Unique gift ideas for book lovers: 15 alternatives to books for the holidays
Shopping for holiday gifts for book enthusiasts can be more challenging than expected. Opting for a top-rated book seems like a safe choice, but what if they already own it?
Interestingly, sometimes items related to books create even more joy. My sister gifted me a unique creation last year: miniature replicas of the books I read in 2023 glued onto a tiny bookshelf. That was truly the best holiday present I’ve ever received (take a look at the image!).
You don’t need to be that creative, though. There are plenty of exciting gifts to consider that will make your favorite book lover smile—without being actual books.
Thoughtful gifts for book lovers this holiday season
Check out some recommended gifts for the avid readers in your life.
Book-shaped flower vase
A friend gifted me an acrylic flower vase in the shape of a book, and it always sparks conversations with guests. It’s a charming addition to any bookshelf. You can find these for $29.95 on Biblio Bloom, with options inspired by classics like “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
Book wallet
A unique tiny book wallet makes a great gift for your literary friend. Priced around $30, Novel Bookstore offers wallets inspired by everything from “Little Women” to “The Great Gatsby,” plus fun ones like the “Burn Book” from “Mean Girls” and the handbook for the recently departed from “Beetlejuice.”
Romantic trope hats
Do you know a reader who adores love stories? Delight them with one of the romance trope hats from 831 Stories. Priced at $35 each, they come with classic themes like “Fake Relationship,” “Sports Romance,” “Enemies to Lovers,” “Second Chance Romance,” and many more. The eye-catching colors and beautiful cursive design will definitely capture the hearts of romance readers!
Custom book embosser
Easily enhance their personal library with a custom book embosser or stamp. You can personalize these to say “From the library of” or “This book belongs to,” along with your recipient’s name. My Pickled Stamp offers these for prices ranging from $18.50 to $31.50.
Candles that evoke the essence of books
For that reader who lives and breathes books, consider gifting a candle inspired by their favorite literary titles. We recommend the literary classics candles from Noble Objects for $38, or themed options from Briarwick that smell like beloved characters, such as those from “A Court of Thorns and Roses.”
Foldable book lamp
For the art-loving bookworm, consider a decorative foldable lamp that resembles a book but unfolds into a beautifully arranged light fixture. Two Etsy options are currently discounted – one with a floral design starting at $41 and a wood-engraved version starting at $27. It’s a lovely understated gift for book lovers.
Tea blends inspired by literature
Gift your book-loving friend a tea blend that evokes memories of their favorite novels. NovelTeas offers clever blends inspired by well-known works – check out “Pride and Peppermint,” “Anise in Wonderland,” and “Pekoe Pan.”
Consider gifting the “Book Lover’s Tea Collection Gift Box” from Uncommon Goods. It’s an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys relaxing with a hot drink while reading their favorite book.
Book or Kindle Stand
Enhance your friend’s reading comfort by giving them a stand for their book or e-reader. Amazon currently has a Black Friday special on a dual holder and snack bowl pillow for just $35.99. For traditional readers, consider “The Book Seat,” which is a hands-free pillow that holds their book in place.
Wireless Page Turner for Kindle
Take relaxation a step further with a wireless page turner for e-readers, allowing the user to flip pages without sitting up. This gadget is currently 20% off on Amazon during Black Friday, making it a great gift for e-readers who enjoy their cozy setups.
Book Sweatshirts
Show off your love of literature by wearing it! If you know your recipient’s favorite author, explore their website for merchandise. For a broader choice, consider sweatshirts from The Bookish Goods that feature the word “bookish.”
Alternatively, you could go for a quirky graphic like this one from Inkwell Threads.
Floating Bookshelves
Every avid reader knows the struggle of limited shelf space. Solve this dilemma by gifting them floating bookshelves this holiday season. Basic ones are available on Amazon for $25.87 or at Home Depot for $24.17—extra points if you help them install it!
Annotating Pens and Highlighters
If your favorite reader enjoys marking up their books, gift them some high-quality supplies. The SAKURA Gelly Roll pens ($12.90) and Zebra Midliner highlighters ($26.86) are popular choices among BookTok users since they don’t bleed through pages.
E-reader or Kindle Sleeve
Help them protect their e-reader in style with a tablet sleeve. Check out this affordably priced protective sleeve cover on Amazon for $15.31. For a more personalized gift, consider an embroidered book sleeve by BirdieQPlusTwo available on Etsy for about $20.
Reading Journal
A reading journal is an ideal way to keep a record of thoughts and reflections on the books you’ve read. It’s especially meaningful at year-end when readers can look back on their favorite titles. Help the book enthusiasts in your life kick-start their reading goals for the upcoming year with a reading journal. It can be as simple as a blank notebook or a themed option like the “A Clockwork Reader Reading Journal” or “The No-Pressure Book Journal” available at Barnes & Noble.
Comfy Blankets
A cozy blanket is always a wonderful gift for the winter months. If you enjoy crafting, consider making a no-sew fleece blanket. For less DIY hassle, browse more straightforward options on Target or Amazon. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you could personalize a throw blanket featuring their favorite book titles.
Searching for your next captivating book? YSL News is here to help.
Tastes differ greatly when it comes to reading, and YSL News Books has a wide array of genres to suggest. Interested in a trendy new piece of literary fiction? Check out our review of “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney. If you love mysteries, consider these titles that echo “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, or dare to dive into one of our top horror picks. For something with a lighter premise and charming characters, you might enjoy a “cozy mystery” or a “cozy fantasy” novel. To explore the hottest titles, don’t miss YSL News’s Best-selling Booklist.