If you are confusedly shopping for the best gifts for book lovers, you have come to the right place. I’m both a book lover and a self-proclaimed shopper extraordinaire. I was very discerning in selecting for this guide only the most unique gift ideas for book lovers, bookworms, and bookish people. No kitschy trinkets here– only the best bookish essentials!
I truly do believe this is the ultimate list of book lover gifts. (And most of these bookish gifts aren’t books!)
Unique Gifts for Book Lovers
A Book About Books
Since it’s hard to pick out books for another person, why not give a book about books as a present for your book lover? Chances are he or she will enjoy displaying it and/or will find a few new books to add to his or her “to be read” list.
My favorite book about books is Bibliophile, which contains pretty illustrations of a large array of book lists and recommendations.
You just can’t go wrong with this one.
The Great American Read: The Book of Books is also a fun and engaging read that’s sure to delight.
And 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die is the ultimate book about books.
A Coffee Table Book
Coffee table books make great gifts! There are so many out there that it would help to try some general searches for “[insert topic] + coffee table book.” This is one of the most perfect gift ideas for book lovers.
However, I can recommend a few your book lover may like. Bibliostyle: How We Live at Home with Books is great for those who love to decorate with books.
Reading Art is perfect for art buffs.
A Boxed Set
There are so many swoon-worthy boxed sets of books on the market right now, and they make really excellent gifts for book readers because they can be both read and displayed.
First things first — let’s start with the Harry Potter Hard Cover Boxed Set: Books #1-7.
(Or, check out all my favorite Harry Potter boxed book sets in one spot.)
The Puffin in Bloom Collection (my top pick) is beautiful and contains several classic titles.
Jane Austen: The Complete Works 7-Book Boxed Set: Classics hardcover boxed set is also so beautiful and special.
The Major Works of Charles Dickens would especially make a great Christmas gift.
A Special Edition Book
A special edition of a book is, well, special to give as a gift.
I love the Leather-bound Classics collection. For example, here is A Collection of Poems by Robert Frost.
And here is the classic Anna Karenina.
I also love the Penguin clothbound classics, some of which I featured in the boxed set section above.
A Signed Book
There are too many options for signed books to post just a few here, but if this strikes you as an interesting gift, you can search for a specific book or author yourself on Amazon and Barnes & Noble to start. This is one of the most special and unique presents for book lovers.
A Book Subscription / Box
A book subscription is a perfect way to give the gift of choice to a book lover. Here are a few options:
A Kindle
If your gift recipient doesn’t already have a Kindle for reading digital books from Amazon or the library, it’s a great present for a bookworm. They are cheaper than an iPad, small and easy to transport, and have no glare. The Kindle I use and trust is the Kindle Paperwhite.
The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect middle-of-the-road option. It’s waterproof and has more storage and resolution than the original Kindle, as well as free cellular connectivity. I have had it for a few years and have zero complaints.
Apple AirPods
I purchased Apple AirPods only because I had a credit from trading in my old cellphone and was surprised at how much I loved them as an avid listener of audiobooks.
They really are so much easier and well-designed (I previously had a cheap pair of Bluetooth earphones I felt mediocre about). They also hold a charge for a long time. I use them ALL the time. Apple AirPods are one of my favorite purchases.
I have the standard Apple AirPods and have zero complaints.
However, the new Apple AirPods Pro earbuds have active noise cancellation and a customizable fit. They are also sweating and water-resistant.
Bookish Lifestyle Tip: Apple AirPods would pair perfectly with an Audible subscription gift.
A Book Ornament
I bought this book ornament as a gift to myself one year, and I absolutely adore it. Your favorite bookworm will think this is one of the most festive Christmas gifts book lovers!
A Bookish Puzzle
Puzzles are such a hit! I love the Great American Novels puzzle.
I also love the New York Public Library puzzle.
Book Edition Game
Did you know you can buy classic games in vintage book editions?! I have this Scrabble set, and it’s ADORABLE, and so easy to store on a shelf. (You can also get other/additional games in this bookish collection.)
A Book Mug
Bookish people love mugs. We just love drinking comforting coffee or tea when we are reading.
My favorite Rifle Paper Co. mug bears colorful classics in a large 16 ounce size with gold details to swoon over.
Bookish Tea
And if you want to add a little something extra to your mug gift, how about these Novel Teas — 25 teabags individually tagged with literary quotes, made with English Breakfast tea.
Alternate Option: Novel Tea Book Tins
A Book Shirt
Some bookish attire is also always a good idea! This “It’s a Good Day to Read a Book” style is one that I personally own and love. It’s super soft, slightly oversized, and comes in a variety of colors.
Book Socks
Book socks will keep your gift recipient cozy while reading. There are so many fun options. These are a few great ones.
A Bookmark
How many book lovers out there are still using random papers as bookmarks?! I absolutely love my bookmark light. It’s rechargeable, adjustable, and has several settings. It’s perfect for reading by the fireplace or in dim lighting, and it’s one of my top picks for a favorite things party gift.
A Book Journal
Since your gift recipient loves to read, chances are he or she likes to write and/or track reading. This Reading Journal is feminine, minimalist, and perfect for the person who enjoyed English class, as it’s specifically geared towards book reviews.
Blue Light Glasses
If your book lover reads a lot of ebooks, how about some blue light glasses to block out harmful blue light, which causes headaches, eye strain, and dry eyes?? I wear mine every single day, and they are the most popular bookish product sold on my blog! I wrote in-depth reviews here:
A Personal Library Kit
How fun is this personal library kit?! If your gift recipient is always loaning out books, he or she will love this! It’s one of the most unique gifts for the reader.
A Bookish Candle
Is it just me or does it smell like books in here? Candles come in just about any theme you can think of these days, including bookish candles! I particularly like the Paddywax literary candle brand.
Alternate Option: Literature Candles
A Bath Book Caddy
I mean, is this every woman’s dream, or is this every woman’s dream?! If your bookworm also loves taking baths, this bath caddy for books is one of my favorite Amazon purchases and will be a hit for sure.
A Reading Valet
I’ve seen these reading valets become more popular on social media, and I think they are such a neat idea, especially since you can gift the accessories (book, mug, glasses, etc.) with the valet for one of the most helpful all-in-one gifts for book lovers.
A Tote Bag
What book lover wouldn’t want a new tote bag for books? This popular Kate Spade tote is a long-time favorite.
Bookends
Anyone can use a nice set of new bookends! Nothing says luxury like these marble bookends.
And I always love beautiful agate bookends.
Or, for a more quirky and fun option, I like these hand bookends. I have them and LOVE them.
Lit Chat: Conversation Starters about Books and Life
Lit Chat Conversation Starters is a fun treat for book lovers and game lovers too! Each of the 50 cards in this conversation deck has two reading-themed questions (100 questions total). Think: what are your desert island books?
Bookplates
Bookplates are a fun gift for a bookworm that allows them to put their own mark on their books. I like these illustrated bookplates, which are so cost-effective.
These Molly Hatch owl bookplates are also cute.
Floating Bookshelves
Floating bookshelves are a secret wish of mine for my reading room. They look so cool and will always evoke a, “How did you do that?!” from guests. Here is a great set of floating bookshelves.
Literary Notecards
What better way for a book lover to write notes than on these literary-themed notecards?! I have them, and I love them! Each one is a slightly different book theme, so you can pick and choose which one to give your recipient.
Here’s another eye-catching set of literary notecards.
Book Sleeves
A book sleeve is a homemade fabric book protector for toting books around or storage while traveling. They are really popular with book lovers. I have a few that I love to use when I travel.
Book Stamp or Embosser
A custom book embosser or stamp takes book ownership to the next level. Leave a lasting imprint on all of the physical books on your bookshelves with this one of the best book essentials. It’s bound to impress. Or, you can even use it to create custom bookish stationery straight from your own home library.
I personally own this specific custom embosser from Etsy in the style “ESS008.”
Bookish Garden Statue
I added a cat reading garden statue like this one to my own outdoor reading area, and I thinks it’s just one of the most charming gifts for a book lover.
Book Reader Figurine
Or, for your indoor reading area, how about a book reader figurine for your bookshelf? This one is popular on Bookstagram!
Conclusion
That is the ultimate list of the best gifts for book lovers, bookworms, and bookish people. I just know you had to find something special for your gift recipient on this list.
Related Bookish Gift Guides
If you liked these bookish gift ideas, check out more of my blogger gift guides:
- Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Book Lovers
- Gifts for Harry Potter Fans
- Gifts for Jane Austen Fans
- Gifts for Little Women Fans
- Gifts for Gilmore Girls Fans
- Gifts for James Bond Fans