25 Novel Gifts for the Bookworm in Your Life
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 2021), opt for one of Erasmus' other necessities, like a mug that keeps tea piping hot on the coldest day 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.
RELATED: Creative (and Inexpensive) Stocking Stuffers for Everyone on Your List
For the Reader in Need of a Book Nook: Book Nook Reading Chair
If you're looking for the perfect splurge for your favorite reader, a cozy reading chair that'll fit in a corner of their home is the perfect option. This luxe velvet version from West Elm is perfect for nestling in with a good book, has a classic design that suits most decorating styles—and has nicely angled arm rests to make it easy for them to hold the weightiest tomes through a long reading session.
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For Your Book Club Crew: Book Club Definition Shirt
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.
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For the on-the-Go Reader: Book Nerd Book Tote
Make it easier for your favorite reader to keep their latest library finds or bookstore purchases with them wherever they go. This heavy-duty book tote proudly proclaims their status as an official "Book Nerd."
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For the in-the-Bath Reader: Bathtub Tray Caddy
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.
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For a Pulp Fiction Fan: Better Than a Book Vase
These funky book-shaped ceramic containers pay homage to the pulp fiction covers of the past—and make the perfect vessel for corralling pencils and highlighters (or a fun vase for floral arrangements).
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For the Art-Loving Reader: Andy Warhol Banana Bookends
For the art-loving bookworm, this set of pop art Andy Warhol bookends is the perfect way to keep their favorite books in check. (The bananas are even peelable!)
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For the Reading Nook That Needs Artwork: Ideal Bookshelf Custom Print
You'll need to order this on the early side to get it in time for the holidays, but 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.
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For the Tea Drinker: Novel Tea Book Tins
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.
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For the Harry Potter Fan: Marauder's Map Pillow
This pillow has a secret that your favorite Potterhead will love—in normal light, it's a posh red and cream cushion, but under blacklight, the marauder's map outline appears.
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For the Reader Who Needs More Shelf Space: Floating Bookshelf
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!)
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For the Person Who Used up All Their Bookshelf Space: Kindle Oasis
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.
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For the Comfy Type: Cozy Pom Sherpa Throws
Oversized poms give this supersoft, cozy throw a little extra whimsy. It's the perfect companion for their next reading session.
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For the Future Novelist: Gold Foil Pocket Journal
This set of tiny journals are perfect for noting favorite passages and thoughts on their reads—or for putting down thoughts for their own novel.
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For the Classics Fan: Female Literary Rocks Glasses
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.
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For the Reader Who Loves New Releases: Book of the Month Club
Fans of new releases will love that a new title comes to their door every month with a Book of the Month Club membership. They'll get to choose from five fresh reads (sometimes even early releases!), and their selection will arrive at their doorstep—no leaving the house required.
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For the Person With Cold Feet: Cashmere Bed Socks
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.
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For the Bon Vivant: Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails With a Literary Twist
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.
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For the Person Who's Moving Beyond Dog Ears: Personalized Premium Leather Bookmark
Help your bookish recipient ditch dog-earing for good with this customizable bookmark made from full-grain leather and handcrafted to order.
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For Your Favorite Book Critic: Bibliophile's Reader Journal
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).
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For the Candle Lover: Library Soy Candle
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.
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For the Puzzler: Bibliophile Book Club Puzzle
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.
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For the Girl-Power Reader: Cafe con Libros Feminist & Bookish Monthly Subscription
For the socially conscious page-turner, this monthly subscription from Cafe con Libros, an indie bookstore in Brooklyn, N.Y., is just the ticket. Each month, the shop sends out its feminist book club pick of the month, along with a selection of children's books and Irving Farm coffee, promoting intersectionality and shopping local.
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For the Lazy Sunday Reader: Super-Plush Robe
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.
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For the Person Who's Always Loaning Out Books:Personalized Bookplate Stamp
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).
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For an Indulgent Bookworm: Book of Chocolates
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.