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Some readers are easy to shop for until you actually start looking. You know they love books, but buying them another book can be tricky when you do not know what they already own or what is sitting on their never-ending wish list.
That is where bookish gifts come in. A cozy blanket, something useful for a Kindle, or a little gift that matches what they like can be just as much fun as a new book. This list has some practical gifts, some cozy ones, and a few for readers who also love mysteries, tarot, or a little bit of magic.
If the person on your list loves a good whodunit, you may also find a few ideas in my Cozy Mystery Books with a Touch of Historical Fiction list. Pair one of those books with any of the smaller gifts below, and most of your shopping is already done.
These gifts can work for Christmas, birthdays, Mother’s Day, or any time you want to surprise a reader without trying to guess which novel they want next.
Gifts for Their Books and Reading Corner
1. Book-Shaped Christmas Ornaments
A book ornament is an easy little gift for someone whose Christmas tree already says a lot about who they are. This set would be especially cute on a small reading-room tree, tucked into a gift basket, or tied onto the outside of a wrapped book instead of using a bow.
3 Pcs Book Ornament
Set of three wooden book-themed ornaments for readers, teachers, librarians, and book lovers.
2. Witchy Stickers for a Kindle, Laptop, or Journal
Stickers are inexpensive, but they can make a plain Kindle case, laptop, water bottle, or reading journal feel much more personal. This witchy set fits the reader who likes books, tarot, moons, potions, and a darker fall look.
60 PCS Witchy Stickers
Set of 60 waterproof, glossy vinyl stickers for decorating water bottles, laptops, notebooks, Kindle cases, and more.
3. Kindle Hand Straps
Anyone who has ever dropped a Kindle on their face while reading in bed understands why a hand strap is useful. This set comes with two straps that make a Kindle easier to hold while reading. Just make sure to check the listing before ordering to see if they will fit the Kindle or Kobo being used.
Kindle Hand Strap
Two hand straps designed to give readers a more secure and comfortable grip on compatible Kindle and Kobo models.
4. Hemingway Pencil Cup
This Hemingway pencil cup would be a fun addition to a reader’s desk. It can hold pens, pencils, highlighters, bookmarks, or all those other little things that usually end up scattered around.
Hemingway Pencil Cup
A literary pencil cup for holding pens, pencils, highlighters, bookmarks, and other desk accessories.
5. Personal Library Checkout Kit
This is for the reader who happily lends out books but would also like to get them back. A personal library kit adds some old-school library fun to a home collection and might finally solve the mystery of who borrowed that missing paperback.
Personal Library Kit
An old-fashioned personal library kit with checkout cards, bookplates, a date stamp, and an ink pad.
6. “Sorry, I’m Booked” Reading Journal
This reading journal gives book lovers one place to keep track of what they have read and what they want to read next. It includes space for book reviews, ratings, favorite quotes, and other reading notes. The colorful “Sorry, I’m Booked” cover also makes it feel more like a gift than a plain notebook.
Book Journal Reading Log Spiral
A spiral reading journal with book-review pages, reading trackers, ratings, and space to record books you want to read.
Cozy Gifts for Long Reading Nights
7. Soft Sherpa Throw Blanket
A soft throw is one of those gifts a reader can use immediately. It belongs on the couch with a stack of books, a warm drink, and absolutely no plans to leave the house for the rest of the evening.
Soft Sherpa Plush Throw Blanket
A soft sherpa throw blanket measuring 54 by 68 inches for the couch, reading chair, or bed.
8. Buffalo-Plaid Wearable Blanket
A wearable blanket is a good alternative for the reader who gets annoyed when a regular throw keeps sliding off. The red buffalo plaid also makes this one feel especially cozy during fall and Christmas without limiting it to a few weeks of the year.
Red Buffalo Plaid Sherpa Wearable Blanket
A warm buffalo-plaid sherpa blanket with sleeves, designed for reading, watching television, or relaxing on the couch.
9. A Hug in a Jar Candle
When you cannot give someone a hug in person, this candle can help send the same message. It has a lavender scent, comes in a nine-ounce jar, and is made with a natural soy wax blend. Pair it with a cozy blanket or book for a comforting gift for a friend or family member.
Warm Hug in a Jar Candle
A nine-ounce lavender-scented candle made with a natural soy wax blend and labeled “Sending You a Hug in a Jar.” It offers up to 65 hours of burn time.
10. Thank-You Candle
Not every gift needs a holiday attached to it. A thank-you candle is a simple choice for a teacher, book-club host, helpful neighbor, or the friend who always remembers to return the books she borrows.
Thank You Candle
A vanilla-scented candle that makes a simple appreciation gift for friends, teachers, coworkers, or hosts.
For Mystery Fans and Gamers
11. “I Like Murder Shows” Shirt
This shirt is for the person who can discuss murders, mysteries, and true-crime cases for hours and still insist she is perfectly normal. It fits mystery readers and anyone whose idea of relaxing television begins with a detective arriving at a crime scene.
I Like Murder Shows Short Sleeve Tee Tops Maybe 3 People Loose Casual T Shirt
A casual graphic shirt for mystery and true-crime fans who like murder shows, comfortable clothes, and maybe three people.
12. Dragon Dice Tray
Some readers also spend their weekends playing tabletop games. A dragon dice tray gives those dice a proper landing place and works particularly well for fantasy readers, Dungeons & Dragons players, or anyone whose bookshelves already have a few dragons watching over them.
Dragon Dice Jail Guardian
An antique-copper-colored dragon dice holder and dice jail for Dungeons & Dragons and tabletop gaming.
For Readers Who Like a Little Magic
13. Wicked Tarot Deck and Guidebook
If the reader on your list loves both Wicked and tarot, this deck combines the two. It comes with a guidebook, so it could work for an established tarot collector or someone who is still learning.
Wicked Tarot Deck and Guidebook
Discover how your future will unfold with your favorite Wicked characters, from Elphaba to Glinda, Fiyero, Nessarose, and the Wizard, himself, in full color illustrations based on classic tarot iconography like the High Priestess, the Chariot, the Star and more. Featuring both Major and Minor Arcana, the deck also comes with a helpful guidebook explaining each card’s meaning, as well as simple spreads for easy themed readings based on Wicked.
14. Mean Girls Tarot Deck and Guidebook
This one is for the person who can still quote Mean Girls at exactly the right moment. The deck uses familiar characters and references from the movie, making it a fun addition to a tarot collection.
Mean Girls Tarot Deck and Guidebook
Featuring original illustrations of Cady Heron, Janis Ian, The Plastics, and more, this deck takes characters from the film and places them with corresponding tarot archetypes, making it a fetch interpretation of a traditional tarot deck.
If the person you are shopping for likes tarot, I also have a list of Fiction Books Featuring Tarot Cards and Tarot Readers that could give you a few more gift ideas.
A Book They Get to Create
15. Blank Family Recipe Book
This hardcover recipe journal has room for 60 recipes and includes organizing tabs, stickers, bookmarks, and a storage pocket. The sage-green and gold cover also makes it pretty enough to give as a gift.
It would be especially useful for the person in the family who is always being asked to share a recipe.
Sage-Green Recipe Journal
A sage-green and gold hardcover journal with space for 60 recipes. It includes organizing tabs, stickers, bookmarks, and a storage pocket.
Putting Together a Bookish Gift Basket
You do not need to buy several large gifts to make this feel special. Start with one main item, such as a tarot deck or blanket, and add one or two inexpensive extras.
A notebook with witchy stickers works as a small creative set. A cozy throw, candle, and mystery novel make an easy reading-night basket. The personal library kit could be paired with a bookstore gift card for someone who is particular about choosing her own books.
A bookish gift does not necessarily have to have the word “reader” printed across it. Sometimes the best gifts are simply the things that make reading more comfortable or a little more fun. Even something as practical as a Kindle strap can be a good gift if the person will actually use it.
Need a Basket?
If you do not already have a basket, this small white rope basket comes with a clear gift bag and ribbon. At 12 by 8 by 5 inches, it should work for a book and a few smaller gifts, such as the candle, stickers, or Kindle straps.
Empty Gift Basket with Gift Bag & Ribbon
A small white woven-rope gift basket measuring 12 by 8 by 5 inches. It includes a clear gift bag and ribbon for putting together a ready-to-give bookish gift basket.
A Cozy Gift for Any Reader
Buying for a book lover does not have to mean guessing which books are already on their shelves. A cozy blanket, reading journal, or something small for their Kindle can be just as much fun to receive. Any of these gifts would work on its own, or you could put a few of them together in the basket.
