Gift ideas for book lovers

The book lovers I know are obsessed with reading, and they agree that there’s no such thing as “too many books.” Right?

Any of these book-related gifts is sure to put a smile on your book lover’s face. Many Etsy shops feature beautiful, fun, and funny gifts for book lovers, and we’ll link to a few of those shops. But we found plenty of other places to find bookish gifts.

Let’s get to the list!

Books and book collecting

• Classic literature with true-to-the-original updates: Beautiful editions of classics, such as those from my friend Jody Skinner’s Smidgen Press. Jody’s company has set out to “preserve heritage texts” and has created many gorgeous editions of your favorite classics. Smidgen Press even creates ebooks: “Digital books are a priority as we serve readers in all parts of the world, as well as readers who benefit from accessibility accommodations (visual impairments, learning disabilities, and the like).” Check out Smidgen’s titles here.
• First editions or signed copies: A rare or signed edition of a book by their favorite author, especially one that holds sentimental value.

For the reading experience

• Reading light: A clip-on book light or a portable lamp for comfortable reading in low light.
• E-reader accessories: A sleek cover for their e-reader, along with a stand, charger, or stylish protective sleeve.
• Literary tea or coffee blends: Teas or coffees inspired by famous authors or classic novels. Take a peek at these tea infusers at December Larks, “where Books + Mugs = Happiness.” And just for fun, you could make your own blend as a gift. (I recently discovered that the blog I had linked to for tea-blend recipes is no longer active — that includes the website and social media. If you find a good site for tea-blend recipes, please let me know!)
• Literary themed drinkware: Mugs or glasses featuring literary quotes, author portraits, or illustrations from classic novels to enjoy their tea or coffee while reading. Check out A Fine Quotation on Etsy; the shop has a ton of cute items, including this mug for fans of the Mitford series by Jan Karon. I read the series several years ago and was in love with Mitford from Book 1. I also noticed several items for fans of Narnia and Downton Abbey. For more mugs and other delightful gifts, scroll to my “For book nooks and decor“ section below for a link to Rifle Paper Co.
• Literary-themed candles: Candles inspired by books or authors that create a cozy atmosphere for reading. The Etsy shop Bookology has some lovely candles poured into teacups (plus plenty of other gifts, obvs), and here are a few others I found on Etsy.
• Book-themed puzzles: Puzzles with literary scenes, classic book covers, or illustrations from beloved novels.
• Bookish board games or cards: Games like “Scrabble,” “Trivial Pursuit: Book Lover’s Edition,” or “Bookopoly” (book-themed Monopoly).

Personalized and custom gifts

• Custom bookplates: Personalized bookplates to mark their books as their own. This is especially nice for collectors or avid readers.
• Personalized bookmarks: Custom bookmarks featuring the recipient’s name, a favorite quote, or a design that reflects his or her literary tastes. If you make the bookmark yourself, even better!
• Custom bookish art: Commission an artist to create a custom illustration of their favorite book scene, or a portrait of them as a beloved literary character. Another option: Go on Etsy and use “custom book art,” “illustrations for book lovers” or similar search terms.
• Literary tote bags: Stylish bags printed with book quotes, covers, or designs from their favorite authors, perfect for carrying books to the library or coffee shop. Etsy is a great place to look for this type of gift. Many Etsy sellers will personalize items for you.

For book nooks and decor

• Bookshelf décor: Quirky bookends, vintage replicas of library card catalog, or book-inspired wall art.
• Literary print or art: Prints of famous book quotes, vintage book illustrations, or portraits of authors such as Dickens, Austen, or Shakespeare to decorate their home library.
• Literary-themed home goods: Cozy blankets or throw pillows embroidered with quotes from literary classics. I found this C.S. Lewis blanket, this Narnia blanket, and other neat items at Sweet Sequels. You’ll have to preorder the blankets, but Haleigh has plenty of other items that don’t require preorders.
• Literary map or world atlas: A map showing fictional places from literature or an atlas highlighting real-world literary locations (like the homes of famous authors).
• Rifle Paper Co. Gorgeous covers of several classic novels? Only the beginning. Start with this beautiful edition of Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen, and go from there. (Confession: I haven’t read the book, but I have the Emma Thompson version of the movie on a well-loved DVD. I can’t image any other Colonel Brandon than the one portrayed by the late, great Alan Rickman. Amen?) But don’t stop there! Navigate to the Games & Books section (under the Home Decor tab) for this fun embroidered lumbar pillow (don’t look at the price; this is a gift for someone SPECIAL). Next, hit up the Drinkware section under the Kitchen & Dining tab for a cute mug like this book-themed one. While you’re on the site, be sure to look at the About page and read about Anna and Nathan Bond, the founders of Rifle Paper Co. Even if you’re like me and are more into stripes and polka dots than florals, you can still appreciate the beauty of Anna’s artwork. If you can’t find a unique and beautiful gift on their website, you haven’t tried hard enough.

Apparel and wearables

• Bookish apparel: T-shirts, socks, or scarves with quotes or artwork inspired by their favorite books or authors. I want one of every tee in the Piper & Ivy collection. They get me!
• Stay tuned as I gather more links for you. Meanwhile, do you have faves in this category? Contact me with the details, and I may feature it here! Sharing is caring. 🙂

Stationery and writing tools

• Beautiful journal or reading log: A high-quality journal where they can track their reading, jot down thoughts on books, or make notes for their future writing. (Stay tuned for updates; I plan to create a printable book journal for you. Subscribers to the newsletter will be the first to know!)
• Bookish stationery: High-quality notebooks, pens, and writing supplies with a bookish twist, perfect for jotting down notes, favorite quotes, or writing their own stories.
• Stickers. Many book lovers also love paper planners. A set of book-related stickers would be perfect for your paper planner peeps.

Fun and unique gifts

• Novelty bookmarks with quotes: Magnetic or wooden bookmarks that feature inspiring quotes from their favorite books, characters, or authors. (Search Etsy for something specific to your book lover.)
• Bookmarks with charity benefits: Support causes by giving bookmarks that contribute to literacy programs or charity initiatives — such as those from independent bookstores.
• Themed book boxes: Curated gift boxes featuring books from specific genres or authors (such as mystery, fantasy, historical fiction), often with additional bookish treats such as tea, snacks, or stationery.
• Vintage library cards or bookplates: Authentic or replica vintage library cards or bookplates.
• A coffee or tea cozy: Consider it a “sweater for your mug.” If you sew, knit, crochet, or do other types of needlework or crafting, consider making these yourself. I made mug cozies for my co-workers a few years ago, and they were very simple. One of my favorite YouTubers, Jess of Oklaroots, has several free patterns and TONS of video tutorials. Her specialty is purses, totes, wallets and such, and she’s a great teacher. Here’s an Etsy link to some of her tea and coffee cup patterns and tutorials.

Your suggestions are welcome!

If you have any other gift ideas for book lovers, I’d love to know! Please leave a comment with your thoughts.