Don’t just buy something that says “I love books.” Give them something that makes their reading life better.
Because you know the reader you love. Maybe they have a book in their bag at all times. Maybe their copies are covered in tabs and marginalia. Maybe they have perfected the art of turning “I’m going to read for a little while” into an entire evening. Or maybe they already own enough books to build a small library and would appreciate it if you did not buy them another one.
That’s the thing about finding good gifts for book lovers: the best gift isn’t necessarily the most obviously bookish one. It’s the one that fits the way someone actually reads.
So instead of asking, What would a book lover like? ask a better question:
What does this person actually need from a gift?
Here’s how to notice the way they read, find the habits and quirks that make them them, and choose a thoughtful bookish gift that fits.
Whether you’re shopping for a voracious reader, a cozy weekend reader, an enthusiastic annotator, or the person who has somehow accumulated more books than available shelf space, I’ve rounded up gift ideas based on the ways real readers actually read.
Find the section that makes you think, “Yep. That’s so them.” Then let their reading habits do the shopping for you.
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For the Reader Who Always Has a Book With Them
You know the one:
They have a book with them. Always.
This person reads in the doctor’s office, in the carpool pickup line, at lunch, while waiting for dinner, and probably during the five minutes before a meeting starts.
They’re never without a book. They have one on the nightstand, one in their bag, one on their phone, and somehow another one in the car.
They don’t necessarily need help reading more. They need help making their existing reading habit easier.
Gift Strategy
Portability + Convenience
Gift Them:
Reusable canvas book covers protect their books as they travel here and there. Keeping those treasured tomes pristine while also offering pockets for quick-use items like pens, glasses, or tabs.
E-readers like the Kindle Colorsoft allow readers on the go to carry their library with them. No need to lug around multiple bulky books.
If she’s already carrying her books everywhere, might as well help her out by upping her tote game!
Audiobooks are a staple for busy readers! Get them excellent ear-gear so they don’t miss a word. Also, consider an Audible membership.
It’s something for someone whose book is basically an accessory already.
For The Reader Who Makes an Occasion of It
You know the one:
Reading is an event.
This person doesn’t simply pick up a book.
They settle in.
Blanket. Good light. Drink. Comfortable chair. Maybe a candle. Phone somewhere out of reach.
They have a favorite chair, a favorite drink, a favorite blanket, and absolutely no interest in rushing through a book. “I’m going to read for a little while” routinely turns into three hours.
They don’t necessarily need help picking a book. They need help making their existing reading habit immersive.
Gift Strategy
Comfort + Atmosphere
Gift Them:
Reading pillows support you while reading in bed or on the couch. This goes a long way toward making your reader more comfortable in their space.
For readers who want the ultimate hands-free reading experience without swapping to audio, try a Kindle holder with a page-turn remote!
This fluffy blanket is so soft you won’t want to put it down; a luxurious indulgence, perfect for curling up with a good book.
Help your reader set the scene, the scent, and the intent of their reading session with luxurious candles.
Gifts that make their favorite reading spot even better.
Some readers don’t just read a book. They like making an occasion of reading one. Consider fun activity gifts like a book crawl, because sometimes the experience surrounding a book is half the fun.
For The Annotator
You know the one:
They don’t just read the book. They have thoughts about the book.
Their books have tabs sticking out of them. They underline things. They write in the margins. They have opinions about pens.
Maybe they don’t annotate every book. Maybe they have a very specific system. Either way, this person has turned reading into a conversation with the page.
They don’t necessarily need another book. They need tools to make the book their own.
Gift Strategy
Tools + Self-expression
Gift Them:
Ideal for marking exact lines or passages, these darts are visible yet unobtrusive, facilitating easy reference without cluttering your reader’s pages.
No-bleed highlighters are essential for book annotators. This dual-tip set comes in lovely neutral tones or cheerful brights.
They leave their mark on every book they read…help them take it to the next level by embossing the front page of each book in their personal library. So chic!
For when their thoughts expand beyond the margins, or they need a place to track their challenges, goals, recommendations, or reviews a book journal is sure to speak to the annotator’s heart.
For the reader who has never met a margin, they didn’t have something to say about.
For The Everywhere Reader
You know the one:
There’s no place books aren’t welcome.
They read in bed, on the couch, at the park, on airplanes, in coffee shops, and approximately anywhere else a chair exists.
Their problem isn’t getting comfortable at home. Their problem is taking their reading life with them.
Gift Strategy
Mobility + Protection
Gift Them:
Make it easier to read anywhere with a Kindle case that straps to your hand or stands on its own. Bonus points for picking a cover that speaks to your reader’s taste in books.
Because reading everywhere can also mean reading every-when… Rechargeable, variable light color and brightness settings, and flexible positioning for any reading situation.
Protect their books when they travel with the rest of your luggage or are stuffed into a carry-on bag. Washable book sleeves that also add a touch of whimsy are the way to go!
Cozy reading time should not have to suffer because the reader is travelling. Gift them a lightweight, stylish blanket to ensure their cozy quotient can still be achieved on the go.
For the reader who takes a book everywhere.
For The Book Collector
You know the one:
They don’t just read books. They keep them.
Their shelves are full. They have favorite editions. They notice cover design. They remember where they bought certain books. And giving them a book is simultaneously thoughtful and terrifying because they may already own it.
They already know what books to buy. They need ways to showcase their beloved book collection.
Gift Strategy
Ownership + Display
Gift Them:
Bookends increase a book space’s functionality and add a bit of charm. Choose a set for your book collector that reflects their personal style or interests.
Why this product is a good fit for this reader.
Book carts are a fun way to display small collections or portions of a collection (like the priority TBR stacks). Pair them with fun accessories like annotation supplies, bookmarks, or decor items.
Reader-themed artwork is a thoughtful gift that enhances a reader’s space without accidentally buying them a book they already have 3 copies of.
For the reader who loves having books around, even when they’re not currently reading them.
And if they already have a TBR that could qualify as a municipal infrastructure project, another book probably isn’t the answer. Sometimes the better gift is something that makes it easier to enjoy the books they already own.
For the Reader Who Appreciates a Really Good Solution
You know the one:
They want the thing that solves the annoying little problem.
They don’t want something that says “BOOKS!” in giant letters. They want the thing that makes reading easier.
They are the person who would be delighted by:
“I saw this and thought of that annoying thing you always complain about.”
They don’t need to proclaim that they are a reader. They need practical solutions that show you cared enough to notice.
Gift Strategy
Solve the little problem
Gift Them:
For readers who love to snack or drink during their reading time, balancing everything can be a chellenge. The pillow tablet stands help solve this problem to your reader’s delight.
A bookmark with a function! Make annotations even prettier with the stencils built into this stainless steel bookmark.
Cute and functional, this little owl always knows where your reader’s readers are!
Reduce their struggle to keep a book open in hand or lying flat. It seems like a small thing, but these can make a reader’s day.
To be seen is to be loved. Take notice, then take action.
For The Reader Who Has Everything
You know the one:
Do not buy them a book.
They already have a towering TBR. They have a favorite bookstore. They own several versions of books they love. And when you ask what they want, they say, “Honestly, I don’t need anything.”
They don’t need anything. They want thoughtful and unexpected bookish delights.
Gift Strategy
Unexpected upgrades
Gift Them:
Personalized bookplates are a super classy upgrade to any home library. You know how much they value their books, and want to make them feel special.
This unique lamp looks like a book! A fun nod to their favorite hobby…you give them a book that is not a book.
For the book lover who also likes arts and crafts, a book-themed coloring book might fit the bill! Pair it with quality colored pencils or coloring book markers to make it a more complete and thoughtful gift.
Bookshelves can contain a lot more than just books! Shelf decor and accessories make great gifts for book lovers. These botanicals bring a touch of nature into the mix.
You are here: I know they love books. I just have no idea what to buy them.
For The Reader Who Wants to Make Reading More of a Habit
You know the one:
They love reading. They just wish they did more of it.
This is the person who genuinely wants to read more, but somehow the days keep filling up. They buy books with good intentions, save recommendations, and maybe even have a growing TBR, but reading gets pushed aside when life gets busy.
And importantly, they don’t need another lecture about reading more.
They need something that makes picking up the book feel easier.
They are always saying, “I really need to get back into reading.”
They have books they genuinely want to read. They may even have a stack waiting for them. But between work, family, screens, errands, and everything else, reading hasn’t quite become the habit they imagined it would be.
This is the person who might say:
“I used to read all the time.”
Or:
“I really want to start reading again.”
Or my favorite:
“I have so many books I want to read, I just never seem to have time.”
This is a tricky one. They need time and space to do the thing they enjoy.
Gift Strategy
Reduce friction + Create an invitation to read.
Gift Them:
Tell them you value their self-care time and insist they set aside a few minutes a day to pursue their reading goals. This pretty timer makes sure they get every last second.
Designate a reading area to encourage quiet focus. This wooden reading stand can hold their place while they aren’t reading and their beverage when they are!
Serious supporters might consider splurging on a designated reading chair. Invite your book lover to partake in a nice, long book.
Curate a collection of small reader accessories to suit your book lover’s aesthetic, or get a prepackaged bundle like this one.
Maybe they don’t need a reading challenge, a complicated tracking system, or another goal to meet. Maybe they just need a little more space, comfort, or invitation to pick up the book they already want to read.
Don’t give them something that tells them to read more. Give them something that makes reading easier to choose.
The Best Gift Is One That Fits Their Reading Life
The best gifts for book lovers aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest bookshelves, cleverest quotes, or most obvious literary references. They’re the ones that make someone think, You noticed that about me.
Maybe it’s a little more comfort in their favorite reading chair. A solution to the problem they’ve complained about for years. Something that makes taking a book everywhere easier. Or simply a small invitation to spend a little more time doing something they already love.
So when you’re shopping for a reader, don’t just look for something bookish. Think about how they read, where they read, and what makes reading better for them. That’s where you’ll find the thoughtful gift.
And if you’re a reader yourself, it might be worth asking the same question: What would make my own reading life better?
If you’re ready to think about your own reading life a little more intentionally, the free Intentional Reader Reset can help you figure out what you actually want from your reading time.
May your life be as full as your bookshelf and as long as your TBR list.
Happy Reading!
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