From a kid’s first watercolor palette to complex physics kits and high-level design tools, Abacus serves all creative levels. Whether you’re five or fifty-five. Their catalog is stacked with resources to help you build, learn, invent or simply have fun.

Step into any of their sections and it’s like being dropped into a well-organized wonderland:

• Books for every mood: from undisputed bestsellers to hidden literary gems.
• Crafts & DIY materials with promotions up to -25% on fan-favorite brands like Cricut and Posca.
• Educational games that sneak in math, language and logic under the guise of fun.
• Art supplies trusted by serious illustrators, teachers, and emerging creatives alike.

And don’t be surprised if you leave with more inspiration than you knew you needed — between the twinkle-lit displays and warm, approachable vibes, the space practically invites you to try something new.

One Shop, Endless Stories

What really sets Abacus apart, though, is the sense of story embedded in every aisle. Look no further than the LEGO® Store section, where magic builds block by block — from Star Wars to Disney classics. These are carefully curated spaces with something for every fan and age, whether you’re buying your first bricks or your fiftieth collector’s set.

And speaking of stories, the book selection is on fire — from bilingual reads to Catalan bestsellers to highly anticipated new releases like “En l’amor i en la guerra”, the gripping third installment in Falcones’ saga, or the thrilling “El secreto de la asistenta”by Freida McFadden.

There are spaces for young adult fantasy (Maxton Hall, Quicksilver), deep philosophical thinkers (L’art de ser humans), education professionals, artists and everyone in between. This isn’t just about books—it’s about connecting to stories that matter.

A Creative Playground — Literally

For lovers of texture, color and the joy of making things by hand, Abacus is a straight-up paradise. Their collection of modeling kits, painting sets, DIY jewelry boxes, and adult-worthy paint-by-number canvases will turn any afternoon into a staycation for your brain.

In fact, some of their bestsellers right now are:

• Posca paints (hello -25%!): Those iconic matte art pens that work on everything from stone and wood to canvas and glass.
• Cricut Explore 4 machines: Making customized T-shirts or cards at home has quite literally never been this smooth.
• Play-Doh and Totum kits: Creative play done right for little hands.
• Build-it figures by Jekca: Where pets and pop culture are recreated brick by brick—and the final piece looks legit enough to display.

And if we can get personal for a sec — there is something oddly soothing about assembling your own bamboo plant or painting a mandala while listening to your favorite playlist. It’s the grown-up Zen you didn’t know you needed.

The Magic of Member-First Shopping

Unlike many retail giants, Abacus puts their community first. As a cooperative, they offer exclusive member prices, bundle deals, loyalty perks and early access to special editions. Think -10% extra discounts on manualidades y juegos creativos (yep — crafts and activities), and curated collections that reflect what realfamilies and educators want and need.

It’s no wonder that during seasonal campaigns or local school rushes, Abacus becomes the trusted destination. They’re not selling trends. They’re serving real life, and backing it up with know-how, ethics, and a whole lot of heart.

The Bestsellers People Can’t Stop Adding to Their Carts

Need a shortcut? These bestsellers have been living rent-free in everyone’s shopping carts lately:

• Olivo Artificial Minimal – 150 cm (because fake plants have never looked so real and chic)
• Maxton Hall & Quicksilver Trilogies (hello, viral TikTok stories turned hardcover hits)
• Cricut machines + Smart Vinyl bundles
• Javier Sierra’s “El Plan Maestro”, for those craving thriller with a side of history
• Les tenebres del cor by Albert Sánchez Piñol, which reveals the poetic beauty of exploration and myth
• And of course… books, books, and more books for all ages, including children’s literature, fantasy sagas, and influential essays about education, love and memory

Abacus understands something that many forget: great products are cool — but context and culture? That’s what creates loyalty.

What’s Coming and What’s Hot

Right now, springtime promotions are lighting up their categories, including:

• -25% on CRICUT tools and -10% on creative games and DIY sets
• A curated selection of school & teacher essentials for back-to-class planning
• Special spotlight selections like “Trilogía Foc” and “Hasta que nos quedemos sin estrellas” — new titles lighting up the young reader space
• And the much-loved LEGO store experience, with fresh updates in Disney, Star Wars and Ninjago collections

Psst — the seasonal creativity push runs until May 31st, so if you’ve got birthdays, school projects, or “just-because” gift moments on your list, now’s the time to jump in.

The Bottom Line: This Isn’t Just a Store, It’s a Movement

Abacus has become more than just a place to shop — it’s a space where values and everyday life meet. It’s for the curious, the crafty, the book-obsessed and those who find joy in well-made pens, beautifully bound stories, quirky models, thoughtful toys and hands-on learning.

And in that space, there’s room for everyone — from art teachers and design students to first-time parents shopping school gear or nostalgic adults rediscovering LEGO magic.

So yeah. It’s more than books. It’s Abacus. And it’s kind of the home base we didn’t know we needed.