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The great thing about shopping for gifts for book lovers is you know they'll be happy if you buy them books! However, this gets tricky when you're not entirely sure which books they've already read or what's next on their radar. A gift card may cover your bases, but that's not very fun or personal. So instead of pondering over more books for bibliophiles, why not buy them something a little more unique -- like a mug that provides daily literary quotes, a funky acrylic book holder or the cutest reading light you ever did see?
Whether you're shopping for yourself or another bookworm in your life, here are our favorite picks for reading-inspired presents.
Gifts for book lovers under $25
Inexpensive gifts are always a fun challenge. You want something the person will like and use, but you don't want it to feel cheap or disposable. We think these gifts for book lovers under $25 hit the mark -- they're fun, functional and affordable.
If you're a voracious reader (or buying a gift for one), this reading journal just may be the thing you're looking for. It has spots for book reviews and also a literary bucket list, books borrowed/lent section and a genre checklist -- to ensure you're a well-rounded reader. At the end of the year you can look back and easily revisit your favorite reads and quotes.
This bookworm reading light is perfect for readers young and old. It's handy, oh-so cute and you can't beat the price point. It makes a great addition to a main gift or could stand alone if you're looking to surprise your favorite book lover with a little something. It can double as a bookmark and it comes in a variety of other styles, including a mermaid and dinosaur.
When it comes to canvas bags, you can never really have enough -- especially when they feature mantras to live by, like this one. Are there truer words for a book lover? We think not.
Even if you intend to gift this great bag, chances are you'll change your mind and end up "accidentally" keeping it for yourself. No one could ever fault you for that, though. However, at $13 a pop, you may be able to rationalize buying two to start with.
Gifts for book lovers under $50
Have a little more budget for the book lover in your life? Check out these readerly options.
While this may look like a run-of-the-mill mug, it's so much more than that. It features a QR code (hidden on one of the books) that can be scanned for a new literary quote every day -- for a whole year! What could be better for a book lover than starting the day with coffee and a quote from famous authors like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens? On top of that, the "Sorry, I'm booked" mug is witty and adorable.
You don't even have to be a sports fan to appreciate this play on Nike's famed "Just do it" slogan. So clever, right? It comes in a huge variety of sizes (including youth and toddler sizes) and colors. Plus, you can further customize the sweatshirt with text on the back for no additional cost. It would be a perfect book club "uniform" as well as a great gift.
If you've ever wondered what "book club" would smell like in candle form, we have the answer for you: warm nutmeg, amber and sandalwood. This Homesick candle would make a perfect book club hostess gift, but any lover of books and/or candles will enjoy the amazing fragrance and appreciate that it's made from natural soy wax. This size candle has a burn time of approximately 60-80 hours, so it'll be able to accompany the recipient through plenty of good page-turners.
If the book lover in your life is also a fan of kitschy ornaments, this is a perfect present for them. The hand-embroidered ornament from Craftspring is wonderfully whimsical and made from sustainable, locally-sourced merino-blended wool to boot.
An ornament this unique and aesthetically pleasing could be displayed year-round -- no need to wait for the holidays. For example, it could be hung with a thumbtack on a cork board for a daily reminder of your favorite library memories.
Gifts for book lovers $100 and under
Looking to spend a little more on the bibliophile in your life? Consider one of these options.
If you're looking for a gift for a lover of literature that is fun and practical, this 40-ounce Darling Effect tumbler covers both bases. It's designed to keep beverages hot or cold for hours, features a handy handle and the colorful book design can't be beat. This is definitely a present that won't get shoved in a closet and forgotten, which is really saying something. Note that this tumbler also comes in a variety of other stylish designs that may be hard to resist, too.
This Uncommon Goods gift set includes all sorts of bibliophile fun: a library card-inspired tote bag, a "fell asleep here" magnetic bookmark and two trivia card sets (one covering classics and one covering fantasy). The lucky recipient of this set is bound to be the life of the book club party with these items.
Books are meant to be shared and enjoyed and this hot pink acrylic stand from Anthropologie will have no problem attracting attention to your most beautiful coffee table books. The bold color is a great way to add a striking accent to any room. It's sure to be a focal piece wherever it ends up in your (or your favorite book lover's) home. The hard part will be deciding which book to display.
Comfort is key when you're in the throes of a good book. This Urban Oufitters reading pillow is just the thing to help you get lost in the pages of a great read, especially since the boucle material is so soft and cozy. The pillow is also equipped with a side pocket so you can stash your phone and shut out the rest of the world while you read.