Creative gifts for readers: 15 presents to give this holiday that aren't books
Holiday gift shopping for the book lovers in your life is deceivingly tricky – buying one of the best-rated books of the year seems like a safe bet, but what if they already have it?
Sometimes it’s the book-adjacent gifts your loved ones will cherish even more. Last year, my crafty sister spent hours gluing miniature versions of the books I read in 2023 to a dollhouse-sized bookshelf. It’s the best holiday gift I’ve ever received (here's a picture).
And while you don’t have to get that crafty, there are plenty of gifts you can give that aren’t books but will thrill your favorite bibliophile.
Gifts for book lovers this holiday season
Whether you're spending $10 or $100, there’s a little something for every reader on this highly customizable list. And because it’s time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you’re likely to find deals and savings on many of these products.
Here’s what we recommend gifting the well-read people in your life:
Book-shaped flower vase
I was gifted one of these acrylic book vases from a friend and guests ask about it all the time. It's the perfect addition to any bookshelf. Biblio Bloom sells them for $29.95 and has several book options, from “The Picture of Dorian Gray” to “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Book wallet
What better gift to give your reading-obsessed friend than a tiny book wallet? For around $30, Novel Bookstore makes everything from “Little Women” to “The Great Gatsby” wallets – they even have the “Burn Book” from “Mean Girls” and the handbook for the recently deceased from “Beetlejuice."
Romance trope hats
Know a reader who loves love? Gift them one of these romance trope hats from 831 Stories. At $35 each, they have all the classics – “Fake Relationship,” “Sports Romance,” “Enemies to Lovers,” “Second Chance Romance” and more. We know the romance readers in your life will swoon over the colors and dreamy cursive design.
Custom book embosser
Upgrade their libraries with a book embosser or stamp. You can customize these embossers to read “From the library of” or “This book belongs to” and your loved one’s name. Options from My Pickled Stamp run from $18.50 to $31.50.
Candles that ‘smell’ like books
For the reader who eats, sleeps and breathes books, gift a candle designed with their favorite title in mind. We like these literary classics candles from Noble Objects for $38 or the fandom-specific ones from Briarwick, which specializes in candles that smell like your favorite “book boyfriend.” Check out this set of candles based on the boys of “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”
Foldable book lamp
For the bookworm who loves art, buy an intricate folding lamp, which starts as a book and then unfolds into a unique fanned nightstand light. These two Etsy options are on sale right now – one floral design starting at $41 and another wood-engraved lamp starting at $27. It’s the perfect subtle book-themed gift.
Literature-inspired tea
Get your favorite reader a tea blend that reminds them of their comfort books. NovelTeas sells punny blends inspired by classics – check out “Pride and Peppermint,” “Anise in Wonderland” and “Pekoe Pan.”
Or, from Uncommon Goods, buy your bookworm the “Book Lover’s Tea Collection Gift Box.” This is the perfect gift for readers who like to curl up with a mug with their nose in a book.
Book or Kindle stand
For peak relaxation, buy your friend or family member a book or e-reader stand so they can settle on the couch whichever way they choose. Amazon has a Black Friday deal for this dual Kindle holder and snack bowl pillow at $35.99. Or, for a physical reader, check out “The Book Seat” – a hands-free pillow that balances your book.
Wireless page turner for Kindle
You can even go a step further into comfy relaxation land – this wireless page-turner for e-readers means you don’t even need to sit up to turn the page. It’s on Amazon for 20% off during Black Friday. This makes the perfect gift for an e-reader who loves to settle in or already has a stand for their tablet.
Book sweatshirts
What better way to show your love of books than to wear it for all to see? If you know your giftee’s favorite author, you may be able to scout some book-specific merch by going to their website. But if you want something more general, we like these sweatshirts from The Bookish Goods that say "bookish."
Or opt for a fun graphic like this sweatshirt from Inkwell Threads.
Floating bookshelves
No matter what genre they’re into, every self-identifying reader has the problem of too many books and too little space. Solve that issue this holiday season by gifting them floating bookshelves to store their novels. You can get basic ones from Amazon for $25.87 or Home Depot for $24.17 – bonus points if you help them set it up.
Annotating pens and highlighters
If your favorite reader loves to annotate their hard copies, set them up for success with some supplies. The SAKURA Gelly Roll pens ($13.93) and Zebra Midliner highlighters ($26.86) are beloved by readers on BookTok because they don’t bleed through the pages.
E-reader or Kindle sleeve
Help them keep their e-reader safe (and stylish!) by gifting them a tablet sleeve. You can buy a basic case in their favorite color, like this protective sleeve cover on Amazon for $15.31. Or opt for something a little more personal, like this embroidered book sleeve by BirdieQPlusTwo for around $20 on Etsy.
Reading journal
Reading journals are a great way to keep track of your thoughts on the books you’ve read. They’re especially sentimental at the end of the year when readers can reflect on the titles they loved. Give the book lovers in your life a head start on next year’s goal with a reading journal. It can be as simple as a blank notebook, or try one of these predesigned options available at Barnes & Noble – “A Clockwork Reader Reading Journal” or “The No-Pressure Book Journal.”
Comfy blankets
You certainly can’t go wrong with gifting a comfy blanket to use this winter. If you’re crafty, head to the fabric store and put together a no-sew fleece blanket. Or look for something more basic, like options at Target and Amazon. If you have a little more to spend, customize a sentimental throw blanket with their favorite book titles.
Looking for your next great read? Paste BN has you covered.
Taste is subjective, and Paste BN Books has plenty of genres to recommend. Want a festive holiday read or Christmas romance book? We’ve got 10 titles you should try. Is dystopian your thing? Check out these books that are similar to “The Hunger Games” and “1984.” Or if you want something with lower stakes and loveable characters, see if a "cozy mystery" or "cozy fantasy" book is for you. If you want the most popular titles, check out Paste BN’s Best-selling Booklist.
Shop other top-rated products you might like:
- Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition
- Glocusent Willow Book Light
- Lamicall Adjustable Tablet Stand
- ELII 1,200-piece Colored Repositionable Page Markers
- Wishacc Adjustable Foldable Book Holder with Page Holder Clips
- OTOTO Nessie Tale Book Mark
- Book/Laptop Adjustable Book Holder Tray with Page Paper Clips
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