Finding gifts for book lovers is easier than ever. There are a ton of products on the market – clever, beautiful, practical, whimsical – something for everyone. I have tried giving people books as gifts, but that has met with mixed results. For example, when Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson was published several years ago, I bought it for my husband for Christmas. My husband has a business degree, used to make a living as a techie and is a voracious nonfiction reader. I thought that gift was a slam dunk! But when he opened it I could tell he didn’t like it. Turns out he hated Steve Jobs. Ugh!
Books are a matter of personal taste and I have learned that just because I love a book doesn’t mean my friends will. Or, in my husband’s case, even though it looks like a book is in someone’s sweet spot, it may still fail as a gift.
If you’re like me, don’t despair! There are still a lot of options for the book lovers in your life. I spent a really fun day “shopping” Amazon and 15 of my glorious finds are listed below. (Note: I am not an Amazon affiliate, so I don’t benefit in any way from featuring these products. I just value the convenience of Amazon.)
So, onto the list!
1. Upcycled vintage dictionary art prints
Yeah, I love cats, too. I’m kind of a cliche but I’m OK with that. This steampunk kitty is printed on a vintage dictionary page (so no two backgrounds are the same). If cats aren’t your thing, there are several other options ranging from elephants to literary quotes to Abraham Lincoln riding a T-Rex. Eye-catching art and a great conversation piece.
2. Jane Austen books coaster set
Perfect gift for the friend who always hosts book club meetings. Wine glasses should fit just fine on these.
3. “I like big books (and I cannot lie)” stemless wine glass
Speaking of wine, this is sure to be a hit with humorous, wine loving book lovers. Now try to get that song out of your head!
4. “Bookmarks are for Quitters” t-shirt
This one makes me laugh. They make a coffee mug with this message on it, too.
5. “I read past my bedtime” keychain
Perfect stocking stuffer! I love the simple vintage look.
6. Bestsellers jigsaw puzzle
This one looks like fun! If the person on your gift list likes popular fiction and jigsaw puzzles, this might be the perfect gift for them.
7. Library themed tote bag
This brings back fond library memories. Now your book lover can go old school as they lug around all their good reads.
8. Library due date business card holder
In keeping with the vintage library theme, this business card holder is clever and unique. If I was still working, I would totally want it. Another great stocking stuffer!
9. Hamlet women’s scoop neck t-shirt
I love, love, love the design printed on this t-shirt. It’s both cool and literary, which can be a hard combination to find when shopping for bookish t-shirts. There are equally awesome designs for Romeo and Juliet and MacBeth. From looking at the customer comments, this shirt runs small. I would probably order an XXL just in case you’re, you know, wondering.
10. “I like to party and by party I mean read books” throw pillow
This one hits the mark for this homebody. Everyone needs a pillow to tuck behind their head when they’re lolling on the couch reading.
11. Dracula by Bram Stoker scarf
This is a bold, gorgeous statement piece. The manufacturer offers scarves with several different book themes, including Don Quixote, Les Miserables and Pride and Prejudice. Perfect for wearing to a gallery opening or when shopping for books!
12. Murder on the Orient Express zipper pouch
Who doesn’t need a cute zipper pouch to hold your miscellaneous doo-dads? If your book lover isn’t an Agatha Christie fan, it comes in other designs, including Alice in Wonderland, 1984 and Babar.
13. “I disappear into books. What’s your superpower?” mug
My list wouldn’t be complete without a coffee mug. This one does it for me.
14. Edgar Allan Poe socks
These are fun and unisex, so the guys on your shopping list can wear them, too. They come in a bunch of different designs, like Harry Potter, Clockwork Orange and The Great Gatsby.
15. Narnia retro travel poster
This is a really cool idea – travel posters of fictional places. And I like the retro vibe. This particular one comes in three sizes. I also came across posters of places from Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, and The Wizard of Oz.
Hope this list gives you some ideas. Happy shopping!
Awesome job Michelle! I already ordered two of your siuggested items.
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Great! Glad I could help you spend your money!
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Those look so fun! Thanks for the suggestions!
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My pleasure!
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These are fabulous! I particularly like the Jane Austen coasters and the Edgar Allen Poe socks! Since we just celebrated a (very early) Hanukkah at our house, I ordered them for upcoming winter birthdays for both our kids. Many thanks for the great gift ideas for the readers in our house.
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Wonderful! Hope your kids enjoy them!
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Great ideas! I am ordering a few!!
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Thanks! Glad you like them!
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I love that bookmarks shirt!
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Me, too!
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What a FANTASTIC list, Michelle! You could start an entirely new career of “Shop Hound”…sniffing out unique items of all kinds! I am putting this list to great use!
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Thanks, Robin! I’ve actually been giving some thought to how to leverage the “shop hound” idea, mainly because it would be a whole lot of fun!
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I would so subscribe to your “shop hound” lists. I hate to look for cool stuff on the Internet but really like it when someone else does the heavy lifting. I am in the process of sending gift ideas from the list to my kids. I really don’t need gifts from them but now I have inexpensive (I hope) things to suggest. Oh, and I may buy one or two for my book group meetings. The coffee mug about disappearing into books is my favorite and in fact is my only super power!
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