The Christmas season is officially upon us! If you’re anything like me, you’re still scrambling around looking for gifts for all the people on your list. Well, if one (or more!) of those people is a reader, I’ve got you covered with this list of gift ideas for book lovers.
Very important note: If you’re the reader, it’s totally OK to treat yourself a little this year, too. ;)
Christmas Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
Photo by Impressive Inspirations on Unsplash
1. Books, Of Course!
Any book lover would be happy with a book (or 2 or 3…) for Christmas. I know, I know. If you’re not a reader, you probably don’t get it. Why would someone want books for Christmas? But just trust me on this one!
Find out what your friend or family member enjoys reading, and then spend some time browsing your local bookstore for the perfect book. (Hint: Bookstore workers are usually super friendly and always willing to lend a hand if you have no idea where to start.)
Of course, you can also search for their favorite genre on Amazon and buy from there. You can even gift a digital copy if you prefer (or if your friend prefers reading on a device). Be sure to read through the reviews of any book you’re considering first, though.
If the book lover in your life likes to read small-town, clean or Christian Romance or Suspense, check out my books on Amazon here. Bonus: All my paperbacks are on sale for 20% off now through the end of the month! (As of this writing)
2. Reading Light
Reading lights are perfect for those of us who still love physical books but want to read in bed at night next to a sleeping spouse. Or maybe even a breastfeeding mama who needs to keep the environment “sleepy” as she nurses her little one in the middle of the night.
I’ve never personally used the kind that goes around your neck, but I think those would work great (adding this to my own Christmas list now…)! Here’s an example.
3. Kindle Cover
For the reader in your life who’s devoted to her Kindle, a Kindle cover might make the perfect gift! These aren’t just great for protecting the device, but they’re also just plain fun. Some of them even feature a stand on the back so you can prop the Kindle up while you’re reading.
Amazon has several options; just search “Kindle cover.”
4. Bookish Tote Bag
Your loved one needs something to carry all her new books in! Tote bags are both practical and super cute. You can find a variety of styles (really, any kind of bag will do), but I love the canvas tote bags with adorable bookish designs on them.
Of course, you can find plenty of options on Amazon, but if you’d like to support a small business instead, check out Etsy. There are tons to choose from!
5. Coffee/Tea Mug
Photo by Andreea Radu on Unsplash
Everybody needs a warm beverage to sip while they’re enjoying a good book! Especially in the cold winter months. Whether the book lover you’re shopping for enjoys coffee or tea, you can’t go wrong with a nice mug. Bonus points if it features a fun bookish quote!
6. Cute Blanket
While we’re on the subject of cozying up with a novel on a chilly winter evening, I’ll mention blankets. A snuggly blanket would also make a great Christmas gift for your reader friends!
As with most everything else, you can find several options on Amazon, but I recommend hitting up some local shops in your area.
7. Cozy Slippers
Of course, you can never go wrong with gifting someone you love soft bedroom slippers. This is yet another idea that goes great with the theme of cozying up to read with a warm cup of coffee or tea and a fuzzy blanket.
Add in the slippers, and you’re golden!
8. Neck Pillow
After a while, reading can cause neck pain from the tilt of your head. This is especially true if your loved one tends to read for hours on end (guilty!). A neck pillow gives them a way to rest their head and neck while still being able to see their book.
This is also a great idea if the person you’re shopping for enjoys reading while traveling. Whether they travel by plane, car, or train, a neck pillow can be super helpful!
9. Book Subscription Box
As far as gift ideas for book lovers go, this one might just take the cake. Gift your special someone with a supply of reading material! Book subscription boxes are often available monthly or quarterly, so you have the option of keeping your reader in books for months at a time.
These boxes also often feature limited editions and unique book swag and can be picked based on genre. So if your friend enjoys Paranormal Romance, for instance, you can find a subscription box that only provides those kinds of books.
You likely won’t be able to get this from Amazon, but a little Google searching can lead you in the right direction.
10. Reading Log/Journal
Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash
Serious readers often like to keep track of the books they read in a year. This lets them easily recommend books to other readers and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
Consider gifting the book lover in your life with a journal or reading log to make tracking their books easier. These journals often have a place to record details about the story, too, like if the reader enjoyed it, how long it took to read, the date they read it, where they found it, etc.
Here’s what that might look like: Erin Condren Inspired Collection A5 Reading Log. (Note: I have no idea who the designer of this book log is; this is only an example.)
11. Fancy Bookmarks
This one’s for the physical-book lover on your list. A lot of us (myself included!) really hate bending page corners in books and end up using whatever we can find to hold our place in a story.
(I’ve used receipts, church bulletins, random scraps of paper torn off something, and even a gum wrapper.)
Even though it might seem small, nice bookmarks are actually a great gift idea for book lovers! Personally, I enjoy the magnetic ones, but I won’t turn other ones down, either. Try to find bookmarks with pretty designs or inspirational quotes.
12. Gift Cards
Once upon a time, I considered gift cards an awful gift. I thought they were impersonal and lazy, to be honest. And I do still think they can be. But when done right, a gift card can make the perfect gift for the reader on your list.
Specifically, I’d recommend purchasing a gift card (or gift receipt) from your friend’s local bookstore. We readers just love browsing small, indie bookstores. The nostalgic smell of the books, the friendly faces of the workers, the free coffee…it’s really the best way to spend an afternoon!
13. Bookish Apparel
Of course, anybody who’s passionate about reading would probably get a kick out of some bookish apparel. T-shirts with funny quotes (think things like: “crazy book lady” and “by me books and tell me I’m pretty”) are a sure-fine winner.
Check Etsy or just Google “bookish apparel” to find an online shop that carries them.
14. Book-Themed Gift Basket
Gift baskets never go out of style! And they can work really well as a gift idea for book lovers. You can take some of the above ideas and combine them into one cute, bookish gift basket.
Add some bookmarks, a coffee mug, a book, and maybe even a t-shirt. Or mix it up and throw in a blanket. The sky really is the limit with this idea; just be sure everything in the basket is book-themed.
15. Bathtub Tray
Photo by Alex Tyson on Unsplash
There’s nothing better than unwinding in a nice bubble bath with a good book at the end of an exhausting day. Unfortunately, the logistics of that can be a bit tricky.
Consider gifting your loved one a bathtub tray with a place for their Kindle or book. This way, they can enjoy their story while letting the warm water ease away their tension. You’ll be their favorite after this gift. ;)
A Merry Christmas for Book Lovers!
Any one of the gift ideas for book lovers above is sure to be a hit with the reader on your Christmas shopping list this year. Choose one (or more) and get ready to be bombarded with gratitude!
And remember to check out my books on Amazon while they’re on sale. Happy shopping!