As a content creator for lawyergift.net, and a self-proclaimed expert in unique gifting, I often revisit gift guide themes, and gifts for readers is always a favorite.
Books have held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. While I might be a slow reader, savoring every word, my to-be-read pile and annual book haul are constantly growing. There’s a unique comfort in being surrounded by both hardcovers and paperbacks, each filled with carefully chosen words conveying an author’s vision. This connection to literature is deeply inspiring and emotional, sometimes leaving me in awe of my own collection.
Therefore, I find it amusing when people struggle to find gifts for me. Simply offer me your favorite book – lending it is enough! Readers, in my opinion, are among the easiest people to shop for. Knowing their preferred genre, author, or even just accessing their Goodreads “Want To Read” list is often enough to find a great book gift.
However, what if you’re looking for something other than a book for the reader in your life?
Fear not! There’s a wide array of Unique Gifts For Readers that go beyond the pages of a book. Thanks to online marketplaces like Etsy, finding thoughtful and cool presents for book lovers has never been easier. To demonstrate this, I’ve explored the internet to curate a list of some of the best gifts for book lovers available, and I’m thrilled to share my discoveries with you.
Friendly Disclaimer: Beyond My Byline is reader-supported! Purchases made through Amazon links in this article may earn me an affiliate commission.
Thoughtful & Unique Gifts for Readers (That Aren’t Books!)
Here are some exceptional and unique gift ideas for the readers in your life, offering something special beyond just adding to their already towering TBR piles:
TBR Jar: A Creative To-Be-Read List for Bookworms
from $10, etsy.com
For readers, the “to-be-read” (TBR) list is perpetually expanding. “So many books, so little time,” as the saying goes! This utterly charming and ingenious TBR Jar provides a delightful solution. Available in two sizes – 12oz and 25oz – it comes with the option of 25, 50, or 100 wooden tokens shaped like miniature books. These tokens are left blank, allowing you to personalize them with book titles from your TBR list. Once you finish a book, simply draw another token for your next literary adventure. Alternatively, use it to record books as you read them, creating a tangible, unplugged reading log, a unique counterpart to digital platforms like Goodreads. This TBR jar is a truly unique gift for readers who love physical organization and a touch of literary charm.
Literature Every Day Interactive Mug: Daily Literary Inspiration for Coffee or Tea
$28, uncommongoods.com
I previously featured this clever mug collection from UncommonGoods in my gift guide for Dads, and its literary version is equally brilliant, making it a perfect unique gift for readers. Each day, the recipient can scan the QR code on the mug to reveal a new literary quote. Imagine 365 days of inspiring soundbites to nourish a literature-loving soul with their morning coffee or afternoon tea. It’s a gift that combines practicality with a daily dose of literary delight, ideal for any book enthusiast.
Vintage Library Card Compact Purse Mirror: A Touch of Literary Nostalgia
$15, etsy.com
Compact mirrors deserve a comeback, and this vintage library card design offers a uniquely bookish twist. Adorned with dates reminiscent of classic library checkout cards, this accessory opens to reveal two mirrors. This is a fantastic unique gift for readers who also appreciate beauty and vintage aesthetics. It’s practical for quick touch-ups while adding a subtle nod to their love of libraries and literature. A perfect blend of function and literary flair.
Aerie unREAL Cable Crew Sweater: The Ultimate Cozy Reading Companion
$59.95, ae.com
Reading often becomes a cherished ritual, complete with a warm beverage, a favorite reading nook, and supremely comfortable clothing. Aerie excels in cozy comfort, and their cable crew sweater, available in various colors, is the quintessential reading sweater. Perfect for lounging and getting lost in a book, it’s also stylish enough for spontaneous social outings. This sweater is a unique gift for readers who prioritize comfort and style, enhancing their reading experience with cozy elegance.
Tea Forte Warming Joy Holiday Advent Calendar: Festive Sips for Bookish Moments
$45, amazon.com
Tea time has always been a comforting tradition, and Tea Forte is a personal favorite tea brand. Their diverse collections offer a wide range of flavors, and their holiday tea gifts for 2024 are truly exceptional, providing days of festive and delicious sips. This Warming Joy Holiday Advent Calendar is a unique gift for readers who enjoy tea, offering a daily delightful experience to complement their reading time. Some stand-out flavors from this set include Pumpkin Spice, Jasmine Green, Citrus Mint, and Caramel Nougat! Imagine curling up with a good book and a new, flavorful tea each day leading up to the holidays.
Cuayaes Reading Thinker Statue: Elegant Literary Decor for Book Lovers
$15.99, amazon.com
These Cuayaes statues bring a simplistic elegance to any room’s decor. For readers who are also collectors or appreciate decorative trinkets, this Reading Thinker Statue is a beautiful piece symbolizing the joy of escaping into a book and tuning out the world. It’s a unique gift for readers who appreciate art and symbolism, serving as a constant reminder of their love for reading and quiet contemplation. Perfect for a bookshelf, desk, or bedside table.
Snow Time Bath Bomb Set: Luxurious Relaxation for Reading in the Tub
$34, lush.com
Lush bath bombs are a fantastic way to elevate bath time into a luxurious “me time” experience. Especially perfect for those who enjoy a warm, bubbly soak while reading a good book (perhaps with a glass of wine!). This Snow Time Bath Bomb Set is an exceptional unique gift for readers, particularly for moms who deserve moments of relaxation and pampering. A truly thoughtful present that encourages self-care and literary indulgence.
Snowflakes & Cashmere 3-Wick Candle: Setting the Cozy Reading Mood
$26.95, bathandbodyworks.com
Creating the right ambiance is key for immersive reading sessions, and what better way to achieve coziness than lighting a scented candle? Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles are a top choice, especially during colder months. Their experiential scents evoke feelings and transport you to different settings. The Snowflakes & Cashmere scent is particularly inviting, perfect for creating a snowed-in reading retreat under a blanket with a stack of books. This candle is a unique gift for readers who appreciate sensory experiences and creating a cozy atmosphere for their reading time.
Seenlast Candle Warmer Lamp: Safe and Stylish Candle Ambiance for Book Nooks
$29.91, amazon.com
Candle warmer lamps offer a safe and elegant alternative to burning candles with a flame. This Seenlast Candle Warmer Lamp melts candle wax using electric heat, with timer settings for 2, 4, or 8 hours, dimming options, and adjustable brightness levels. It’s a sophisticated and practical way to enjoy candle scents while extending candle life. This lamp is a unique gift for readers who love candles but prefer a flameless option, perfect for creating a relaxing reading environment.
Library Check-Out Card Bookmark: Vintage Charm for Page-Turning Readers
$4.44, etsy.com
These Library Check-Out Card Bookmarks are wonderfully nostalgic and unique. KateyReads on Etsy sources authentic library checkout cards from libraries worldwide, dating from the 1950s to the 1990s. Laminated for durability, these vintage bookmarks add a touch of retro charm to any book. This bookmark is a unique gift for readers who appreciate vintage items and library history, adding a special touch to their reading experience.
Book Christmas Ornament: Literary Holiday Cheer for Bookworms
$9.95, amazon.com
This Book Christmas Ornament is a delightful and bookish addition to any holiday tree. Resembling a cracked ornament revealing stacked bookshelves inside, it’s a whimsical and unique gift for readers who love to combine their passion for books with holiday decorating. It’s a fun and festive way to celebrate their love of reading during the Christmas season.
Banned Books Puzzle & Reading Checklist: Interactive Literary Fun and Discovery
$18, uncommongoods.com
Instead of simply searching for banned book lists online, this 500-piece Banned Books Puzzle offers a more engaging and creative approach. Puzzles are enjoyable activities, and this one is particularly appealing to bibliophiles as it introduces them to even more book titles to potentially add to their TBR. This puzzle is a unique gift for readers who enjoy puzzles and literary history, providing both entertainment and bookish discovery.
Bookshop.org Gift Card: Support Independent Bookstores and Reader Choice
from $10, bookshop.org
A Bookshop.org Gift Card is a straightforward yet thoughtful gift. If you know someone loves books but are unsure of their current reads or preferences, a gift card allows them to choose exactly what they want. Bookshop.org also supports independent bookstores, making it a gift that gives back to the literary community. This gift card is a unique gift for readers who value choice and supporting independent businesses, offering flexibility and literary exploration.
grace & stella Under Eye Masks: Refreshment for Late-Night Reading Sessions
$21.95, amazon.com
For readers who often find themselves saying “just one more chapter” late into the night, grace & stella Under Eye Masks are a rejuvenating treat. Award-winning for their effectiveness, these masks help eyes feel and look refreshed after those immersive late-night reading sessions spent in fictional worlds. These eye masks are a unique gift for readers who prioritize self-care and want to combat the effects of late-night reading, offering a practical and pampering solution.
Literary Clock: Time Told Through Classic Literature
from $199, uncommongoods.com
While a splurge item, this Literary Clock is incredibly impressive. Instead of numbers, it displays excerpts from classic literature that correspond with the time. Programmed with over 13,000 literary quotes spanning six centuries, quotes can appear every minute, five minutes, 30 minutes, or hourly. This clock is a truly unique gift for readers, especially those who work at desks, offering a constant source of literary inspiration and a sophisticated statement piece.
Finding the Perfect Unique Gift for Readers
So, while books are always appreciated, remember that there’s a universe of unique gifts for readers that cater to their passions beyond the page. From cozy comforts and literary-themed decor to relaxing self-care items and practical tools, these thoughtful presents demonstrate your understanding of their bookish lifestyle. Explore these ideas and discover the perfect unique gift for the reader in your life!
