A Gift Guide For Your Book Lover

This post was written by Editorial Intern Perry, who is tired of getting bookmarks for Christmas. Sorry, Mom.

Dear Readers, I come, like the Lorax, to speak for those who often choose not to speak for themselves: the Book Lovers. We are a quiet people, happy to sit out of everyone’s way with a novel or a kindle and immerse ourselves in a story. We are a passionate people, obsessive in our love-affair with literature. We are also fairly easy to buy presents for, or so it would seem. Many a Christmas, I have been overjoyed when unwrapping the new book I wanted or receiving a gift card to Amazon that would eventually become the new book I wanted. But every year, like clockwork, I have spied a familiar small and rectangular package at the bottom of my stocking. And every year, I have smiled wanly as I unwrapped yet another bookmark.

On behalf of all book lovers, I am here to tell you that giving us a bookmark for Christmas is the equivalent of giving us socks. Yes, they are useful (though their utility is rapidly declining as ebook usage increases), but exciting they are not.

I’ll be honest, though I know they are given with the best of intentions, I have never in my life actually used one of the twenty bookmarks that I have received over the years. Though some of you will cringe, I confess, I save my place in a book by turning the corner of the page.

So to save both myself and my fellow book lovers from yet another year of lackluster stocking stuffers, I present to you a list of far more interesting gifts for your book lover:

Bookshelves and Home Decor

1. Bookshelves

Readers love bookshelves! They are a practical way to get our enormous book collections off the floor and when done right, they can be a fun way to display the books we love so well. Here are a few unique options:

2. Bookends

Bookends are awesome! They can be funny, they can be serious, and most importantly, they can be customized to reflect the personality of your book lover. Here are a few ideas:

KnobCreek Bookends

3. Literary Posters and Art

For the reader who considers the written word a work of art, a literary poster or print can be a wonderfully unexpected gift. Here are some of my favorites:

Obvious State Literary Prints

4. Room Fragrance

Paddywax Room Fragrance, Library Collection

Solutions To Problems You Didn’t Know You Had

Some of these will seem silly, but trust me, your reader will thank you. The struggle is real.

1. Problem: The pages of my book fly everywhere when it’s windy!

Solution: Try these handy gadgets!

2. Problem: I strain my neck when I’m reading in bed!

    Solution: Put on these magic glasses!

3. Problem: I have so many books and can never find what I’m looking for!

Solution: Whether you want to go old school or high tech, these products will help you keep your library organized.

Literary Clothes

For the literary equivalent of a band t-shirt, try some of these great finds!

1. Literary Clothing

Out of Print Clothing

2. Book Themed Bags

2. Literary Jewelry

Tech Accessories

If your reader prefers digital books, help them protect their precious book collection with a case!

1. E-reader/iPad Cases

2. Phone Cases

Out of Print iPhone Cases

Redbubble Phone Cases

Just in case you really, really, really want to continue the book mark tradition, here are some unique options are an interesting play on the genre:

Slightly More Acceptable Bookmarks

And finally, if you know that your reader loves a certain series, go fandom specific! Explore Etsy for all of your Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones needs! And if nothing on this list has caught your eye, you can try your luck over here or take a look at Workman’s Gift Guide on Pinterest. Happy holidays!