The Best Reading-Themed Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

Check out these thoughtful gift ideas for the avid reader on your list that won't add to their TBR pile.

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Updated on October 08, 2026

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? Not always. (Unless it's a collector's edition of their favorite title, of course!) Because let's be honest, they probably already have said book on their shelf. The good news? You have some help, and we will not lead you astray. We're avid lifelong readers, and, as luck would have it, we 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 subscriptions 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.

$48
Literie Candles

The Literie Candles Late Fees at the Library candle celebrates their love of reading and provides ambient lighting while they escape into the pages. The best part? Each soy-and-coconut wax candle is created with clean ingredients, lasts up to 50 hours and will envelop their reading locale with enchanting notes of paper and linen.

From $60
Bookspan LLC

Yes, we know we said we weren't going to add to their TBR pile, but we promise they absolutely want a Book of the Month subscription. (If they don't already have one, that is.) Each month, they can choose from a curated selection of newly released hardcovers and audiobooks. The titles span a range of genres and authors and are a great way for them to find their new favorite book.

$10
Rifle Paper Co.

Every bookworm needs a bookmark — especially if they're still dog-earing their pages. We love these Birth Month bookmarks from Rifle Paper Co., as they add a special, personalized touch to the gift. Each bookmark is crafted from faux leather and accented with a fabric grosgrain ribbon. The illustration features the month's traditional birth flower, from a daffodil for March to a peony for November.

From $10
Bookshop.org

Help them support their local independent bookstore with a gift card from Bookshop.org. When they buy a book from the site, they have the option to choose their favorite bookstore to receive the profit from their purchase. (If they don't choose a store, the funds are added to a sharing pool that the company distributes among 3,000+ stores.) Plus, the gift card never expires and can be redeemed whenever they're ready for a new title.

$10
Amazon

Here's some good news for our 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 15 bucks. Grab one for yourself and your book-loving bestie while you're at it.

$19
Rifle Paper Co.

Add a pop of pretty to their bookshelves with these beautifully illustrated books from Rifle Paper Co. The reimagined hardcovers are expertly illustrated by co-founder Anna Bond and boast the brand's signature floral motifs and punchy color palettes. Choose from classic titles such as The Wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables, Pride and Prejudice, Wuthering Heights and more.

$43
Amazon

Historically speaking, reading in bed is no easy feat. But the future is now, and we're happy to report that 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 10 beautiful fabrics for yourself and your book club bestie.

$16
Amazon

The perfect stocking stuffer or addition to a gift basket, the Pippi Post Reader Roulette cards offer a fun and interactive way to help them choose their next read. They'll discover 54 unique prompts such as "choose a book with flowers on the cover," "pick the longest book on your TBR," "choose a historical fiction to read," and more that will have them flying through their books so they can play again.

$38
Papier

Give the goal-oriented book lover in your life a tangible tool to keep track of their latest reads. This bound journal offers bibliophiles a compact space to track daily reading, record their never-ending book wish list, write thoughtful reviews and work through journaling prompts. Papier offers a wide selection of covers to choose from to best match their style. Pair the hardcover book with a pretty pen to round out the gift.

$15
Amazon

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 Rechargeable LED Book Light. Each clip light boasts an adjustable neck and a whale tail head that casts both pages with a warm, white light. The 4.7-star reading light has more than 10,000 rave reviews and includes nine brightness modes to create a custom reading experience for any environment.

$18
Amazon

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.

$7
Etsy (US)

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. Our 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.

$10
Amazon

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 six airy colorways to suit your reader's style. 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.

$16
Amazon

Books are enjoyed best with a cozy coffee or steaming mug of tea. Gift your avid reader this vibrantly illustrated mug from Ban.do to accompany them on their daily journey through the pages. The beautiful ceramic mug is both microwave- and dishwasher-safe and is sure to let everyone know they're a "book person."

$40
UncommonGoods

For an analog activity that they can display on their bookshelves once completed, snag the DIY Dream Library Bookend Kit from Uncommon Goods. They'll assemble the DIY kit from laser-cut numbered pieces that slot into each other to create a mini magical library scene — no messy glue required. The kit comes with illustrated and video instructions for an easy-to-follow craft.

$18
Amazon

If they read on their tablet, e-reader or phone, then gift them this mounted holder for hands-free reading in bed, on the couch or while cuddling in their favorite nook. The bendable gooseneck arm allows them to get the angle just right and is crafted from solid steel for durability. Pair it with a page-turning remote for the ultimate hands-free experience.

$20
UncommonGoods

We've all been there: falling asleep in the middle of a can't-put-down story. If they're a regular at dozing off in the middle of a chapter (even though they claim they're just resting their eyes), then they need this cheeky bookmark. A magnetic closure holds the bookmark in place, while the soft faux-leather shell protects the pages from damage. The handy gift also works on legal pads, notebooks and other stationery.

$139
Barnes and Noble

For those who have an all-time favorite book series, title or author, it's worth checking to see if there are any deluxe or collector's editions of the novels on the market to add to their library. There is no shortage these days of sprayed edges, exclusive covers and artwork added to make a book special, and we've spotted these flourishes on well-loved titles such as Twilight, The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, Dune and Dungeon Crawler Carl — just to name a few.

From $45
Etsy (US)

Any bookworm can relate. For the reader who consistently tells themself they'll put down the book after one more page, which turns into one more chapter, and before they know it — they're up for another hour (or two) — this sweatshirt is a must. The cozy find features an embroidered design, 21 colorways and two styles (hoodie or sweatshirt).

$200
Amazon

Okay, yes, they probably have a Kindle or some sort of e-reader by now, but if they don't, it's definitely at the top of their wish list. The newest Kindle Paperwhite model has a bigger glare-free screen and a battery life that lasts up to 12 weeks. Plus, it's waterproof for worry-free poolside reading or while soaking in the tub. We also recommend the original Kindle for those who prefer a petite, compact model. Pair the reader with a Kindle Unlimited subscription for the ultimate bookish gift.

$27
ban.do Designs, LLC

Whether filled with books or not, this cheeky tote bag will help them carry their necessities wherever they go. The canvas catchall boasts two 12-inch handles for carrying and a large interior to house everything they need. The best part, however, is the design itself. The colorful motif and "I'd rather be home reading" message instantly caught our eyes. We have a feeling they'll love taking the tote on their next library run, to the farmers market or anywhere in between.

From $15
Amazon

When all else fails, an Audible membership is just what Santa ordered. They'll be able to listen to their favorite audiobooks wherever they go, or immersive read their favorite titles for the ultimate reading experience. Audible's expansive library includes thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and originals, and the subscription gives them one credit each month.

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