Updated Aug. 23, 2024
Gifts for book lovers don't have to include just books—rather, opt for these creative and useful items any reader would love to receive.
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via Frostbeard/etsy.com
There’s nothing quite like the irresistible scent of a bookstore, and now your favorite reader can take it in without even having to leave home. This candle is one of our favorite gifts for book lovers. It contains notes of mahogany, leather and coffee to create a cozy, welcoming environment. And, it comes in four sizes—including a wax melt option. It makes for a great gift for a girlfriend, too.
Via Wayfair.com
Reading in the bathtub is an excellent idea—until the book’s pages inevitably take an accidental dip in the water. This caddy provides a solution, with a spot to prop the book up and hold it in place, plus a cup holder for a glass of wine or a hot mug of tea. This bath caddy is made of bamboo, making it durable and eco-friendly, and you can expand it to fit any bathtub.
Via Amazon.com
For the friend who seems like they’re picking up a new book twice a week, this reading journal will help them keep track of their favorite titles. It offers space for comments, memorable quotes in each book, and even has a star rating system on each page. Moleskine has long been a trusted name in journals and notebooks, so it should last them as long as it takes them to work through their vast library.
Via Amazon.com
Half the fun of reading is creating a relaxing space to help you lose yourself in a book. This sherpa blanket is just the thing to unwind and get comfortable with its fuzzy, dual-sided comfort and light weight. This blanket isn’t just comfortable, but also stylish when draped on the back of a sofa or on a bed.
Via Amazon.com
Anyone on your list who’s both a book lover and a home chef will appreciate this memoir from longtime Gourmet editor, Ruth Reichl. It covers her journey from restaurant reviewer to editor, and how she changed the culinary world in the process. This book is a must-have on any food lover’s bookshelf.
via GreyMatterGifts/etsy.com
For the book lover who always seems to be missing her reading glasses, this adorable eyeglass stand is a sweet solution. It provides a designated spot to keep the readers in place, and within reach of their typical reading nook. You can choose to have this little fox made of either light cherry wood or reddish padouk wood.
via llbean.com
Trust us on this one, just about anyone would be happy to receive a set of these super-soft, warm and cozy pajamas—after all, who enjoys curling up with a book in jeans? We love the classic plaid prints and holiday-approved flannel material. The pajamas come in regular, petite, plus and tall sizes, so it’s easy to find the perfect fit.
Via Amazon.com
Most avid readers probably got started at the local public library, and this library mug is a great way of reminding them of their book lover roots. It’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe, making it perfect for that cup of coffee a reader needs for late-night book marathons. Plus, it might remind them to return the book that was due months ago.
via MapleShadeKids/etsy.com
Bring a little brightness to any book collection by gifting these sweet, colorful rainbow bookends. They’re handcrafted from sustainably harvested poplar wood, and you can either buy one at a time or a set of two. While they can certainly be used in any adult room, these bookends would look especially cute as a nursery decorating gift to foster a love of books from an early age.
via nordstrom.com
Sometimes the best gift is one the recipient wouldn’t typically buy on their own, and this luxe Byredo candle certainly makes the list. It’s complex and warm, with notes of plum, violet, leather and vanilla to invoke a well-worn library. The chic, simple jar can be repurposed as a makeup brush holder or mini flower vase after the candle is done. It makes for a great gift for her.
Via Amazon.com
A book light is a great option for someone who doesn’t want to disturb their partner’s sleep, but the bright white light might disturb their own after going to bed. This amber-hued clip-on book light is easier on the eyes and 99.9% free of blue spectrum light. It comes with a rechargeable battery and three brightness settings, so it’s a step above most models.
Via Theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com
We all know that one person who seems to get cold the moment the temperature dips below 65°F. These ingenious fingerless mittens will keep their hands toasty without disrupting their ability to turn pages, and they’re made of soft alpaca wool. Bonus: Sales from these mittens benefit animal rescues, specifically providing enough food for 35 shelter animals.
via target.com
For the friend who’s always dog-earing pages to mark their spot, these chic bookmarks make a thoughtful gift. The set includes three bookmarks, each inscribed with a witty book-themed saying in a pretty metallic faux leather design. At only $8, this set is among the most affordable gifts on this list.
via cratejoy.com
It might be a cliché, but a subscription box really is the gift that keeps on giving. This one brings a new book—or two, or three—to the recipient’s doorstep every month, as well as fun little extras like snacks, lip butter, stickers and more. This subscription box is very customizable, as you fill in a quiz beforehand so that they know exactly what genre to send. They do send used books as well, so if you’re making this a gift, you might want to opt for the “new-only” option.
Originally Published: October 29, 2021
