The Penn Bookstore and Computer Connection are ushering in the holidays with two days of storewide sales and seasonal festivities on Thursday, Dec. 11, and Friday, Dec. 12, as part of the Bookstore’s annual winter “sale-a-bration.”

Penn Bookstore shoppers can receive 20 percent discounts on most items, with limited restrictions such as textbooks and Nook e-readers.

A professional photographer will be on hand to snap wintery photos from 2 to 6 p.m. each day. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be served from 4 to 6 p.m. and patrons can also take advantage of a free gift-wrapping service. 

“In the last two years, we finally figured out the right amount of hot chocolate and cookies to have available, and just how many people we need to make available to do the free gift wrapping,” says Chris Bradie, associate vice president in Penn’s Business Services Division. “People are always pleasantly surprised when they find out the team lets them sneak in an item not purchased at the Bookstore or Computer Connection [to be wrapped for free].”

Bradie says that the two-day festivity has evolved along with the Bookstore’s mission. In addition to selling books and promoting Penn-branded athletic wear, jewelry, and gift items, the Bookstore hosts book talks, signings, and community get-togethers.

Computer Connection, located on the second floor of the Bookstore, also has special offers to help shoppers check off the technology items on their holiday list. On Dec. 11, customers can save $100 on any MacBook Air or Pro laptop. They can also save $25 off any iPad Air 2 or Mini 3 and receive a $25 Computer Connection gift card with purchase.  

On Dec. 12, consumers can receive a $50 Computer Connection gift card with the purchase of any Windows laptop or Microsoft Surface tablet. 

Patrons can also get a free gift with purchase of a Fitbit Flex wireless fitness monitor (a color wristband accessory 3-pack valued at $30) on both “sale-a-bration” days.

Thumb through Computer Connection’s 2014 Holiday Wishbook, which contains sale items that have additional discounts on the sale days, online at the Computer Connection website.

New this year at Computer Connection is a technology trade-in program. Shoppers can bring in their old Apple laptops, or phones and tablets from a variety of vendors to exchange for a gift certificate that can immediately be applied to any purchase. For more information, visit the Computer Connection website.