Gifts for book lovers
Buying a book for a reader is risky, because they may have read it or it may not be their taste. The safer great gifts make reading nicer: a warm book light, a reading journal, a beautiful edition of a favorite, or a gift card that lets them choose. Here are eight ideas from about $15 to $190.
The short list
- Bookshop.org gift card $25–50
- Clip-on book light $15–25
- Reading journal $15–30
- A clothbound edition of a classic $20–30
- Book-scented candle $18–35
- Padded book sleeve $15–25
- Personalized book embosser $30–50
- Kindle e-reader $110–190
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Bookshop.org gift card
Typically $25–50
Why it fits
Lets them pick exactly what’s next on their list, and each purchase supports independent bookstores.
Clip-on book light
Typically $15–25
Why it fits
For the night reader who doesn’t want to keep anyone awake. A warm, dimmable light is easier on the eyes than a phone.
Reading journal
Typically $15–30
Why it fits
For the reader who forgets what they read last spring. A journal with space for ratings, quotes and to-read lists becomes a keepsake.
A clothbound edition of a classic
Typically $20–30
Why it fits
A beautiful hardcover of a favorite they first read in paperback is the one book gift that’s nearly risk-free.
Book-scented candle
Typically $18–35
Why it fits
Smells like old paper, leather or a library. A cozy, slightly nerdy treat for an evening of reading. Skip it for anyone fragrance-sensitive.
Padded book sleeve
Typically $15–25
Why it fits
For the reader who carries a book everywhere. A fabric sleeve keeps covers from getting bent in a bag.
Personalized book embosser
Typically $30–50
Why it fits
Stamps “From the library of” with their name into the first page. Charming for anyone with a growing shelf who lends books out.
Kindle e-reader
Typically $110–190
Why it fits
For the commuter or traveler who reads a lot. A glare-free screen and weeks of battery make it easy to carry a whole library.
Make reading nicer
Readers are hard to buy books for, but easy to buy for. Think about how they read: in bed, on the train, in a bath, on a plane. Something that makes that moment better is a gift they’ll use every day.
If you do give a book
- Check their shelf or their reading app first.
- Choose an author they love whose newest book they might not have.
- Write a note inside the cover. It turns any book into a keepsake.
Paper or screen?
Some readers love their e-reader; others never touch one. Ask before buying a Kindle. On Giver, people can list what they’re reading and their favorite authors, so you can check before you choose.
Questions people ask
Is it OK to give a book to a book lover?
Yes, if you know their taste or their to-read list. If not, a gift card, a beautiful edition of a book they already love, or a reading accessory is safer.
What do you get a reader who prefers paper books?
Skip the e-reader. A book light, a reading journal, an embosser or a gift card to an independent bookstore all suit paper readers.
Shopping for one person in particular?
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