The Best Gifts for Book Lovers

Check out these thoughtful gift ideas for the avid reader that aren't books.

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Updated on October 30, 2023

On a quest to find the perfect gift for the book lover in your life? You're in the right place. A new book is the obvious choice, but is it the best choice? Nay. Because let's be honest: they probably already have said book on their shelf. The good news? You have some help, and I will not lead you astray. I’m an avid life-long reader, and, as luck would have it, I did all the shopping for you to ensure you knock their reading socks off this year.

From top-rated reading lights and gel highlighters to book rest pillows and walnut page holders, these finds will enhance their reading experience. Read on to get the scoop on the best book-related gifts that any bibliophile will love, then shop them all in the links below.

$17.99

Give the goal-oriented book lover in your life a tangible tool to keep track of their latest reads. This journal offers bibliophiles a compact space to track daily reading, record their never-ending book wish list, write thoughtful reviews and work through a genre checklist. Pair the hardcover book with a pretty pen to round out the gift.

$25.67 $23.63

You know your extra-generous friend that always lends their favorite books to family and friends only to never see them again? Give them the gift that keeps on giving with this top-rated personal library kit from Amazon. The classic library-inspired kit comes with 20 old-school self-adhesive pockets, 20 checkout cards, a date stamp, a stamp pad and a mini pencil to keep track of their beloved books.

$18.99

If their vice involves staying up (hours) past their bedtime to finish just one more chapter of a page-turning book, then treat them to a tool to make their late-night habit easier than ever: the Vekkia LED rechargeable book light. Each clip light boasts an adjustable neck and a whale tail head that casts both pages with a warm, white light. The 4.8-star reading light has more than 3,800 rave reviews and includes nine brightness modes to create a custom reading experience for any environment.

$13.99 $9.95

There are two types of readers in this world: the readers afraid to get so much as a fingerprint on their hardcover books and readers who love nothing more than diving into a copy with a set of stickers, highlighters and pens. These no-bleed gel highlighter pens will earn you major brownie points if you’re shopping for the latter. The eight-piece set comes in three airy colorways to suit your reader’s style: pastel (pictured here), earthy and dusty. These unique twist-up gel pens can be sharpened for a fine tip and promise to be fade, smear and bleed-proof when used over ink.

Help them break their dog-earring habit with a beautiful bespoke recycled leather bookmark. Each bookmark is handmade by artisans in the UK from recycled leather in your choice of 30 striking leather finishes. Each bookmark features a foil-debossed monogram for a sophisticated and special final touch.

$17.99

Every bibliophile needs a custom library stamp in their collection. This budget-friendly stamp comes in a classic wooden and self-inking stamp form. Bonus: You can choose from five unique stamp designs to cater to their library aesthetic.

$38

The Book Club Homesick candle celebrates their love of reading and provides ambient lighting while they escape into the pages. The best part? This candle will envelop their reading locale with an enchanting holiday fragrance of orange, nutmeg, sandalwood, cinnamon, vanilla, amber and balsam.

From $13.76

The more pages a book has, the merrier I am. Except when I hit the middle of my 870-page book and I'm suddenly unable to read without both hands on the proverbial wheel to avoid the weight of the pages closing the book. Here's some good news for my fellow big-book readers: the TILISMA page holder exists. This nifty little gadget slides on your thumb and enables you to read with one hand without being swallowed by the pages in the process. Each holder is handmade from natural walnut wood and costs less than 10 bucks. Grab one for yourself and your book-loving bestie while you're at it.

Books are enjoyed best with a cozy coffee or steaming mug of tea. Gift your avid reader this vibrantly illustrated mug from Rifle Paper Co. to accompany them on their daily journey through the pages. The beautiful porcelain mug features classic titles that every literature lover will appreciate.

$69

If your book-obsessed partner likes to read no less than three different titles in tandem, this is the shelf they never knew they needed. This clever bookshelf features arrow shelves that allow readers to stow up to five books open to the last page they read.

From $33.50

Okay, yes, sometimes ink stamps can appear a bit bold or out-of-place depending on the age and style of a book. Still, that doesn’t mean we need to send our literature out into the world without a way to come home. My suggestion? This custom book embosser. The embosser presses a custom motif into the pages of a book as an elegant, understated alternative to classic ink stamps.

From $39.11

Historically speaking, reading in bed is no easy feat. But the future is now and I’m happy to report The Book Seat is here and ready to make life easier for my fellow bed-obsessed bookworms. The plush stand is essentially an easel for soft surfaces like a mattress or sofa and supports books, tablets and e-readers alike. Snag the top-rated pillow in your choice of 11 beautiful fabrics for yourself and your book club bestie.

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