Dear Reader,
As someone intimately familiar with the comforting presence of countless books, I feel uniquely positioned to share insights into the Best Gifts For Book Lovers. It’s often said that there’s a kinship between those who savor food and those who love to read. Both are deeply immersive, sensory experiences appealing to individuals with a natural curiosity and a thirst for adventure. While a bookstore gift card is always a welcome option, perhaps you’re seeking something more personalized, or maybe the bookworm in your life already possesses an overflowing library.
The truth is, book lovers appreciate more than just books themselves. They cherish items that enhance their reading rituals and surroundings. Consider a book light, evoking nostalgic memories of childhood reading escapades under the covers, or perhaps a fragrant tea inspired by a beloved literary genre.
When searching for the perfect present, ask yourself: “Would this item feel at home in the enchanting, perhaps slightly dusty, Victorian library of their dreams?” If the answer is yes, then you’re likely on the right track. If not, explore these carefully curated, bibliophile-approved gift ideas below.
Scents That Evoke A Dark, Dusty Library
For book lovers, the allure of a classic library extends beyond the shelves. Capturing the essence of a dimly lit, aged library in their own space is a sensory delight. Scented candles with notes of aged wood and subtle varnish perfectly recreate this atmosphere, bringing their literary dreamscape to life. For a unique and sophisticated touch, Diptyque’s perfumed bracelet offers a delicate hint of library-esque fragrance with every page turn.
Bois Ciré (Waxed Wood) Candle – $74 Diptyque
This candle perfectly captures the refined aroma of aged wood and polished varnish, instantly transporting any room into a sophisticated, book-filled sanctuary. It’s an ideal gift to create a comforting and intellectually stimulating ambiance for reading.
Hearth Classic Candle – $48 Nest
For a warmer, more inviting library scent, the Hearth Candle by Nest offers rich notes of wood and spice, perfect for creating a cozy reading nook. Its comforting fragrance is especially suited for colder months, enhancing the snugness of a reading session.
Eau de Minthé Perfumed Bracelet – $90 Diptyque
This unique perfumed bracelet from Diptyque is an elegant and subtle way for book lovers to carry the scent of a library with them. Infused with woody and aromatic notes, it releases a gentle fragrance each time they turn a page, adding an extra layer of sensory pleasure to their reading experience.
A Comfy, Cozy Blanket
Few things enhance the joy of reading like settling in with a captivating book under a soft, comforting blanket. While countless blankets are available, I can personally vouch for these selections, having spent numerous hours enveloped in their cozy embrace. For those seeking classic library aesthetics, Pendleton or Chappy Wrap are excellent choices. The Nuzzie weighted blanket, with its chunky knit, is perfect for those moments when “just one more chapter” leads to a peaceful slumber. And for worry-free reading sessions with a cup of tea, Pretty Rugged’s faux-fur, water-resistant blanket is ideal for preventing spills from interrupting a thrilling plot twist.
Pendleton Washable Wool Throw Blanket – $149 $127 Brooklinen
Pendleton blankets are renowned for their quality and timeless designs, making them a sophisticated and durable gift. This washable wool throw offers warmth and classic style, perfect for draping over a chair or snuggling under during a long read. Its iconic patterns evoke a sense of heritage and literary tradition.
Chappywrap Harborview Herringbone Navy Blanket – $135 Tuckernuck
The Chappywrap offers exceptional softness and warmth, ideal for creating a comforting reading environment. Its generous size and machine-washable nature make it both practical and luxurious, perfect for readers who value both comfort and convenience. The herringbone pattern adds a touch of understated elegance.
Nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket – $189 $159 Nuzzie
For readers seeking ultimate relaxation, the Nuzzie Knit Weighted Blanket provides gentle pressure that can reduce anxiety and enhance calmness, making it ideal for immersive reading experiences. Its chunky knit design is not only comforting but also adds a stylish, tactile element to their reading space.
Camel TS Luxe Blanket – $290 Pretty Rugged Shop
The Pretty Rugged blanket is the epitome of luxurious practicality. Its faux-fur material provides exceptional softness, while its water-resistant backing ensures durability and easy cleanup. This blanket is perfect for book lovers who enjoy reading with snacks or drinks nearby, combining elegance with peace of mind.
Harney & Sons Tea
Speaking of beverages, it’s almost a universal truth: readers are also tea enthusiasts. Harney & Sons offers some of the finest teas to complement any reading session. My own kitchen feels incomplete without their Paris blend, a delightful floral and citrus-infused tea. For fans of classic mysteries, the Agatha Christie-inspired gift set is a thoughtful nod to literary taste. And for effortless gifting, their sampler packs are always a wonderful way to introduce someone to a variety of exquisite flavors.
Agatha Christie Duo Gift Set – $33 Harney & Sons
This gift set is a charming tribute to the queen of mystery, Agatha Christie, featuring teas inspired by her iconic novels. It’s a perfect present for readers who enjoy a touch of literary theme with their tea, combining the pleasures of reading and a comforting brew.
Paris, Classic Tin of 20 Sachets – $11 Harney & Sons
The Paris blend is a signature Harney & Sons tea, celebrated for its aromatic floral and bright citrus notes. This classic tin is a delightful everyday tea, perfect for sipping while getting lost in a book. Its refreshing flavor profile makes it a versatile choice for any reader’s palate.
Teabag & Honey Sampler – $30 Harney & Sons
For the indecisive tea lover, or to introduce someone to the world of fine teas, this sampler is an excellent choice. It includes an assortment of teabags and honey, allowing them to explore different flavors and find their perfect reading companion.
Wellness Trio Gift – $60 Harney & Sons
For the health-conscious book lover, the Wellness Trio Gift offers a selection of teas focused on well-being. This thoughtful gift is perfect for those who appreciate teas with added health benefits, allowing them to enjoy a soothing and beneficial beverage during their reading time.
A Self-Heating Mug So Their Tea Never Goes Cold
It’s a common scenario for avid readers: losing track of time in a book and returning to a lukewarm or cold cup of tea. A self-heating mug is a brilliant gift to solve this problem. My own Ember mug has been a game-changer, eliminating countless trips to the microwave. BA Contributor Anne Cruz recommends the OHOM ceramic mug, which includes a warming plate and lid for optimal insulation.
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 – $130 $77 Amazon
The Ember Smart Mug 2 is a high-tech solution for maintaining the ideal beverage temperature. This smart mug allows readers to set and control the temperature of their drink via smartphone app, ensuring their tea or coffee stays perfectly warm from the first page to the last.
OHOM Self-Heating Ceramic Mug – $98 Food52
The OHOM Self-Heating Ceramic Mug offers a more traditional aesthetic with the modern convenience of self-heating technology. This mug comes with a sleek warming plate and a lid, ensuring drinks stay warm while maintaining an elegant and minimalist design suitable for any book lover’s desk or reading nook.
A Sleek Wooden Page Holder
For readers who spend hours engrossed in books, the strain of holding pages open, especially while juggling a mug of tea, can lead to hand cramps. A wooden page holder worn on the thumb is a thoughtful solution. It keeps pages flat and effortlessly readable. Available in various sizes, including a mini version for young readers, it’s a practical and charming gift.
Tilisma Book Page Holder – $10 $8 Amazon
This simple yet ingenious wooden page holder is designed to alleviate hand strain during reading. Worn comfortably on the thumb, it gently keeps pages open, allowing for relaxed and extended reading sessions. Its natural wood finish adds a touch of rustic charm to any book.
A Book Stand to Keep Their Arms From Getting Tired
Avid readers understand the discomfort of arm fatigue from holding up heavy books. Book stands are therefore exceptional gifts, allowing hands-free reading and page turning. They can proudly display a current read without losing their place. Some stands even double as caddies, providing space for mugs, reading glasses, and journals. For the ultimate gift, consider the Levenger adjustable reading table. And for cookbook enthusiasts, a dedicated cookbook stand is an indispensable kitchen accessory.
Book Nook Reading Valet – $50 Uncommon Goods
This versatile book stand not only holds books open for comfortable reading but also acts as a valet, with compartments to keep reading glasses, pens, and even a mug of tea organized. It’s a thoughtful gift for readers who appreciate functionality and having their reading essentials within easy reach.
Apex Book Niche – $120 $75 Levenger
The Apex Book Niche offers a sleek and modern design, functioning both as a book stand and a display piece. Its angled form factor is perfect for showcasing a favorite book while providing ergonomic support for comfortable reading. It’s an excellent gift for readers who appreciate minimalist aesthetics.
Adjustable Ergonomic Wood Reading Table – $300 Levenger
For the ultimate in reading luxury, the Levenger Adjustable Ergonomic Wood Reading Table is an exceptional gift. This premium reading table offers adjustable height and angle, allowing for a fully customized and comfortable reading experience. It’s an investment in reading pleasure and well-being.
Soligt Cookbook Stand – $25 Amazon
Specifically designed for cookbooks, the Soligt Cookbook Stand is a must-have for readers who love to cook. It keeps cookbooks propped open and protected from kitchen spills, making it easier to follow recipes while cooking. It’s a practical and thoughtful gift for culinary-minded bookworms.
Lights For Late-Night Reading Sessions
A book light might seem like an obvious gift, but it remains a truly valuable one. A classic clip-on LED light is a perfect stocking stuffer, while more decorative options can add a bookish aesthetic to home décor. From practical to stylish, there’s a reading light to suit every book lover’s needs.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light – $29 $22 Amazon
The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light offers hands-free illumination, perfect for reading in bed or while traveling. Its flexible design allows for adjustable light direction, and the neck-worn style ensures the light is always focused on the book, without disturbing others.
Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light – $24 $15 Amazon
A traditional clip-on book light, the Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light is a reliable and affordable option. Its rechargeable feature adds convenience, and the adjustable brightness settings cater to different reading environments. It’s a practical gift for any book lover.
Mr. Wattson Table Lamp – $119 Uncommon Goods
The Mr. Wattson Table Lamp is more than just a light source; it’s a piece of art. Its unique, posable design adds a touch of whimsy and personality to any reading space. This lamp is perfect for book lovers who appreciate design-forward items that are both functional and decorative.
Veesee Large Rechargeable Book Folding Lamp – $26 Amazon
The Veesee Folding Lamp combines portability with ambient lighting. Shaped like a book, it opens to reveal a soft, warm light, creating a cozy atmosphere for reading anywhere. Its rechargeable and foldable design makes it a unique and travel-friendly gift for book lovers.
A Fountain Pen and a Great Notebook
It’s an undeniable truth: readers can never have too many quality pens and notebooks. After years of searching for the perfect fountain pen, I discovered the Kaweco Sport. Now, I keep one at my desk and one in each of my bags. It’s an excellent entry-level fountain pen that’s remarkably durable for everyday use. Paired with a high-quality notebook, it’s a gift that encourages both reading-inspired writing and the simple joy of putting pen to paper.
Kaweco CSFP-GN Fountain Pen – $31 Amazon
The Kaweco CSFP-GN Fountain Pen is a fantastic entry into the world of fountain pens. Known for its smooth writing and robust build, it’s perfect for readers who also enjoy journaling, note-taking, or simply appreciate the tactile pleasure of writing with a quality instrument.
Appointed Notebook – $27 Lockwood
Appointed notebooks are synonymous with quality and durability. Their spiral-bound design, book cloth covers, and brass bindings ensure longevity. The smooth pages are a delight to write on, resisting smudging and bleed-through. These notebooks are ideal for readers who like to jot down thoughts, quotes, or reflections inspired by their reading adventures.
A Book Tote With Dark Academia Vibes
For the book lover who’s never without a book, the Oxford Book Tote is both practical and stylish. Its “dark academia” aesthetic will resonate with those who love literary and historical settings. Made from water-resistant waxed canvas, it protects books from unexpected rain, and its multiple pockets offer ample storage. It’s the perfect blend of function and literary-inspired fashion.
Oxford Book Tote – $65 Levenger
This Oxford Book Tote combines functionality with a touch of literary-inspired style. Crafted from durable, water-resistant waxed canvas, it’s designed to protect precious books in any weather. Its multiple interior and exterior pockets offer ample space for books, notebooks, and other essentials, making it the perfect everyday bag for book lovers.
A Bookmark That Will Make Them Feel Seen
Every bookworm needs a collection of bookmarks, and a thoughtfully chosen bookmark can be a truly personal gift. Opt for one that reflects their reading personality or style, adding a touch of charm and individuality to their reading experience.
Enamel Bookmark One More Chapter – $34 Wolf & Badger
This “One More Chapter” enamel bookmark perfectly captures the sentiment of every avid reader. Its elegant design and relatable quote make it a charming and motivational gift, encouraging just a little more reading before putting the book down.
Fell Asleep Here Magnetic Bookmark – $20 Uncommon Goods
The “Fell Asleep Here” magnetic bookmark adds a touch of humor and relatability to the reading experience. Its magnetic closure ensures it stays securely in place, and the playful message resonates with anyone who has ever drifted off to sleep mid-chapter.
One Of Our Favorite Food Books
It’s no secret that BA staffers are avid readers, so including a few of our favorite food-related novels was a must. From thrilling culinary mysteries to heartwarming memoirs set in beloved restaurants, these books are sure to delight any food-obsessed bookworm, adding literary flavor to their bookshelves.
A Certain Hunger – $18 $16 Amazon
“A Certain Hunger” is a gripping thriller set in the world of fine dining. Perfect for readers who enjoy suspense with a side of culinary detail, this novel will keep them on the edge of their seat while exploring the darker side of gastronomic ambition.
Kitchen – $17 $11 Amazon
“Kitchen” is a charming and poignant memoir that recounts growing up in one of New York City’s most beloved restaurants. It’s a heartwarming read for those who appreciate stories of family, food, and the vibrant life within a restaurant kitchen.
Black Cake – $18 $9 Amazon
“Black Cake” is a rich and layered novel that weaves together family secrets and culinary traditions. With food playing a central role, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy stories that explore cultural heritage and family dynamics through the lens of food.
Arbitrary Stupid Goal – $18 $11 Amazon
“Arbitrary Stupid Goal” is a hilarious and insightful memoir that delves into the chaotic world of restaurant life. For readers who love behind-the-scenes stories and appreciate humor with their food writing, this book offers an entertaining and authentic glimpse into the culinary industry.
A Coffee Table Book That Will Help Them Plan Their Next Vacation
Do you know a book lover whose Pinterest boards are filled with breathtaking library photos? “Massimo Listri: The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries” is the perfect coffee table book. They can lose themselves in stunning visuals of libraries worldwide while planning a future trip to witness these architectural and literary marvels in person.
Massimo Listri: The World’s Most Beautiful Libraries – $30 $28 Amazon
This exquisite coffee table book is a visual feast for library lovers. Featuring stunning photography by Massimo Listri, it showcases some of the world’s most breathtaking libraries. It’s an inspirational gift for those who dream of exploring grand libraries and immersing themselves in literary history.
A Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Perhaps I spoke too soon at the beginning of this list. While the unique gifts above are wonderful (and if anyone is reading this for me, the Levenger Reading Table would be divine), never underestimate the timeless appeal of a Barnes & Noble gift card. Because, truly, can a book lover ever have too many books? A gift card is the perfect excuse to wander the aisles of a bookstore, discovering new literary treasures and indulging in the simple joy of browsing.
Barnes & Noble Gift Card – Shop at Barnes & Noble
In the end, the most cherished gift for any book lover might simply be the freedom to choose their next literary adventure. A Barnes & Noble gift card provides just that – the opportunity to explore new authors, genres, and stories, and to revel in the unique atmosphere of a bookstore. It’s a gift that always fits and is always appreciated.
