Buying bookish gifts for a reader tends to be way harder than it needs to be. Grabbing the first book you see isn’t your only gift option. You can ensure that your person enjoys their gift by catering to their preferences.
I have compiled a list of 11 gifts you can purchase for your bookish friend or family member. Some gifts are more personalized, like the book basket, and others more simple and classic, like a book light.
1. Special Edition Books
If you know your bookish person’s favorite books, this might be the best option for you. Though they can occasionally be on the more expensive side, special edition books are a sure way to get something they like.
A new edition of their favorite story is perfect for aesthetically displaying their interests. Books with alternative covered or sprayed edges are especially unique. Your person will appreciate that you pay attention to their favorite books!
You can get these books in person at places like Barnes and Noble or Target, or you can visit special websites like litjoycrate.com.
2. Kindle Stand
Kindle stands come in many different shapes and sizes. There are pillow stands that you can rest on your lap to prop up your Kindle. Some stands start from the floor and can be placed anywhere. Others stands can also be clipped anywhere and bent every which way.
No matter which option you choose, this stand is the perfect gift if your reader likes to read in bed or on the couch.
3. Kindle Clicker
A Kindle clicker is a perfect companion to the Kindle stand. The device is meant to be placed on the side of your Kindle. You can then hold the clicker in your hand to control the page-turning.
Most make use of this combo is to stay warm in bed. You can hook up a Kindle to a bed or nightstand and connect your clicker to the Kindle. That way, you can lay in bed under the covers, with the Kindle held up for you and its pages turning.
4. Bookish Merch
Book merch can be a considerably broad category, ranging from shirts to tote bags to candles. Some pieces of merch are based on specific books, while others are just about reading more generally.
If you know the types of books your reader likes, you might want to look at more niche merch — whether that’s their favorite genre or even their favorite character.
5. Book Basket
A book basket, similar to the boo basket concept, is a compilation of books, snacks, and other items, like bookmarks, sticky notes, and self-care items. If you know your reader well but don’t know much about what they read, this could be a good option.
The concept of the basket is to make a care basket for your person. With the book basket, you’ll want to lean mainly into the reading aspect of it.
6. Advent Calendar
There are pre-made advent calendars and homemade ones. There are also advent calendars filled with things like book merch, candles, and book accessories.
When you’re making a homemade advent calendar, you could have a number count with each number leading to a numbered, wrapped gift for your bookish person. What you put in the advent calendar is completely up to you.
7. Blind Date with a Book
A blind date with a book is a way to get a new book without looking into it beforehand. Typically, when buying a blind date with a book, the only thing you know is the genre.
They come with tools to annotate your books, occasional stickers, and something to drink as you read. They provide an extremely thoughtful surprise for the gift receiver.
8. Reading Journal
Reading journals help you track books that you’ve read. There are numerous different types. Some are just blank journals, while others have interactive spots you can fill in.
One of my personal favorite is A Clockwork Reader Reading Journal. It has a bullet journal feel to it, and Hannah, the writer, has curated recommendations and prompts.
It’s the perfect bookish gift if your reader enjoys journaling or likes to keep track of their books.
9. Book Lights
If the bookish person you’re shopping for is more of a physical book reader, you can never go wrong with a book light. There are many different kinds.
The usual book light that clips onto your book can be bought just about anywhere: bookstores, Walmart, and even the occasional gas station. Some book lights resemble a slab of plexiglass that distributes the light across your page.
You can never go wrong with gifting book lights, a bookmark, and maybe another little thing that made you think of your person.
10. Book/Kindle Sleeves
If your bookish person is an on-the-go reader, this may be a good gift. A book or Kindle sleeve is a pocket to prevent each item from getting damaged.
You slip in your book or Kindle and can then take it anywhere without worrying about scratches or dents from other objects in your bag.
There are basic sleeves available on Amazon, but if you want to get a more personalized one or support a small business, Etsy has countless options.
11. Book Embosser/Stamper
If you know your person loves books and has a vast collection, a book embosser or stamper is a nice personalized gift. There are multiple designs you can choose from. They usually say something like “from the library of,” and they include designs as well.
The difference between the two? A book embosser produces an indent on a page of the book with the chosen design. A stamper will create an ink stamp of the design into the book.
In The End
No matter what time of year it is, giving a memorable gift to the reader in your life is a good move. It shows you care about their interest and appreciate them!
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Linda
December 22, 2024 at 1:29 pm
Very interesting didn’t have an idea of all the options you have. Thank you for giving advice of making shopping easier.