Gifts for Book Lovers and Readers
- 13 gift ideas
- From under $10 to $100 and up
The best gifts for book lovers make reading more comfortable or more fun. Good picks include a color e-reader, a clip-on book light, a reading pillow with arms, a reading journal and a scratch-off poster of well-known books, plus small bookish extras such as bookends, socks or a canvas tote.
Quick picks
- Best splurge: A color e-reader A whole library in one device for travelers and night readers. Idea 1
- Best under $25: A clip-on book light Reading light for bed that will not disturb a partner. Idea 2
- Most fun: A 100-books scratch-off poster Turns a reading list into a wall-size progress chart. Idea 7
- Best under $10: A reading journal A keepsake record of every book they finish. Idea 8
Readers already own more books than shelf space, so the most welcome gifts help them read more comfortably or keep track of what they have read. We sorted these 13 ideas into reading gear, books and lists, and bookish extras for the shelf and beyond.
Whether you are buying for a night reader, a commuter who always carries a paperback or a friend who tracks every title, there is a pick that fits. Our Gifts for Best Friend guide has more ideas if the reader on your list is a close friend.
Ideas 1 to 5
Gear for better reading and gifts for night readers
Practical gifts that make reading more comfortable, in bed or on the go.
1. A color e-reader
An e-reader holds a whole library in one slim device and is easy to read in bed, which suits a reader who packs three books for every trip. A color screen makes covers and comics look better than black and white. Check that it works with their library's app, and load a few titles they have been meaning to read so it is ready right away.
Tip: Check library-app support and add a case so it travels safely.
2. A clip-on book light
A clip-on book light lights the page without keeping a partner awake, so it suits a night reader who shares a bed. It also works on a plane or on the couch. Look for adjustable brightness and a warm setting, and check the clip opens wide enough for a thick hardcover. Pair it with a paperback for a small, ready-to-wrap set.
Tip: Check that the clip fits a thick hardcover as well as a paperback.
3. A reading pillow with arms
A backrest pillow with arms makes reading in bed far more comfortable than a stack of pillows, which suits a reader who settles in every night. The arms give a place to rest a heavy book or an e-reader. Check the size against their headboard and bed, and pair it with a new book or a cozy blanket to complete the reading spot.
Tip: Measure their headboard or bed first, since the pillow is large.
4. Metal line-marking bookmarks
Thin metal line markers point to the exact line a reader wants to remember without folding pages or writing in the margin, so they suit a reader who underlines everything. A tin keeps them together and lasts for years. They slide onto the page edge and can be moved, which suits library books and textbooks as well as favorite novels.
Tip: Add a favorite paperback so the tin gets used right away.
5. A padded book sleeve
A padded book sleeve keeps a paperback from getting bent in a tote bag, which suits a reader who brings a book everywhere. A zippered sleeve with a front pocket can also hold a pen, a bookmark or earbuds. Check the listed dimensions against the size of the books they carry most, since hardcovers need a larger sleeve.
Tip: Check the dimensions against the books they usually carry.
Ideas 6 to 8
Books and lists of what to read next
6. A guide to what to read next
A big reading guide gives a book lover years of ideas and is fun to page through between novels, which suits a reader who always asks what to read next. It works for people who read widely and for those who want to try a new genre. Write a short note inside the cover about one entry you hope they will pick up.
Tip: Mark a few entries you have loved and write a note on the first page.
7. A 100-books scratch-off poster
A scratch-off poster of well-known books turns a reading list into a wall-size progress chart, which suits a reader who is working through the classics. Each scratched square marks a book finished, so it is a gentle nudge to keep going. Frame it or hang it near their reading chair, and check the title list to see if they have read many already.
Tip: Check the title list so they have plenty left to scratch off.
8. A reading journal
A reading journal gives a book lover a place to log titles, ratings and favorite lines, and over time it becomes a record of their reading life. It suits a reader who tracks every book they finish. Choose a hardcover that will survive a tote bag, and add a nice pen to make it a small set.
Tip: Add a good pen and write the first entry yourself.
Ideas 9 to 13
Bookish gifts for the shelf and beyond
Small gifts that add a little reading spirit to a room or a bag.
9. A pair of bookends
Bookends keep a growing stack upright and add a little decoration to a shelf, which suits a reader whose shelves are overflowing. Heavier or non-slip designs hold more books without sliding. Check the listed size against their shelf depth, and choose a style, such as a simple tree or geometric shape, that blends with their room.
Tip: Check the shelf depth and weight so the books will not slide.
10. Bookish socks
Fun socks with a reading message are an easy small gift or an add-on for a book lover, and they suit a reader who likes a funny stocking present. Check the size range on the listing, since novelty socks are often sold in a single size. Pair them with a paperback or a bookmark for a small gift set.
Tip: Check the size range, and add a paperback for a small set.
11. A literary canvas tote
A sturdy canvas tote with a literary design carries library hauls and bookstore finds, which suits a reader who leaves every bookstore with a bag. Look for strong straps and a roomy body. Designs vary by option, so pick one that matches a favorite author or book. A tote also makes a good wrapping container for smaller gifts.
Tip: Fill it with a few small gifts and use the tote as the wrapping.
12. An old-book scented candle
A candle that smells like old paper and wood sets the mood for a reading night, which suits a reader who loves the smell of a bookstore. Check the burn time and scent notes on the listing, and avoid strong scents if you are unsure of their taste. Keep it away from shelves and trim the wick before each use.
Tip: Include matches and a gift receipt in case the scent is not their style.
13. A 1000-piece library puzzle
A jigsaw puzzle of a cozy reading room is a natural pick for a reader's slow weekend, especially one who also loves puzzles. A 1000-piece puzzle takes a few sittings, so it suits a long break or a quiet evening. Check the listed age and size, and give them a puzzle mat or a tray so the work in progress can stay out.
Tip: Clear a table or add a puzzle mat so the work can stay out.
Frequently asked questions
What are good gifts for book lovers who have everything?
Choose gifts that make reading better rather than more books: a clip-on book light, a reading pillow with arms, a reading journal or a padded sleeve for carrying a paperback. A scratch-off books poster or a puzzle of a reading room adds some fun. Our Gifts for Someone Who Has Everything guide has more ideas.
What is a good gift for someone who reads every night?
A clip-on book light and a backrest pillow with arms make bedtime reading easier, and a reading journal lets them log what they finish. A color e-reader suits a reader who travels or likes a lighter device. Add a new paperback or a candle to make it a cozy set.
Should I buy a book lover a book as a gift?
A book can be a lovely gift if you know their taste, but readers often have a long to-read list already. A reading guide such as a list of recommended titles avoids duplicates. If you are unsure, add a gift receipt or pair a small book with a bookmark or a candle.
What are good small gifts for readers?
Bookends, line-marking bookmarks, bookish socks and a literary tote are all easy to wrap and inexpensive. A reading journal also makes a good small gift. Pair two or three into a themed bundle, or add a paperback. These work well for stocking stuffers and gift exchanges.
Is an e-reader a good gift for a book lover?
An e-reader suits readers who travel, read in bed or like adjusting the text size, but some readers prefer paper. Check that the device works with their library's app, and ask whether they already own one. A color screen is a good choice if they enjoy covers and comics.
