The Frugal Frigate
9 N 6th St
Redlands, CA 92373
4.8(208 reviews)
The Frugal Frigate is an independent childrens bookstore located in Historic Downtown Redlands, California. A part of the community for over 33 years, the store is most recently owned by Redlands local Erin Rivera. In our brick & mortar location, we proudly offer the best in both new titles and beloved favorites of childrens literature. We have a refreshing selection of books for children to young adults, and we also carry a selection of plush toys, journals, stationery, cards, a build-a-stuffie workshop, and all sorts of things to stir the imagination. Online, the sky's the limit and we offer much more than just children's literature. Browse our shelves, check out our current recommendations, or search for what you're looking for, and find your next great adventure!In June 2021, we reopened A Room of One's Own! Some of you may remember the wonderful space that Katherine, the founder of The Frugal Frigate, created called A Room of Her Own. The tag line was, "books for, by, or about women." The Room was closed in the early 2000s when The Frugate changed hands. I (Erin, current owner) worked for Katherine in the late 90s in high school and college. That Room was so important to young, coming-of-age me and I don't think I'd be the same person today had I not had access to it. Literary voices that commanded attention, yelled, screamed, and whispered, showed me both mirrors AND windows. We are so excited to welcome you back to this space for adults, in a space dedicated off of the main store.
Contact Information
Hours
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Open Now
Photo Gallery
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Customer Reviews
Jennifer De La Torre
5 months ago
This is the most unique bookstore in the IE! There is literally something for everyone, even if they aren’t into books. You WILL find something for them here. The selection is great; there are so many genres to choose from. I absolutely love the children’s section and we have gotten so many books for our little one from here. We love to pop in every time we are in Downtown Redlands and we always walk out with something fun! This is a great stop to shop for non-book gifts too! They have lots of really fun things around the bookstore that are perfect gifts for any occasion. They also have a little build-a-stuffy section upstairs. This is definitely a place you have to visit if you are ever downtown. It’s a safe and inclusive, family-owned business and we love to support small-shops that align with our values.
Megan Jones
3 years ago
I visited today looking for a new book or two for my 16m old and I found so many great ones that I could hardly decided. There was a great shelf with picks from the staff, which I found super helpful! I ended up getting a beautiful book from that shelf that my daughter loved. The shop was so cute and eclectic! They had reading chairs for folks to sit and stay a while and even a cute loft area. They had such whimsical, kid-friendly decor, I can’t wait to take my little one there to let her explore the place! They were running a great special with a grant from the city where you could pay $25 to purchase a $50 voucher towards books at the shop! I’m not sure how long this will last so grab it while you can! 6/29/22
Gigi List
4 years ago
I would definitely stop here if you’re passing through Redlands and have children who love a good story. What a great traditional nostalgic bookstore that houses so many unique and beautifully illustrations children’s books. It’s worth taking your children here as I have for the last 29 years. Now my daughter is picking up the tradition with her first child on the way!
Marcie McIntosh
1 years ago
Sweet little bookstore offering not only books for children but a young adult/grown up section in the back lower level. I bought an Agatha Christie mystery book for my son who was staying in the Loma Linda down the street. I believe the store owner helped me. She was so kind to gift wrap the book for me to give to my son. My kids are all over 18, but I would have loved shopping here for them when they were younger. The Frugal Frigate has so many books and gifts to choose from! I’ll still go back for gifts when I’m in town. Loved it.
T Almanza
2 years ago
First time coming in today and met with the owner of the store. She went above and beyond helping pick out the perfect gift for my daughter and helped me hide it from her while at checkout. She even gave me extra complimentary gift wrapping paper to take home to wrap after I wrote in the book and since my daughter was with me at the time. We will definitely be back for the awesome one of a kind experience.
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