55 Best Gifts for Book Lovers
Mia Smith There's only one gift a book lover ever really wants: more books. But if you're not sure what books the bookworm in your life is into (or, more likely, if they've already read the book you're contemplating giving them), a bookish gift is the next best thing.
If the bibliophile on your holiday shopping list seems to have a library full of good reads, you've come to the right spot. We've curated a list of 55 (phew) gifts for avid readers that they won't want to put down. And when we say all types of readers, we mean all types of readers, like the ones who can't get into a book without a steaming cup of coffee in-hand, or the bookworm who loves to read with white noise on.
Be it a cozy reader, a reader who's always on-the-go, or the reader who'd rather admire their books on a funky shelf rather than actually read them, there's a gift on this list for all your literary friends. Scroll to shop all 53 gifts for book lovers to find your perfect present, or skip ahead to one of the categories using the Table of Contents below.
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53 gifts for book lovers that aren't just more books
Gifts for cozy book lovers
1. Berkshire Blanket, VelvetLoft Sherpa Heated Throw — $48.00
Speaking of staying warm… treat the cozy bookworm in your life to the ultimate hygge gift—this plush, super-soft sherpa throw blanket from Berkshire Blanket. Crafted with a built-in heating mechanism, this blanket is luxe. Just looking at it makes you want to throw it over your shoulders while you dig into a new novel. Available in four colors.
2. Vergissm, Wooden Book Light — $23.00
If you know, you know: Harsh overhead lights can kill a cozy vibe. This accordion book-shaped lamp emits warm, glowy light, turning any space into a night reader’s haven. It’s cordless and rechargeable, has three color settings, and can be closed back into a book shape, meaning you can tuck it away on a shelf with the rest of your novels.
3. Rifle Paper Co., Book Club Porcelain Mug — $22.00
Reading and drinking tea (or coffee) go hand-in-hand, so why not give your favorite bibliophile something to sip out of? This chic, gilded mug is illustrated with classic titles like Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Sense and Sensibility, indulging the drinker’s bookish side while they, well, indulge.
4. Buffy, Wiggle Pillow — $88.00
For the readers who like to curl up—literally—with a good book, the Wiggle Body Pillow from Buffy will have them comfy cozy. Its flexible shape can be folded up every which way, perfect for sitting up against while reading in bed, or resting against on the couch. The snuggly sherpa cover doesn’t hurt, either.
5. Homesick, Book Club Candle — $38.00
Set the mood with this Book Club-scented candle from Homesick that’s reminiscent of your childhood library or favorite far-away bookstore. Spark a match and enjoy the top notes of warm orange nutmeg blended with cinnamon, vanilla, balsam, and sandalwood. Mmm.
6. Out of Print, Library Card Socks — $12.00
Nothing is more distracting than cold feet, especially when you’re trying to read. Keep your head in the game and feet in these socks with these library card-printed socks, guaranteed to stave away the chill when you’re trying to relax. Each purchase funds community literacy programs, too, so you know your proceeds are going to a good cause.
7. Yirilan, Premium Bathtub Tray Caddy — $30.00
For the book lover who enjoys reading while they soak. This bath caddy has everything a bookworm could ever need in the tub, including an expandable book tray and wine glass holder. Peak coziness has never looked so good.
8. Art By Raylie, Banned Literature Throw Pillow — $26.00
Add a little bad ass-ery to your favorite recliner or sofa with this banned books throw pillow. Look closely, and you’ll find the titles of some iconic banned books, including some surprising names. The coziest reminder to fight against censorship.
9. Harney & Sons, Little Women Orchard House Blend — $14.00
Like we said, tea and books go hand-in-hand. So book-themed tea, like this Little Women-inspired blend by Harney & Sons, is a no-brainer. If Louisa May Alcott doesn’t do it for you, the brand has other literary teas to peruse, too, like Murder On the Orient Express (a smoky black tea) and “A Midsommars’s Night’s Tea” which Shakespeare would have probably drank himself.
11. Strand Book Store, Pom Beanie — $20.00
New Yorkers and globe-trotting readers alike will appreciate this simple beanie from the Strand, New York’s iconic book store. Emblazoned with the store’s simple logo, it’s a timeless accessory that’ll get wearers plenty of “OMG, I love the Strand!” when it’s on.
13. Noble Objects, Literary Candle — $33.00
You can never have too many books or candles. Enter, these stunning candles inspired by the Classics, like Black Beauty, Secret Garden, and Dracula. Each is scented with notes influenced by the titles themselves, and smell as good as they look.
Gifts for readers on-the-go
14. Amazon Kindle, Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (32 GB) — $190.00
For the reader who can’t fit all their favorite books into their suitcase. Built with 32 GB of storage, there’s plenty of space to store a bookshelves worth of stories wherever they roam. The Signature Edition also comes with reading-friendlier features, like a thinner border for more “page” space and an auto-adjusting front light. An amber screen lighting option makes reading easier on the eyes, too, while the wireless charging compatibility makes it easy to boost the battery when no outlets are available.
15. Uncommon Goods, Book Nook Reading Valet — $50.00
A dedicated place to store the book your reading, undisturbed at the place you left off, that’s close to your reading glasses or sticky notes?! Yes, please. This clever reading valet is practically a personal bookshelf, keeping their current mystery or romance close at hand to their favorite reading spot. When they’re done reading, they can lay the book open over the triangle (“Save My Spot” and “To Be Continued” are engraved on either side). It’s perfect for those who want to keep their reading time sacred and might not have the space to do so.
16. Anthropologie, Papier Pause Bookmark — $10.00
Need a bookish stocking stuffer or White Elephant gift? This sleek gold bookmark will do the trick. While traditional bookmarks slide around when they’re thrown into backpacks and purses, this one clips on, almost like a paper clip for your page. The shiny metallic design doesn’t hurt, either.
17. UpUDo, Magnetic Book Mark Clips (Pack of 12) — $7.00
If your book-loving pal tends to misplace their bookmarks, you could go the magnetized route with a 12-pack of bookmark clips. The magnet enclosures fit neatly over the top and sides of pages, so they won’t fall off when your reader is en route. Choose from stylish colors and patterns like flowers, watercolor swirls, or these illustrated landscapes.
18. MightyBright, Wonderflex Book Light — $25.00
Overnight plane rides and dark train cars call for a personal reading light to illuminate pages. This powerful light can be used for up to 45 hours at a time—ample time for bookworms to indulge while they’re on the go. If they do run out of battery, it recharges in a flash, so they can get back to their stories in no time.
19. The Book Seat — $24.00
Meet the travel pillow designed specifically for avid readers on-the-move. By day, it’s a convenient book or tablet stand with an adjustable page holder to keep your place over bumps and turbulence. By night (or day, if you’re taking a nap) it can be stuffed into window seats or on carseat arms as a pillow.
20. Apple, Airpods Max — $740.00
Nothing says, “Don’t talk to me, I’m reading” like a pair of serious noise-cancelling headphones. Apple’s over-the-ear headphones are the most powerful ‘pods out of the bunch, giving listeners a whopping 20 hours of listening time in one charge. Just prepare to really get in the zone once they’re on—that noise cancelling feature blocks out any din, so you can focus, focus, focus, while the spatial audio gives you a surround-sound when you’re listening to music or, of course, audio books.
21. Hill House Home, The Market Tote — $98.00
You know that person in your life who absolutely will not leave home without their book? This is for them. The Market Tote from Hill House is made from a sturdy canvas with ample storage for books, Kindles, and more. So whether they’re grocery shopping, catching a train, or heading out of town for the weekend, their books will always be close by.
22. TheSparkleCase, Kindle Case — $27.00
If you go the Kindle route or they already have a Kindle, get them sometime to protect it in style. Etsy has tons of decorative Kindle cases for sale that look good and keep the device from getting dinged up. We love this one from TheSparkleCase that’s adorned with trendy botanical illustrations that’ll also keep the device from disappearing in large, overstuffed totes.
Personalized book gifts
24. Ideal Bookshelf, Custom Print — $105.00
Surprise your favorite reader with a custom print of their ideal bookshelf, illustrated to show off up to seven of their all-time favorite books. Simply fill out the form with the number of books you’d like as well as print size, book orientation, and titles, and artist Jane Mount will create a personalized piece of artwork to display on your actual bookshelf (or nearby.) If you can’t find your special book in the curated list, Mount will hand paint it separately for an additional $40.
25. Laura Row Studio, Book Stack Mug — $36.00
Similarly, artist Laura Row hand paints mugs to show off books while you sip. Choose from an 11 oz. mug ($36) or 15 oz. mug ($41), then enter the titles you’d like to display. It’s the perfect gift for cozy readers who always like a hot cup of something nearby.
26. Knock, Personal Library Kit — $24.00
Shopping for the generous bookworm always eager to lend you a book? Make sure they get it back with their own personal library kit. It’s basically an old-fashioned library in a box, complete with 20 checkout cards and adhesive pockets, a date stamp, ink pad, and pencil. What they do when books are past due is up to them…
27. Delightful Stamps, Personalized Book Stamps — $9.00
In the same vein, these personalized book stamps will make sure lost or borrowed books always make it back to their original owner. Choose from a garden of flowery stamps, enter your librarian’s name, and presto—you’ve got a custom gift they’ll appreciate when lending out books.
28. Potter Gift, Reading Journal — $11.00
Serious bibliophiles will love this journal, ripe with room for personalized two-page book reviews. It’s packed with plenty of space to take notes, write down quotes, jot down thoughts, and keep track of what they read, what they liked, and what they didn’t.
29. Sugar Creek Lane, Personalized Bookmark — $29.00
For the friend that can’t stop quoting The Hobbit or Pride & Prejudice. Choose the font you want and enter the quote you want embossed on your leather mark. It’s a gift they’re sure to enjoy each and every time they turn the page.
31. Papier, Wonder Notebook — $32.00
Have a friend who’s been dreaming of penning their own best-selling novel one day? Here’s a gift for them. Papier’s stunning journals and notebooks make a thoughtful gift at any time of year, and can be customized with names and monograms for a personal touch. They’ll be filling its pages in no time.
32. Leatherology, Zip Sunglass Case — $60.00
Even though it’s marketed as a sunglass case, this handy leather case is great for reading glasses, too. Especially for the reader who is always looking for their glasses, this chic case will prevent them from getting lost or misplaced. Monograms can be either painted or embossed.
33. Uncommon Goods, 100 Essential Novels Scratch Off Chart — $25.00
Any reader who likes a challenge will appreciate this scratch-off chart that acts as their personal reading log. While not customizable, necessarily, they will customize it as they read along, scratching off the silver coating of each book. Once they’re finished, they’ll have a colorful work of art to display. (And bragging rights, of course.)
34. Williams Sonoma, Personal Embosser — $40.00
Gone are the days of scrawling your contact info inside a book! This personalized paper embosser from Williams Sonoma allows you to mark the flyleaf of your favorite book with your initials, name, or address.
Book subscriptions
35. Book of the Month Subscription
Gift subscriptions start at $60/3 months.
The original book subscription, Book of the Month has been around since 1926, delivering nearly 100 years’ worth of books to bibliophiles around the country. You can gift 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions where, at the start of each month, they’ll choose which of the curated books they want to read. It’s an easy, affordable way to stay on top of the literary scene, and a gift they’re sure to enjoy.
36. OwlCrate
Gift subscriptions start at $36/month.
Looking to surprise a young reader, or inspire a blossoming bookworm? OwlCrate has got you covered. The themed subscription boxes are broken up into two boxes: OwlCrate, for young adults 14+, and OwlCrate Jr., curated for readers ages 8-12. Both boxes ship with a new book each month plus a bookish goodies that tie a theme together. Expect themes like “Mythical Beasts” and “Comic Crusaders” to keep your little readers engaged long before they crack the spine.
37. Sips By
Gift subscriptions start at $48/3 months.
Does your book lover have enough tea to satiate their cozy habit? If not, get ’em a subscription to Sips By. When they sign up, they’ll complete a personalized tea profile to their liking. Then, Sips By will deliver a curated tea discovery kit for them to indulge in each month. They’ll “pour” over intricate blends from around the globe, and have access to member’s only perks and tea parties. We’ll cheers to that.
38. Literati
Gift subscriptions start at $75/3 months with 3-, 6-, and 12-month plans.
Members of Literati’s book club enjoy a smattering of perks, starting with a brand new book in their mailbox each month. Members get to choose from 15 different new best-sellers, so no worrying about staying current. They also gain access to the Literati app, where they can explore other reads and dive deep into the ins-and-outs of their books with other readers. There’s a children’s box, too, so the whole family can unwrap literary goodness.
39. Storyworth
For your friends and family who’d rather read their own story. Storyworth is the service that writes itself, turning meaningful moments and conversations into a gorgeous keepsake to show off on your coffee table or desk. When you sign up, Storyful will send you or your giftee a prompt once a week. Their responses are collected via email, and at the end of the year, are turned into a bespoke diary of sorts. It’s the interactive way to inspire reflection, log memories, and make something that’ll last a lifetime.
40. Book Riot, Tailored Book Recommendations (TBR)
Available in one-time and quarterly recommendations.
Book Riot’s TBR service is not your average subscription. Rather than getting a book every month, you can get recommendations at your leisure. Simply fill out the survey and a real book expert will send three handpicked recommendations for you to enjoy. Or, if you’d rather buy them yourself, they’ll send a letter with the titles so you can go shopping—whichever you’d prefer.
41. Audible Premium Plus
Gift subscriptions start at $15/month.
If your beloved bookworm is more of an audiobook person, treat them to a few months of Audible. Amazon’s premium audiobook membership gives listeners a new book each month for them to download and keep, plus access to thousands of other audiobooks, podcasts, and more. Through December 31, Audible is offering its Premium Plus subscription for just $6 for the first four months, so sign up ASAP.
42. Cratejoy, Once Upon a Book Club
Gift subscriptions start at $65/month.
This is *so* much more than a book subscription service; it’s a literary experience. Each box of the Once Upon a Book Club subscription comes with 3-5 individually wrapped gifts, all labeled with corresponding page numbers. You’ll come across the gifted items while reading the book, delivering a three-dimensional, multi-sensory experience.
Gifts for the bookshelf
44. Tee Books, Vertical Book Case — $119.00
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a sprawling home library or even decorative bookshelves. If your bookish friend lives in a small space, give them a small-space friendly bookshelf, like this one from Tee Books that looks clean and simplistic when it’s stacked with reads.
45. West Elm, Sin Bacchus Bookends — $140.00
Modern and stylish, these ceramic bookends will instantly elevate any space. Your bibliophile can use them to stack his favorite shelf with plenty of books—their sturdy, stoneware finish makes them hardy enough to hold up even the heaviest hardcovers.
46. Jane Mount, Bibliophile Vase — $30.00
Another literary piece of art from artist Jane Mount, this book-themed vase will look positively precious on any shelf. Decorated with a floral print complete with a spine and “pages,” it’s a fun piece of art even the most serious librarians will smile at.
48. Uncommon Goods, Stone Bookend Bud Vase — $22.00
Does the person you’re shopping for have a green thumb and a passion for books? Then this is the gift for them. These timeless wooden bookends feature two glass vials perfect for propagating plants, feeding two birds with one scone as they hold up their books. It’s a neat way to give a bookshelf a little green.
49. Anthropologie, Book Stack Ornament — $18.00
Less for the library and more for the Christmas tree, this sparkly glass ornament is a no-brainer gift any reader will appreciate. Even in the off season it’ll look darling on a desk, mantle, or corner of your bookshelf.
50. Pottery Barn, Cloth Colorpak Books — $159.00
For your design-focused friend who’s all about ~aesthetic~, get them a pack of color coordinating books. They’re handpicked by the color of the spine, allowing your friend to create the IG-worthy shelf of their dreams. Bundle them together for a curated look, or scatter them throughout the shelf to tie everything together.
52. Salafey - Expandable Bookshelf — $29.00
Another option for book lovers who live in small spaces, this expandable bamboo bookshelf makes organizing desks and tabletops easy peasy. Fully expanded, it provides three sizable slots to organize books without cluttering up your workspace. And, if you want to change things up, it’s easy to collapse down to its original size, too.
53. Litographs, "The Little Prince" Poster — $24.00
Surprise your friend with a poster they can display on their shelves, breaking up a sea of books with some literary art. Litographs makes all sorts of bookish prints and posters any bibliophile would love to unwrap. A closer look at the print will reveal sections of text artfully designed as the cover of the book. Each print comes with a beveled mat ready for framing.
54. Folio Society, 'The Night Before Christmas' — $60.00
Folio Society’s stunningly illustrated books make a perfect gift, no matter what you’re celebrating. For the holidays, this special edition of “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement C. Moore will delight your giftees. Each book features 50 pages of colorful illustrations, a glow-in-the-dark binding, and a colorful fold-out section that makes it a magical gift for any generation.
55. Penguin Books, Jane Austen: The Complete Boxed Set — $75.00
Austen fans will swoon over this pretty boxed set of Jane Austen’s best-selling novels. It includes seven of the author’s classic works (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, and Love and Friendship) all bound in whimsically patterned cloth that’ll instantly zhuz up any bookshelf.
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