Picking out gifts can be a daunting task. Here are 32+ gifts for book lovers that are sure to be a hit.

Finding the perfect gift for a loved one can seem difficult at first. Whether they’re a fan of classics, contemporary or YA Fantasy – it can be a challenge to know what to buy someone who has seemingly read everything. So, I’ve compiled the best gifts for book lovers.
I’m a huge bookworm. And I’ve always loved books. But I didn’t want to just rely on my opinion. So I’ve also surveyed bookworms through Reddit, Facebook and Instagram to see what gifts they would like. This post covers a variety of different gift options depending on your budget.
In the name of full transparency, please note that this post contains affiliate links and any purchase made through such links will award me a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you choose to purchase anything through my links, thank you for supporting my blog.
Here are 12 perfect gifts for book lovers:
I asked book lovers on social media what gifts they like to receive. I also have included gifts I’ve loved in the past and items I really like as a book lover. I’ve compiled the results and here are the best gift ideas for book lovers!
Gift Idea | Price estimate |
---|---|
Collectors book editions | £16-25 |
Bookmarks | £2-5 |
Book Sleeves | £9-20 |
Bookish Mugs | £9-25 |
Bookish Candles | £6-15 |
Cushions | £15-20 |
Tote Bags | £7-20 |
Blind date with a book | £10-15 |
Bath Tray | £30-35 |
Book ends | £15-30 |
Kindle | £110 |
Book Subscription Box | £35-45 a month |
Keep reading to get all the best gifts for book lovers in 2021
Do book lovers want books?
During my research, there seemed to be some debate on whether you should just buy a book lover books. I surveyed readers on Instagram and an overwhelming 98% said they like getting books for gifts.
But it can be tricky. How do you know what books they’ve already read? I would suggest checking if they have an Amazon Wishlist or a Good Reads account. Good Reads has a To Be Read list section so this could be a good place to start. You could also get a collectors editions of a book they really love.
However, if you REALLY don’t want to get the book lover in your life – I have a post full of recommendations. You can check out my article for tons of gifts ideas for book lovers that aren’t books.
If you’re still not sure what books to give them, check out the posts below for book recommendations:
- LGBTQ+ books for Red, White and Royal Blue Fans
- Books like The Hunger Games
- Cottagecore books
- Dark Academia Books
- Romance Books to Read
32+ Gifts for book lovers
Under £25/ $35
Special editions of books that aren’t books

Ok, I know this is cheating. Buying books for a book lover can be tricky. But special collectable editions of books are an excellent choice. I won this beautiful Wordsworth Collectors edition of Anne of Green Gables in a competition. And I was over the moon!
Any book lover will be proud to display one of these on their shelves. Especially if they love classics. You can find special editions of many books online. A stunning edition of their favourite book is sure to make any bookworm happy. You can buy these on Book Depository with free delivery worldwide. You can find the stunning Anne of Green Gables edition pictured here.
Here are some special editions of books under £25
- Fairyloot limited or collectors editions – From £16-19
- Anne of green Gables (Wordsworth collectors edition) – £7.27
- The Secret Garden (Barnes & Noble collectible classcis) -£13.72
- Little Women (Puffin in Bloom) – £9.25
- A Christmas Carol (Penguin clothbound classics) – £12.64
- The adventures of Pinnochio (Minalima edition) – £20.23
Bookmarks

Bookmarks are quite obvious gifts for book lovers. They are also a great budget gift idea or an excellent stocking filler. There are lots of cute bookmarks online.
I always love getting cute bookmarks. Especially as I tend to lose mine! There are lots of really unique bookmarks online. Including metal, magnetic and wood designs. And you can even get bookmarks for their favourite books. There are some great options from small businesses on Etsy and they tend to be under £5. The bookmark pictured allows you to track what books you’ve read – you can get it here.
You can also easily get bookmarks on Amazon. If you’re looking for last minute gifts then I have a whole blog post on gifts for book lovers Amazon – you can check it out here.
Here are some bookmarks under £5
- Bookshelf tracker bookmark – £2.75
- personalised wire heart bookmark – £7.35+
- Cute Tea Magnetic bookmark – £2.75
- Bookbookowl Lord of the Rings adventure bookmark – £3.15
P.S shopping last minute? Then you should definitely check out my article on gifts for book lovers on Amazon
Scrunchies

Scrunchies might not seem like an obvious choice. But a quick scroll through book accounts on Instagram and you will see many different scrunchies.
Not only do they look adorable. But they’re an excellent accessory and a cute way to get your hair out of the way. You can also get some scrunchies that match booksleeves. Plus they’re another excellent value gift.
Here are some scrunchies under £10
- Craft of Stars Magical Winter scrunchies – $6.00
- Starry Night Sky Scrunchie– £4.00
- Book Lover Scrunchie – £3.75
Related post: 12 Insanely magical miniature book nooks
Book Sleeves

A booksleeve is a fabric pouch to slide a book into. Its purpose is to prevent damage to books while on the go such as creasing, marking or spillages.
Booksleeves make excellent gifts for book lovers. Particularly if they like to read on the go or on their morning commute. They have cute designs and some even have padding inside. I tend to get these from Etsy as they’re homemade and excellent quality – you can get the moon and stars booksleeve picture here.
Here are a few different options for booksleeves:
- Moon and Stars padded booksleeve – £14.95
- Bee design padded book sleeve – £8.99
- Library bookshelf padded book sleeve – £14.23+
Bookish Mugs

Most bookworms love to cosy up with a good book and a hot drink (myself included! So a mug is a great choice for any book lover. In fact, mugs always make good presents.
I love to gift these with different drink sachets such a hot chocolate or coffee. You can get them very cheaply at the supermarket. But on a cold day, they will love curling up with a hot drink. The mug pictured can be personalised and is available for under £10 on Etsy.
Here are some options for bookish mugs:
- Personalised Reading Mug – £9.00+
- Just One more Chapter Mug – £9.99
- I read past my bedtime travel mug -£23.83
- Personalised travel mug – £16.50
Book themed candles

Who doesn’t love a scented candle? Etsy is full of candles inspired by books. Whether that’s a generic book candle or a candle inspired by a particular book series.
They’re another really good value gift as they’re often very reasonably priced. Plus, it’s an excellent way to combine a love of books with a cosy night in. The ‘shh! I’m reading’ candle is available in over 10 different fragrances including blueberry & vanilla. And you can get it on Etsy.
Here are some bookish candles:
- The Shire Candle – £12.00
- Castle Library Candle – £10.50
- Sherlock Holmes 221B Baker Street Candle – £6.49
- Shh… I’m reading candle – £10.95
Bookish t-shirts

A lot of bookworms want to show their love of books in other ways. T-Shirts are a great way to share their love for books.
Whether this is worn out and about or as a cute PJ top. There are some seriously adorable bookish t-shirt options. There are thousands of different options online. So there is something for every bookworm out there. The t-shirt pictured is from Caffeine and Curses. You can get it from their Etsy shop here.
Here are some options for bookish t-shirts
- Caffeine and Curses Bookworm shirt – £21.03
- Drink Coffee and Read Books shirt – £16.57
- Jane Austen Stack Shirt – £22.95
- Throne of Glass Rattle the Stars Shirt – £19.74
Tote Bags

Tote bags are super practical. They’re a great way to carry around books, shopping or other items. They can be used as a main handbag or folded up into a bag for your shopping.
There are some really great options online. And it can also be a great way to share your support for bookshops or different causes. I’m not surprised to see that they’ve been gaining popularity recently. The bag full of books bag is under £10! And you can get it on Etsy here.
Here are some Tote bags under £25:
- Bag full of books tote bag – £6.99+
- Little Women tote bag – £22.00
- Owner of this bag tote bag – £11.99
Cosy Socks

Socks are such an easy stocking filler gift. They were also one of the top items book lovers said they wanted to receive! When it’s cold outside, a pair of nice cosy, fluffy socks are guaranteed to keep you warm.
There are plenty of cute designs online. But you can also pick these up for a really affordable price on the high street. Perfect to wear snuggled up with a good book. These So Many Books socks are available on Etsy in 5 different colours. You can get them here.
Here are some affordable cosy socks:
- Fluffy animal socks – £8.99
- Fluffy socks cupcake – £8.50
- So Many books socks – £10.71
- Bring me my book socks – £10.71
Enamel Pins

Enamel pins are very popular among many bookworms. Many bookworms love to share their love of books. Enamel pins can be worn on denim jackets, backpacks or even displayed on a pin banner.
Many book lovers also collect these. There are thousands of different designs online. So there is an option for everyone. Again, they’re also relatively inexpensive. This Pride and Prejudice pin is a bestseller on Etsy. And you can get it here for under £10.
Here are some enamel pins:
- Book stack pin – £5.00
- Books are magic pin – £5.00
- Percy Jackson ‘this is a pen‘ pin – £16.43
- Pride and Prejudice Pin – £7.50
Sticky Tab page markers
This gift idea will depend on the type of bookworm. But if they enjoy writing book reviews they might enjoy sticky tab page markers.
Some book lovers like to use sticky tab page markers to keep a page in a book. This allows them to easily flip back to the page when they are writing reviews. If they want to remember a quote they can easily flip back. They’re quite cheap and so make an excellent stocking filler. And you can get them for a really good price on Amazon.
Sticky tab page markers – £2.46
Blind date with a book

A blind date with a book is a mystery book. They’re wrapped up in brown paper, tagged with clues and delivered to your doorstep. This is a really fun idea for a gift and adds a bit of mystery.
Often book lovers struggle to choose a book. A blind date with a book is a fun surprise. It also means they might read a book they wouldn’t have picked up otherwise. The Blind Dater with a book picture is a mystery option. And you can get it on Etsy for under £10.
Here are some options for a blind date with a book:
- Blind date with a book – £6.50
- Teen blind date with a book – £13.78
- Blind date with a book box – £13.99
Reading stickers

As I’ve said earlier, some readers like to share their love of books. Stickers of their favourite book, can make an amazing gift. And its something they can see often.
There are many different stickers online. They can easily customise laptop cases, phone cases or even water bottles. There are lots of designs to choose from. And they’re very affordable. The Heartstopper stickers pictured are handmade. And you can get them on Etsy here.
Here are some affordable sticker options:
- Book stack sticker – £2.74
- 25 vinyl book love stickers – £4.85
- Six of crows sticker -£0.54
- Heartstopper sticker set – £4.80
Under £50/$70
Bookish jumpers

A lot of bookworms want to show their love of books in other ways. Jumpers. are a great way to share their love for books. And it’s a great gift option.
Whether this is worn out and about or to keep warm at home. There are some seriously adorable bookish jumper options. And there are thousands of different options online. So there is something for every bookworm out there. The jumper on the left is available in 9 different colours. But I love this maroon. You can get it on Etsy here.
Here are a couple of bookish jumpers:
- Percy Jackson Hoodie – £40.74
- Pride and prejudice ‘Obstinate headstrong girl’ – £29.58
- Books your best defense jumper – £30.30
- Bookstagrammer jumper – £33.99
Related post: Insanely good gifts for fantasy lovers that they’ll obsess over
Custom funko pops

Many bookworms love a custom funko pop. Funko pops are vinyl figurines based on pop culture figures. There are over 8000 figurines and are very collectable. Many book lovers decorate their bookshelves with these little figurines.
You can get custom funko pops online that are designed to look like book characters. This is a great choice if they have a particular book series they love or really enjoy collecting Funko Pops. You can get them from Etsy. The one pictured is Wylan from Six of Crows – you can get it here.
Here are some custom funko pops:
- A Court of Mist and Fury- Rhysand Funko Pop – £44.50
- Six of Crows – Wylan Funko Pop – £38.00
- King of Scars – Nikolai Funko Pop – £36.00
- Throne of Glass – Manon Funko pop – £45.00
Jewellery

You can find a lot of seriously cute bookish jewellery online. This can either be generic book-themed jewellery. Or it can be directly inspired by a book.
Novelty jewellery has soared in popularity recently. And they are lots of different style options. So there is something for everyone. This beautiful circle books necklace is sterling silver and is available on Etsy.
Here are some options for book themed jewellery:
- Book Lover necklace sterling silver – £34.90
- Book stack earrings – £23.00
- Custom book cover earings – £16.80
Bath tray

A bath board or tray sits directly on top of the bathtub. They give you a place to put a drink and a book or tablet without worrying about getting it water damaged.
A nice long bath is a great way to relax in the evening. And a bath tray means that they can continue reading their favourite books in the bathtub. You can get options with slots to easily fit a book or a tablet standing up. This bath tray is handmade with bamboo and is available on Etsy.
Here are some bath tray options:
Reading cart

A reading cart or a to be read card is a coloured cart or trolley. This can be used to store any books that will no longer fit on bookshelves ( a problem for many a book lover). It can also be used to take cute photos or put any books they want to read that month in one place.
They look absolutely adorable. There are options in lots of different colour options including pastel colours. If they are struggling for shelf space this is a great gift idea. The cart pictured is a gorgeous teal colour and is available on Etsy here
Here are some options for reading carts:
- Ikea Rashult cart – £29.00
- Amazon storage trolley
- Etsy Utility Cart – £30.55
Book ends

This is another idea that should be fairly self-explanatory. If they have lots of books, bookends are a great way to organise books and keep them standing on a shelf.
You can get lots of different designs online. And they can make bookshelves look really pretty and aesthetically pleasing. The bookends pictured are genuine rose quartz and emit a warm glow when lit. You can get them from Etsy.
Here are some different options for bookends:
- Naked Lady Statue Book end – £15.45
- Once upon a time book ends – £15.20
- Teal Agate Book ends – £39.97
- Rose Quartz book ends – £49.99
Reading journals

Reading journals are a great way to keep track of your reading. They often have many pages such as a to be read list and review section. They are a great way to contemplate your thoughts on books you’ve just read. Putting your thoughts in writing also allows you to clarify your opinions on the book.
Journaling is also a great way to improve your mental health. Studies have shown it can help to reduce anxiety and manage your stress. The grey reading journal pictured also has dot pages for bullet journal fans. And you can get it on Etsy for under £20.
Here are some reading journal options under £50
- Reading journal notebook– £16.50
- A Court of Thorns and Roses Night Court journal – £14.99
- Grey Reading Journal – £14.52
- Digital reading journal – £7.52
Book light (clip on)
If you know a nocturnal book reader then they might like a clip-on reading light. A clip-on book light is a small, mini-light that will light up your pages in the evenings – without disturbing anyone else who wants to sleep.
They are small and portable. And so they can be positioned wherever you need the light most. You can even get amber light options. Amber light blocks blue light. And consequently, they’re much kinder on your eyes before bed. And you can get them conveniently from Amazon!
Here are some clip on reading lights:
- Portable neck light –
- Clip on reading light – £9.59
Portable book stands

A lot of these gifts have a theme – allowing you to read anywhere you want. Portable book stands hold your book on a specific page and allow you to be hands-free. It makes it much easier to read if you need to use your hands.
You can also get book stand pillows. These are particularly useful on a long journey. However, if you have a particularly big book and don’t have the energy to hold it – these can be a really great option. This fox print option can also hold ipads and kindles. And it’s available on Etsy from a small business.
Here are some portable book stands:
- Bamboo book stand – £18.90
- Zebra print Book Stand pillow – £25.60
- Fox Print Book Stand – £14.00
Art prints

Art prints are a great way to decorate a space and add a touch of personality. There are some beautiful prints online. And they’re a great way to decorate bookshelves, fill an empty wall or even add personality in a college dorm room.
There are many different options online and consequently there is an option for every budget available. This bookshop print is available on Etsy from a Small UK Based business – you can pick it up here.
Here are some options for art prints:
- New York Bookshop Print – £14.00
- Customised book print – £28.00-35.00
- Jane Austen Book Covers Prints – £49.00
Under £100/$137
Blue light glasses

If the reader on your list prefers an e-reader – then blue light glasses are a great bet. Blue light is a specific type of light that typically emanates from devices like mobile phones. It’s exploded in recent years. And while studies into long-term effects are still ongoing – it can cause eye fatigue and dry eyes. I definitely get headaches if I spend a lot of time on devices in a day.
While there is no replacement for putting devices down and having a break from blue light altogether – blue light glasses can help reduce blue light. You can pick up blue light glasses in a three pack very conveniently from Amazon – you can get them here.
Here are some options for blue light glasses:
- 3 pack Hilbalm blue light glasses –
- Blue light glasses – £19.00 – £25.00
- Tortoiseshell blue light glasses – £25.99
Luxury Blankets

On a cold winter’s day, there’s something really comforting about curling up under a blanket with a good book. You can get some incredibly cosy blanket’s online now – weighted and sherpa lined.
There are lots of options to choose from whether you want to splash out on a luxurious blanket. Or if you’re on more of a budget. The blanket pictured is a sherpa blanket on Etsy which I think it’s incredible value at under £30.00 compared to £100+ options from other brands. You can get it here in 4 different colour options.
Here are some options for luxury blankets:
- Sherpa throw blanket – £23.99
- Fleece and Sherpa Cushion & Blanket set – £44.95
- UGG Throw – $98
Temperature controlled Mug
Have you ever started reading with a coffee and a good book – only for the coffee to get cold? When I read, I can spend get so engrossed in the book that my drink gets lukewarm or cold.
You can now get temperature-controlled mugs. They keep you drink warm for over an hour. While they are a bit pricier, if you know someone that constantly lets their drink get cold – I suspect this would make an excellent gift. And you can easily get them from Amazon with free delivery.
Here are some temperature controlled coffee mugs:
Over £100/$137
Little Free Library

I’ve always wanted a free library in my neighbourhood! Free library boxes offer a free book exchange. You take books and donate or return any you’re finished with. People can reach in and take whatever books please them. The idea is to promote reading and community engagement.
These are growing in popularity. And many bookworms will love the idea of being able to have a little free library in their own neighbourhood. This Little Free Library from Etsy is handcrafted in natural wood and you can paint it any colour you want – check it out here.
Price: 154.05
Get a Little Free Library here
Kindle
kindles make an excellent gift. They make it really practical to read on the go as you can slip them easily into a bag. You can also carry many more books on a kindle. Especially convenient on a morning commute or holiday.
You can get many books for free or really cheap on a Kindle. This is because older books have the copyright finished. And they can be downloaded for free. it’s a really convenient way to read lots of books. Especially if you know someone who is on the move a lot. And you can also pick them up conveniently from Amazon here.
Gift cards/subscriptions for book lovers
Sometimes it’s hard to know what to get someone. Or you’ve just run out of time. Nobody is going to complain about a gift card – it’s essentially free money. I asked book lovers where they like to shop. The majority said they look to visit independent book shops. If you’ve decided you want to buy a gift card or subscription here are some different options based on the survey.

Libro FM
Libro FM allows you to listen to audiobooks. But what makes them different, is that they allow you to listen to audiobooks from your local bookstore. You can choose the bookshop you’d like to support and every time you buy an audiobook they receive a portion of the purchase.
Bookshop.org
Bookshop is an online bookstore who aim to support local, independent bookstores. They sell books from independent booksellers. You buy the book at a slightly discounted price after selecting the Bookshop. The shop receives the 30% bookseller’s margin. the link above will take you directly to the page where you can buy gift cards from the website.
Waterstones
After small, independent bookshops, Waterstones was the top shop that booklovers mentioned. If they prefer to browse in person then a gift card for Waterstones will be a much-appreciated gift option.
Barnes and Noble
The other bookshop mentioned was Barnes and Noble. Again, if you know a book lover who prefers to shop in person, then a Barnes and Noble gift card will be very well received.
Book subscription boxes
A subscription box is a recurring subscription of books and book-related items delivered to your door every month. Often you get special editions of books (sometimes signed) and more unique merch.
It’s a really nice recurring gift. I’ve had book boxes in the past and coming home to find a book box ready to open honestly makes your day. Consequently, they make really thoughtful gifts for book lovers. I’ve received Fairyloot crate and Rainbow crate in the past. I can highly recommend both of them.
Here are some book subscription boxes:
Box name | About | Price | Link |
---|---|---|---|
Fairyloot Crate | A Fantasy book box. They always have stunning editions of books | £26.00 a month £75.00 3 month pre-pay £148.50 6 months prepay | Subscribe here |
Rainbow Crate book box | An LGBTQIA+ book subscription. They always sent really good LGBTQIA+ books. | £39.99 | Subscribe here |
I am Black Lit | A subscription box that highlights Black authors and entrepreneurs. | Mini mailer $39.99 $54.99 per month 3-month pre-pay $156.00 | Subscribe here |
Call Number | A subscription box celebrating contemporary Black literature | $39.99 | Subscribe now |
Reposed | Reposed sell elegant book boxes aimed at women. The boxes often include gourmet chocolates, beauty products or stationery. | £12.80 a month £38.40 three months £75.00 for six months | Subscribe here |
Books + Beer | Books + beers is exactly as the name sounds. In their box they send out a book and craft beer. | £13.50 a month | Subscribe here |
The Travelling reader | The Travelling Reader Box is a book and food subscription box. You get a book inspired by somewhere in the UK. And you get food items to match the book/location. | £34.99 a month £99.99 for three months | Subscribe here |
Those were my picks for the best gifts for book lovers
Whether you’re shopping for a friend who loves books or treating yourself – I hope you found the right gift
What do you think are some great gifts for book lovers?
This post was all about the best gifts for book lovers
Other posts you might like:
This post on Acotar Merch
The best dark academia gifts for 2021
A roundup of the best Percy Jackson merch
This post with Pride & Prejudice Merch
The best Red, White and Royal Blue Merch
This post on Throne of Glass Merch
Pin this post
