Hello - I see the 74HC595 shift register. It is 8-bits, parallel out/serial in.
The 74HC299 is a similar 8-bit shift register…for just 4 more piins you get a parallel in/serial out capability as well though. It is my personal all-time favorite shift register 
Failing that, could sparkfun carry the 74HC597 (or 74HC165/6 or 74HC589?), which provides just parallel in/serial out?
It would just be awesome to get projects like today’s done without resorting to digikey