When I was a kid, “bookish” was a word that referred to people, not to things. Times have changed. There has never been a better time to be a bookworm, not just because there are literally more books on the market right this second than ever before — that will always be true! — but because the literary gift market is on fire. All this year, we’ve been scouring The Internets for the best and coolest book-related ideas, hitting pretty much every price range (and age range), so you’re sure to find the perfect gift for your favorite reader.
Also, because we value the survival of small businesses over the size of Jeff Bezos’ estate, we have completely avoided linking to Amazon.
Oh, and also also! A lot of the prices shown are discounted this week because of Black Friday, so if you see something you like, be sure to click through for the sale price!
Book banning is seriously on the rise in this country, and most of the bans are rooted in anti-Black, anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric. People who value literature are not down with this and would surely appreciate a tote bag that says what they’re thinking. $16
If you like gifts made out of overdue library cards, you need to check out all Gas Station Burrito's stuff. You can find handtowels, beach towels, rugs, you name it, but this — a library card yoga mat — is our new favorite. $55
The thing about these things, other than they are quite cool, is that they’re so inexpensive. We think YA fans would LOVE these little book-cover art prints, which are handmade on dictionary paper. Lots of book options, too. Note: They do not come framed. $8
These lamps fold up to look like books. How’s that for genius? They are covered in linen and come in a bunch of pretty colors. The light itself is LED and super long-lasting. Would make even the most tired of us want to read a little before bed. $48
If you have any librarians, teachers or just avid book readers on your list, this “One More Chapter” sweatshirt is such a cute choice. Pair with a page-turning book for optimal appeal. Available in three colors. $43
Best. Literary. Game. Ever. A mashup between Balderdash and Cards Against Humanity, Liebrary sees one player reading the plot of a book and then other players making up the first line of said book in an effort to trick everyone else. An ideal gift for gamers, but it’s hard to find so you might have to search around. $50
Because we feel bad for featuring a game that is damn near out of print (See No. 6!), here’s our other very favorite game that is at least tangentially related to literature. This is such an engaging game for mystery fans of all ages. Think Clue but way more fun. If you know a Sherlock Holmes fan, this is on point. $29
In an age of “fake news,” this cap works on so many levels. A great companion to Michelle Obama’s new memoir (or one of ours!), and perfect for bad-hair days. $25
The best book covers are works of art. So why not display them on jewelry? These earrings are great for teens or adults who have a favorite book they can never seem to stop talking about. (I’m looking at my sister right now and thinking of To Kill a Mockingbird, but I digress.) $25
10. Book Darts
These darts are so cute, practical and durable that it’s a wonder they give you so many. This single tin will last notes-in-the-margins types of readers a decade at least. $13
It’s turtles all the way down. The Queebo “Turtle Carry” bookshelf may be pricey, but how cute is he? For avid readers with a whimsical side, you can’t go wrong. It’s a present with a purpose, and a great conversation starter to boot. $338
12. Banned Notebook
This kind of reminds us of Austin Kleon’s collages, and that’s not a bad thing. This Banned Books notebook is a winner for anyone who values free speech and, frankly, Democracy in general. Oh, and did we mention it’s lenticular so you can see the blackout text when you tilt it? F censorship! $14.
Classy and personal, a custom book stamp is perfect for hardcover (and hard core!) book fans, as well as the kind of readers who like to lend out their books. That is, the good kind.
14. Library
Ties are not just holiday gifts for dads anymore, folks. Anyone can wear ties, and we think they should! Especially because these library-card ties exist in the world and scream out to be enjoyed by all. They come in an assortment of colors, too. $36
We Need Diverse Books is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to bring more diversity into the publishing world. This year, consider making a donation in the name of a reader you love. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for philanthropic readers. Any amount.
16. Annotating
If you have a teen who like to annotate books, be sure to Google “book-annotating kits.” There are a number, but we suggest making your own. The most essential ingredient is page flags. These pretty ones come on sheets of 200, and if not part of a kit, would make great stocking stuffers. $4
This gift is a commitment, as the person who is given the Little Free Library also needs to keep it stocked. But for voracious readers and book-shopping addicts, this is the appeal! The boxes themselves come in all sizes. This one is the basic model. $180
Your loved one may be one of a million people at the airport with black luggage, but this will set them apart as a bookish type almost immediately. And it’s a great reminder that vacations are a time to PAUSE. An idea stocking stuffer for book-loving travelers. $14
Lightweight. Waterproof. Eight whole gigs. And a new, 6.8-inch display with an adjustable warm light. Best. Kindle. Ever. A thoughtful holiday gift for ebook readers. $90
Metal book ends have a great, vintage-y feel, and we especially love these flat, minimalist mamas. They come in assorted colors. Plus, who doesn’t love trees? Monsters, that’s who. Readers love trees. Everyone knows that. $29-$39
There are a ton of literary pins and stickers on the market, but not many as handsome as this one. We are smitten, in part, because of the invitation posed by the pin. I mean, really, who doesn’t want to talk about books? $14
Okay, this is kind of a joke. Not that it wouldn’t be fantastic to have a first-edition copy of The Great Gatsby signed and inscribed by F. Scott Fitzgerald — !!!! — but there’s a cost to having something this rare. And the cost is getting into Jeff Bezos territory. At Raptis Rare Books, this Gatsby copy is not nearly the most expensive of the books on offer — but it’s up there. $250,000
If you’re anything like us, your eyes aren’t as great as they used to be. These 3X book magnifiers are a godsend to us aging bibliophiles. We especially love that it’s dimmable, so the reader gets to set the light level. Grandparents will love it. $22
25. Custom Ornament
So many bookish Christmas ornaments, so little time. But this sweet, personalized library ornament caught our eye for the younger crowd. If you happen to have a girl reader on your Christmas list, the detail on this one will delight her. $18
Do you know a dapper dad, or a dapper grandma, or dapper anyone? Because these New York Public Library cuff links are just beautiful. $55
27. Book Nook
Known as “book nooks,” these narrow shadow boxes are made to set on your bookshelf, offering tiny windows into other worlds. You can DIY your own book nook, or get one pre-made. This “City Alley” version comes as a kit or preassembled, but be sure to Google them. They come in every theme you can imagine. $89-$165
An amusing stocking stuffer, this old-school “Read Instead” key tag should serve as a reminder to us all. $15
Glasses, check. Coffee, check. Book, check. This stand has a place for everything important, and it doubles as a bookmark. A thoughtful gift for those who like to keep their reading nook tidy. $48
Why give one gift once a year when you could give three, six or 12 gifts throughout the year? Subscriptions are all the rage right now, and for good reason. Book of the Month offers a curated list of stellar titles that also happen to be bestsellers. Great for avid readers and members of book clubs. $50-$180
Okay, we promise, this will be our last Banned Books recommendation – but, guys, have you seen what is happening out there right now?? Anyway, make a statement by gifting these fabulous literary socks. Cozy and political. $12
File this one under #goals. For organized readers who love taking notes, you can’t get much better than the gift of a reading tracker. This one is super cute, with places to list favorite books, lay out reading goals, and even track personal stats. $30
Honestly, part of the charm of these striped book sleeves is that they can be used for a whole bunch of other stuff, too. Makeup bag, pen holder, medicine kit, you name it. But what an environmentally friendly way to wrap a pair of books! Just stick a tag on them, and you’re good to go. $75
Okay, audiobook listeners, this one’s for you. These super-slick wireless, noise-canceling headphones would pair great with an audiobook service subscription — but are just as impressive on their own. $90
These three metal wall hangings are sure to be met with glee on Christmas morning — or during Hanukkah, Eid, Kwanza or Winter Solstice. Because you know what? This tryptic has no skin color and reading has no religion! Comes in various sizes. $99-$411
36. Personal
We cannot stress enough how timelessly awesome these library kits are. Kids love them, and so do adults. Gift one to someone who loves to loan books but also loves to get them back. Or give one to your littlest book lover to play “Librarian.” $22
A set of these Goldbook bone-china, book-shaped plates would make a unique and creative gift for the bookish foodie in your life, or the Book Club hostess with the mostess. They come in a range of sizes. Oh, and there’s a super cute platter, too. Sold individually. $24
You can find these all over the place, but we like this one because it comes with a couple of tea packets. You pick the genre (and tea flavor) and let them do the rest. This is a great gift for picky readers, as they can’t judge your taste if they end up not liking the book! $10
39. Book Blanket
The things they make blankets out of these days are unfathonably soft, and you can’t go wrong buying any cozy quilt for a book fanatic. But do consider going the extra themey mile of having books ON THE ACTUAL BLANKET, mostly because someone took the time to do it. Let’s support that. $58
40. Book Club Candle
Mmmmm, smells like book club. It’s pretty simple, but this candle has a lot to offer. We like the clear jar and the super-cute box it comes in. We also like the idea of ceremoniously lighting it at every book club with the solemn reminder to all: What happens in Book Club stays in Book Club. $38
This vintage typewriter puzzle is so much fun to put together — in part because it’s actually shaped like a vintage typewriter and in part because it’s cool to picture all our favorite classic writers clicking away for hours on one of these babies. Puzzle-loving readers will swoon. $20
We’re suckers for simple bookplates, and this stamp is just so darn pretty. And don’t worry; your name doesn’t need to be Brandon Smith! (Although it would be extra awesome if it were.) $20
You didn’t think this entire list was going to be rated G, did you? For the romance-lovers in your life, this is pretty much the bomb. Shaped like a penis, the bookmark reads: “I don’t watch porn. I read it. Like a fucking lady.” Dab me up, sisters. $12.
What is it about seeing those two words that give us the warm fuzzies? We love books. We love shopping. We love shopping for books, and we love bookshops. We also love a soft, black-and-white T-shirt with nice font. So, yeah, this checks all the boxes. If your loved one is anything like us, buy it now. $38
45. One of Our Books!
Need a book to pair with one of these fantastic finds? Go indie! Brown Paper Press publishes a curated collection of non-fiction titles — including memoir, parenting, children’s and photography. Be sure to stop by the shop before you go! And thank you for reading! $16-$50
We’re up to 45 items on this list, but we’re always on the lookout for more great bookish ideas, so if you think we’ve missed an essential something — be sure to tell us in the comments!