Bookish Gifts (That Aren’t Books)

My bookish gift guide, a list of book-related gifts that aren’t books for your reader friends.

Bookish Tote Bag Just in case your bookish friend doesn’t have enough book-themed tote bags from library fundraisers, you can choose one of these cute ones. I like this Tarot-style Reader grocery bag and I also think this bright pink Hot Girls Read Books bag is funny, but I’m not entirely sure I could actually carry it in public. Or you can be real and choose this I’m Bringing A Book in Case Y’all Are Boring bag on RedBubble. 

E-Readers Look, I love the serendipity of secondhand bookshop paperback finds just as much as the next reader, but I just love my kindle. A good ereader is an absolute game-changer for travel, because you suddenly have ALL the books you feel like reading. Plus, most libraries have ebook checkouts for FREE reading. On ereaders like  Kindle Paperwhite, you have the ability to highlight and share passages and to see which passages have resonated with other readers, which is a fun connection.

Book-Themed Candles  Does your bookish friend love the cozy ambiance? Some of these gorgeous book-themed candles tie into beloved stories and environments, whether it’s the smell of an old library or a favorite fictional place like The Shire. These are sweet gifts for a reader friend, especially if you aren’t sure which books they already have or already read.  

Lending Library Set It’s so fun to share favorite reads with friends, and these cute library kits add nostalgic style, while helping get those books back to their rightful home later. Reminiscent of the old checkout cards in libraries, these cute sets have bookplates and stamps for retro library charm. This Knock Knock Personal Library Kit is one of the cutest retro ones.

If your bookish friend likes Little Free Library exchanges, there are similar bookplates for BookCrossing. I’ve gotten these for my own LFL dropoffs, they come pre-numbered so you just make a release note on the website about where and when you left the book, and you can track its bookish journey. 

Custom Book Label Another way to lend books and — hopefully — get them back is with a custom library mark. This could be a personalized library stamp or personalized embosser.  I think I like the embosser better, it seems like a classic way to mark books as part of a personal library, like it’s part of an estate library in an Agatha Christie mystery or maybe the library at Pemberley, don’t you think? This would be a sweet gift for book collectors or LFL stewards.

Booklights A good booklight is essential for late-night readers.  This is the one I got for my dorm room when I was teaching away, it’s just a nice little clip light that means I don’t have to get up and switch off the overhead light at night. These tiny booklights are for just lighting the book, without lighting the whole room.  Maybe you’re the partner or roommate who would really like to sleep while the reader finishes just one more chapter.

Literary Coffee Mugs No bookish gift guide is complete without coffee mugs with a funny quote or a beautiful book cover for that classic bookish gift. Like the candles, you don’t have to wonder if your friend has already read the books. But, if your bookish friend is like me, they already have a dozen bookish tumblers from library fundraisers and special editions and PR packs and…   Anyway, try these library card coasters or a travel waterbottle and fandom stickers. 

This bookish gift guide contains affiliate links. No products are paid placement, but when readers buy one of the Amazon items here through these links, I could make money.