If you’ve stumbled across this page, you are probably looking for thoughtful, unique gifts for avid readers (that aren’t books) in your life, and you’d like to get them something other than a book they might already own! Hopefully, these are perfect gift ideas for the avid reader in your life, which are unique gifts and experiences without giving them an actual book. As always, if you think I’ve missed something that just needs to be on this list, let me know; I’m always on the hunt for new ideas.
I’ve broken them down into helpful categories:
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Thoughtful Bookworm Gift Ideas
We’re starting off the list with some thoughtful gift ideas sure to make them know you ARE listening!
- Blankets & Throws: Soft, cozy blankets are always a wonderful edition, and they are usually easy to find; simply go to your local TJMaxx, Walmart, or Target and look for a super soft and snuggly blanket in your reader’s favorite color.
- Reading Pillows: Comfy pillows are a must. They are perfect for back support while reading in bed or on the couch; you can usually find these at your local TJMaxx, Walmart, or Target as well, but there are custom ones on Esty if you want to go the extra mile.
- Literary Candles: Candles just enhance the reading experience, and I highly recommend checking out Lamplighter Literary Creations Candles and Room sprays. They are hand-poured, do not use artificial fragrances, and are bookish-themed. Or if your reader lives somewhere they can’t burn candles, I recommend these remote-controlled ones that I use in my home:
- Personalized Tote Bags: I got this one featuring Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol last year from StoryArts, and my friend absolutely adored it. They have a good selection of quality bags, and they are shaped like books too!
- Bookish Mug: Did you know there is such a thing as a self-heating mug? Or a mug that keeps drinks hot (truly hot) for up to 12 hours? This could also be combined with a good tea or coffee, depending on what your reader likes.
- Customized Library Stamp: An embosser or ink stamp that book lovers can use to mark their personal books. They are a great option for adding a personal touch to your gift, as many of us have names that are never on any kind of souvenir.
Bookish Accessories
Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received are the ones that enhance my love of reading a good book.
- Bookmarks: Unique and personalized bookmarks can be found everywhere. I like the different options for customizing them. Magnetic bookmarks or these cute leather corner bookmarks are my favorite options.
- Book Sleeve: Book sleeves help protect books on the go and are a must-have travel item for bookworms. I have a deep one and one that also has a pocket for my Kindle from Babbling Brook Design on Etsy.
- Bookish Stickers: I love the stickers & bookmarks from Creative Mango. They are vibrant and long-lasting.
- Book Light/Reading Light: I suggest clip-on reading lights for those who read at night or in low-light settings, and this neat, around-the-neck light works well for hands-free lighting.
- Tabs: I LOVE annotating tabs (like I may be slightly obsessed with them); they allow readers to highlight their favorite scenes, quotes, and dialogue without damaging the book, and they come in SO many colors.
Subscriptions and Services
This is something new I’ve been using over the past year. It would be a way to ensure that your bookworm does not own the books being featured. It’s a great gift idea that keeps giving all year round.
Audiobook Subscriptions: I really enjoy listening to Audiobooks around the house, and both Audible, Chirp, and Libro.fm are great options if your bookworms like to listen on the go.
Bookish Subscription Boxes: Now, I did say no books. However, these are special editions.
- LitJoy has a lovely selection of classic editions with redesigned covers, or they have a monthly book box subscription filled with bookish merch and special edition books. I recently bought their Six of Crows set (see my video of it on TikTok), and my goodness, I have never seen a more well-done special edition. You can use this link for $5 off your first purchase from them; I’d get $5 towards a new book too!
- OwlCrate has both a Kids and Adult version of their book subscription service, and I have heard good things about it, though I personally have no experience buying from them. They seem to have high-quality books and a good selection of books as well.
Magazine Subscriptions: I highly recommend Evie Magazine. They cover a wide range of topics, including books, and they are available online, with a print issue once a year.
Kindle Unlimited: If you want to get your bookworm a book, this might be the way to go. You can get it in 6, 12, or 24-month spans, and it allows them to read as many books as they want in a month.
Tech and Gadgets are great gifts for avid readers!
These practical tools help bookworms enhance their reading experience with modern convenience so they are never without a book.
- E-Readers and E-Reader Covers: A good e-reader option is the Kindle Paperwhite (I own it, and it has a long battery life; I use it every day), or they do have a new color version, “Kindle Colorsoft” though I tried it and did not like it. Both do allow for on-the-go reading, so no one is without a book to read :). As I mentioned before, I love having a case for my Kindle; I use a clear case so I can display some of my bookish stickers in the back.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Ideal for audiobook lovers or those who want a distraction-free reading experience, I cannot recommend the Airpods Pro 2 more highly. I use them on a daily basis, and they truly cancel out all the noise; they even stay in my ears while running. Though if they are old school (myself included) and love over-the-ear headphones, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones are my go-to; I personally own them and vouch for their comfort level.
- Smartphone Stand/Tablet Holder: Useful for propping up devices while reading e-books or listening to audiobooks; my favorite is this cute dog one I got as a gift last Christmas.
Home Décor for Book Lovers
- Bookends: A fun way to make a reader smile is to get them quirky, artistic, or literary-themed bookends for their home libraries.
- Bookshelves: What’s something a bookworm is always running out of? Bookshelves! So buying them new shelves is a love language all unto itself.
- Literary Art Prints: Most readers lean towards a specific genre or theme for their reading. So getting them literary quotes, illustrations of their favorite book characters, or art inspired by classic novels makes for some truly personal gifts. Some of my favorites are from Creative Mango Studio or Laura Hollingsworth.
- A Personal Library Kit: This is helpful so that when your bookworm loans out a book, they can keep track of it! I own this one I found on Amazon, it came with an embosser, and library check out cards!
Clothing and Wearables
- Literary-Themed Apparel: Bookworm Word Nerd makes some awesome bookish-themed t-shirts, and I love the socks and scarves with quotes from StoryArts. They have taken some of readers’ favorite books and turned them into wearable art.
- Bookish Jewelry: Some of my favorite bookish jewelry designs are from Bliss, Books, and Jewels. She makes necklaces, earrings, or bracelets themed around books.
- Reading Glasses: If your bookworm wears glasses, consider buying them a new pair. It is a gift many don’t often think of, but to a book enthusiast, it would mean a lot.
Interactive and Creative Gifts
- Literary Puzzles: A Book-themed puzzle is a great way to combine books with a bit of mystery, or you could try crossword puzzles based on classic novels or book covers. My favorite bookish puzzle is Reader’s Paradise, I had so much fun putting it together and seeing all the classic tales on the shelves.
- Writing Journals: Now, I know I said this list would not include “books,” but journals are stories yet to be written. So, to encourage your bookworm, you can get them a journal where they can record their thoughts on specific books that stood out to them or use them as a place to write the words they cannot speak. They are also a handy place to keep track of special quotes. If they are Lord of the Rings fans, I suggest this one from Etsy.
- Book Crafts: I recently was introduced to Bindery Library, and I cannot more highly recommend their crafts! You can pick from a selection of classic books to learn how to make your own book.
Experiential Gifts
- Book Conventions: Have you thought about getting your bookish reader the gift of gathering with other like-minded readers? If so, I can highly recommend going to JustRead Rendezvous. There are games and author panels, and they can meet some of their favorite authors, along with meeting new ones!
Or if they are more into Fantasy/Sci-fi, Realm Makers is a must! - Literary Tours and Destinations
- You could plan a weekend trip to bookish-inspired places like:
- London (Sherlock Holmes walking tours, Harry Potter studio tour)
- Paris (Shakespeare and Company bookshop, Hemingway’s Paris)
- Bath, UK (The Jane Austen Centre)
- Prince Edward Island, Canada (Anne of Green Gables)
- Amherst, UK (Emily Dickinson’s House)
- Yorkshire, UK (Brontë sisters)
- Library Visits: You can visit famous libraries, like the New York Public Library or Trinity College Library in Dublin.
- You could plan a weekend trip to bookish-inspired places like:
- Writing Workshops and Masterclasses
- Author-Led Classes: Writing workshops where readers can learn the craft of storytelling from established authors. I enjoyed the MasterClass and the Art of Writing Conference, which are my two favorites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the perfect gift for the bookworm in your life doesn’t have to be daunting or predictable. With these creative and thoughtful ideas, you can delight them with unique items and experiences that complement their love of reading while steering clear of giving them another book they might already own.
Whether it’s a cozy blanket for late-night reading, a literary-themed subscription, or an unforgettable bookish getaway, these gifts show thoughtfulness and care. Remember, the best gifts are the ones that resonate personally, and your effort to find something special will undoubtedly make them smile.
Have you found a treasure of a gift that I missed? Share your ideas in the comments—I’d love to add more inspiration to the list. Now, go ahead and pick one of these delightful options for the book lover in your life and make their day extra special!
