Holidays & Entertaining Gift Guide 2023: 101+ Best Gift Ideas 35 Novel Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life These gift ideas will be appreciated by book fans—from library card coasters to a 100 Books Scratch-Off Poster (for the ultimate reading bucket list). By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 17, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Real Simple / Amelia Manley Buying gifts for readers that aren't books may feel contrarian, but consider this quote from the Dutch philosopher Erasmus: "When I have a little money, I buy books; and if I have any left, I buy food and clothes." Meaning? The avid reader in your life likely already owns a lot of the thing they love the most. So instead of guessing what your favorite bibliophile's next page-turner might be (though if you want a good bet, check out our favorite books of 2023), opt for one of Erasmus' other necessities, like a book-themed mug or a super plush robe made for curling up with a good book. A thoughtful, more personal reader gift will delight any of the book lovers in your life. For the Reader Who's Always Losing Their Place (or Their Reading Glasses): Book Nook Reading Valet Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods This cute caddy may just be the best gift for readers—especially absent-minded ones. In lieu of a bookmark, the triangular peak of the stand holds their book in place (or their tablet upright), and cutouts for a mug and reading glasses ensure they have everything right at hand for their next reading session. Price at time of publish: $48 For the Banned Book Defender: Read the Books T-Shirt Out of Print Buy on Outofprint.com Reading Rainbow sage Levar Burton's quote about reading the books they don't want you to read will resonate with plenty of book fans—and this unisex T-shirt will let them share their opinion. And bonus: Each shirt purchase helps fund programs to support literacy and donate books to communities in need. Price at time of publish: $32 For the Book Lover With a Little Room Left on the Bookshelf: Storybook DIY Kit Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods Help them add a touch of wonder to their book stacks with this 3D lighted puzzle they can put together, then tuck between their favorite books. There are four different styles—Sunshine House, Time Travel, Magic House, and Sakura Densya—to suit fans of different genres. Price at time of publish: $40 For the Truly Voracious Reader: 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die West Elm Buy on West Elm Consider this the ultimate challenge for a passionate reader—can they get through these 1,000 best books, along with the book that compiles them all? This lovely leather-bound edition is coffee table ready so they can start checking them off as they finish. Price at time of publish: $140 For the Competitive Wordsmith: Anthropologie Deluxe Scrabble Board Anthropologie Buy on Anthropologie Let them play with their words with this stylish take on Scrabble designed for the Anthropologie fan with a colorful mosaic design. It's definitely pretty enough to earn a permanent spot on their coffee table. Price at time of publish: $148 For the Aesthetic Type: Bibliophile Ceramic Vase Amazon Buy on Amazon Buy on Chroniclebooks.com This book-shaped vase, adorned with a faux cover of the "Compendium of Flowers" is the perfect vessel for a book nook bouquet. And when it's not holding their favorite blooms, it can serve as a pen and pencil holder to keep their note-taking tools close at hand. (You can add in some flowers for an extra luxe touch.) Price at time of publish: $30 For the Chilled-Out Book Lover: Oddfellows Brain Freeze Book Box Oddfellows Ice Cream Buy on Goldbelly.com This selection of OddFellows funky flavors are the perfect accompaniment for their next read: Passionberry Love Potion for a romance, Journey to Outer Spice for sci fi, Bubblegum Pop for a beach read, and Smoky Bourbon Vanilla Twist for a page-turning thriller. Price at time of publish: $86 The 10 Best Gift Baskets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed For the Late-Night Page Turner: White Crown LED Reading Lamp Amazon Buy on Amazon This sleek reading lamp is packed with a lot of features your favorite reader will love, with five different color modes and 10 brightness levels (so they don't disturb their bedmate if they're page-turning late into the night), a USB charger to keep their other devices powered up, and a super-adjustable base so they can angle the light perfectly onto their page. Price at time of publish: $18 For the Bookshelf Aesthete: House Bookends Store.MOMA.org Buy on Moma.org These simple (and super versatile) wooden book ends leave room inside each house to showcase favorite books (or a special art object or two) within its walls. Price at time of publish: $110 For the Library Regular: Support Your Local Library Messenger Bag Boredwalk Buy on Boredwalk.com Consider this heavyweight canvas messenger bag the perfect way for them to lug their latest library finds home—with lots of extra pockets to hold their other gear too. Price at time of publish: $64 For the Tea and Mystery Maven: Teacup and Books Print Etsy Buy on Etsy This charming illustration is published onto an actual page from a 19th-century antiquarian book, to give your favorite reader a gift that'll enhance their favorite reading spot. Price at time of publish: $27 For the Dog Ear Devotee: Recycled Leather Bee Bookmark Etsy Buy on Etsy Help them keep their place stylishly with a recycled leather bookmark embellished with a bee motif—and their initials to make sure no one else steals it. Price at time of publish: $8 Reese's Book Club Buy on Reesesbookclub.com For your book club friend who's always reading the latest books, this musky candle has the joyful vibe of cracking open a fresh new bestseller. The proceeds from each candle sold will help donate anti-racist books to schools in L.A. Price at time of publish: $35 For the Person Who Really Gets Into Their Books: Once Upon a Book Club Subscription Once Upon a Book Club Buy on Onceuponabookclub.com This subscription helps bring the novel to life, with a set of wrapped gifts related to the book—and sticky notes embedded into the novel so they open their gifts at just the right point in the action. (They also have a young adult version for teen and tween readers.) Price at time of publish: From $50 For the Reader Who Holds Books Close to Their Heart: Personalized Book Locket Silk Purse Sows Ear/Etsy.com Buy on Etsy This charming vintage, book-shaped locket can be customized as you see fit—with a monogram etched into the cover, photos professionally sized and placed, or even a special message accordion folded into the middle. Price at time of publish: From $27 For the Reader Who Drinks While They Read: Library Card Coasters Joyful Moose/Etsy Buy on Etsy The perfect stocking stuffer gift for readers helps them avoid rings on their nightstand or side table. This pair of laminated hardboard coasters comes adorned with a kitschy print of old library due date cards. Price at time of publish: $17 For the Reader in Need of a Book Nook: A Cozy Reading Chair West Elm Buy on West Elm If you're looking for just the right splurge gift for readers, a cozy reading chair that'll fit in a corner of their home is the perfect option. This sleek yet super-plush Book Nook chair from West Elm is ideal for nestling in with a good book, with overstuffed cushions and a ton of color and fabric options to suit their particular reading-spot style. Price at time of publish: $599 For the Reader Who Cozies up With a Cuppa: Books Mug Buy on Lennymud.com Many an introverted reader will relate to the sentiment on this cute mug: "Books, Because it's too peopley outside." This mug will keep a cup of tea or coffee handy while they're indulging in their latest read. Price at time of publish: $19 For the Completist Reader: 100 Books Scratch-Off Poster Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods Give them a to-do list of some of the most iconic books in history, from kiddie classics like James and the Giant Peach to modern favorites like The Poisonwood Bible. Price at time of publish: $15 For Your Book Club Crew: Book Club Definition Shirt Etsy.com Buy on Etsy Maybe your book club is the one that spends more than 20 minutes talking about the characters, the author's writing style, and the symbolism in the book. But most book club members will probably relate to this definition of their monthly get-togethers. Price at time of publish: $24 For the In-the-Bath Reader: Bathtub Tray Caddy Amazon.com Buy on Amazon Make it easier for your bath-loving bookworm to indulge in a favorite while taking a bath with a clever bath caddy. The book holder holds their latest read (or their tablet) at a perfect reading angle—and features a cup holder to enjoy their favorite drinks while they're soaking and soaking in some literature. Price at time of publish: $40 For the Reading Nook That Needs Artwork: Ideal Bookshelf Custom Print IdealBookshelf.com Buy on Idealbookshelf.com This colorful, artful print captures your favorite reader's favorites in a beautifully jumbled pile. You get to pick the books represented from hundreds of titles—and let them do the magic. Price at time of publish: From $105 For the Tea Drinker: Novel Tea Book Tins Uncommon Goods Buy on Uncommon Goods There's nothing better than curling up with a cup of tea and a good book—and these delicious book-themed blends come packed in punny book-shaped tins styled after classic reads, from War and Peach to Matcha Do About Nothing. Price at time of publish: From $35 For the Reader Who Needs More Shelf Space: Floating Bookshelf Container Store Buy on Wayfair Buy on The Container Store For the reader who's short on space to hold more books, this small-but-powerfully designed bookshelf can hold a whole slew of their favorites, while taking up only the footprint of their largest book. (And it makes a neat optical illusion of levitating books when it's fully packed!) Price at time of publish: $250 For the Person Who Used up All Their Bookshelf Space: Kindle Oasis Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Amazon Even the staunchest pro-paper bookworm can't deny the portability of a Kindle. Thin, lightweight, and waterproof with plenty of storage (choose between 8 GB and 32 GB—totaling thousands of books), the Oasis also allows your favorite bookworm to adjust the light from white to warm, to get the optimal reading experience. It makes an excellent gift for the on-the-go reader, whether they're journeying between countries or just between bed and couch. Price at time of publish: $250 For the Comfy Type: Cozy Pom Sherpa Throws Buy on Pottery Barn Oversized poms give this super-soft, cozy throw a little extra whimsy. It's the perfect companion for their next reading session. Price at time of publish: $42 For the Classics Fan: Female Literary Rocks Glasses Buy on Uncommon Goods If your gift recipient enjoys something a little stronger than tea when she's reading, these rocks glasses adorned with the opening lines of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre are a perfect choice. Price at time of publish: $30 For the Person With Cold Feet: Cashmere Bed Socks Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Thewhitecompany.com Give the book lover in your life the gift of toasty toes. These bed socks are woven with soft cashmere and stave off frozen toes when curling up under a blanket while flipping pages just isn't enough. Price at time of publish: $49 For the Bon Vivant: Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails With a Literary Twist Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Shop-links.co When it's time to switch out the coffee for something stronger, this petite tome has 65 recipes for libations inspired by classic literature: think Love in the Time of Kahlua, Romeo and Julep, and A Rum of One's Own. Drinking games and food pairings included. Price at time of publish: $14 For Your Favorite Book Critic: Bibliophile Reader's Journal Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Amazon This reader's companion to Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany features space to jot down notes and ratings about finished books and themed lists of recommendations—the perfect log to track readings habits and tastes as they change (or stay the same). Price at time of publish: For the Candle Lover: Library Soy Candle Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Etsy Most readers are comforted by the scents of aged paper or a well-loved library. These candles will fill their preferred reading nook with the smell of a fresh cappuccino or transport them to their favorite books with fragrances inspired by Pride & Prejudice, The Great Gatsby, and Wuthering Heights. Price at time of publish: For the Puzzler: Bibliophile Book Club Puzzle Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Amazon Puzzles made a comeback this year, and what better gift for the jigsaw-inclined reader than one that shows off their literary side? This 1,000-piece puzzle features colorful renditions of contemporary titles that can double as a what-to-read-next list. Price at time of publish: For the Lazy Sunday Reader: Super-Plush Robe Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Brooklinen On a rainy or snowy day, it can be a chore to get dressed—so encourage your giftee not to. Instead, they can cozy up in this ultra-plush robe made with pure Turkish cotton, and get lost in their latest read. Price at time of publish: For the Person Who's Always Loaning Out Books: Personalized Bookplate Stamp Courtesy of manufacturer Buy on Etsy Whether the bookworm in question has a vast book collection already or is slowly building one, this stamp will give all of their volumes a personalized touch (and will remind forgetful borrowers who the rightful owner is). Price at time of publish: For an Indulgent Bookworm: Book of Chocolates Buy on Swmsweets.com Chocolatier Susanna Yoon of Stick With Me Sweets packs jewel-like chocolates with intriguing flavors (yuzu, PB&J, and Bananas Foster) into a cute book box ready to be savored during their next reading session. Price at time of publish: Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit