7 Great Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
November 23, 2022
I love receiving books and book-related items as gifts. If you have a book lover on your holiday shopping list, here are some of my top picks — and if you finished shopping early, these make great gifts any time of the year.
Book-Themed Jigsaw Puzzles
Need a gift that isn’t a book for your favorite reader? Try a puzzle. They’re great for staying off electronics, bringing family members together and sharpening minds. Try this Nancy Drew throwback, great American novels and bedtime stories collections, and a Harry Potter tribute — the last of which is great for kids, because it only contains 500 pieces.
2. Bookish Socks
When I need a literary gift, Out of Print is often the first place I check. They’ve figured out how to put iconic book cover art on everything from board games to socks. Keep a reader’s feet cozy and warm with one of these sock designs; the retro library cards are my personal favorite.
3. Nostalgic Games
Okay, so they might be a stretch for this list, but I love classic board games that fit right in on any bookshelf. Check out the vintage bookshelf editions of Candy Land, Scattergories and more from Out of Print.
4. New Games
Writer Brian David Mooney created Storymatic to inspire his high school and college writing students. Do you know the story about the nosepicker’s last day on the job? Yeah, neither do I — but you can spin it with Mooney’s Storymatic cards. He even has a version for kids.
5. Book Rest Pillow
This strange little pillow looks more like a wizard hat, but it’s a plush ride for your book or e-reader on those nights when you want to read in a horizontal position. Even better, the bookrest comes in multiple fabric designs.
6. Pillow for You
Did I mention I love old-fashioned library cards? I can smell the stacks in my favorite childhood library branches just by thinking about them. Dress up your reading nook or home office with this pillow to match your library card socks (#2).
7. Kindle Paperwhite
While not as unexpected as some of the other ideas on this list, the Kindle Paperwhite should be on every reader’s bedside table. I support the argument that an e-reader can’t match the authentic experience of a bound book, but how can you knock a tablet that’s smaller than most paperbacks, holds thousands of titles, stands up to water and works in the dark — without the glare?
Did I leave out a can’t-miss book lover’s gift? Send me a note, and I may feature your pick on social media.
