Bookish Gifts That Aren't Books — But Book Lovers Will Love

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The Christmas season is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about the bookish gifts you want to give. But let’s be real: the reader in your life probably has a TBR a mile long and no room on their shelves for another book.

So, what do you do instead?

Well, you absolutely feed the reading obsession without adding to the pile. Of course. 😉

Think cozy reading accessories, something personal from their favorite book, or a little luxury they’ve been eyeing but keep talking themselves out of buying. Because loving books tends to come with a love of all things that make reading feel ten times better.

So, welcome to the guide for bookish gifts for book lovers that aren’t books! These ideas will help you find the perfect gift without guessing what they’ve already read.

1. Floating bookshelves so they can double their space

Every book lover needs more space for books. (Is that even a question?) And what better way to store your books than to have them hang on the wall like art? Especially if your home is on the smaller side.

Each shelf holds approximately 15 pounds, giving you a little extra room for your collection without taking up your much-coveted floor space. Think hallway, living room, or even a small stretch of wall you’ve never quite known what to do with.

Here are a few options to get you started:

Or search “invisible floating shelf” on Amazon or Google to find a style that suits your space.

2. Bookmarks because there’s no such thing as too many

Why is it that whenever you find you need a bookmark, there’s never one within reach? I’ve resorted to keeping a book pot filled with them on my nightstand, because apparently owning bookmarks and being able to find one are two different things most days.

Besides, you need options. One to match your mood, another to match your current read. They’re collectibles, and nobody can tell me otherwise.

So if you ask me (and you are), bookmarks are an item a reader can never have too many of.

I’m sure you have a favorite bookmark retailer, but here are a few options you may like:

3. Book-shaped purses because your favorite book deserves a night out

You’re a reader. Why not carry your book in a bag shaped like a book? A little on the nose? Maybe. But subtlety was never the goal here.

One of my favorite shops for “book bags” is Well Read. They have a collection of foiled bags, printed bags, and even clutches for those nights out on the town. Because the book obsession doesn’t take a night off.

Actually, Well Read is great for all sorts of bookish gifts, including notebooks, scarves, and jewelry. In my experience, the quality makes it a shop worth coming back to.

Some of my favorite items:

4. A New Kindle Paperwhite because their bubble bath needs a plot twist

I’m of the mind that you can’t have too many Kindles. (Well, maybe you could, but I haven’t quite reached that point yet.) I own two: one for home and one I keep in the car for those errands that somehow turn into a waiting room situation.

Does every reader need a Kindle? I’d argue yes. And if the reader in your life has one, well…I’m clearly not the person who is going to talk you out of purchasing a second.

Here are some models worth considering:

5. Book Nooks because every bookshelf deserves to be a work of art

Besides puzzles, one of my favorite things to do while listening to an audiobook is to build a book nook. There’s something so satisfying about getting lost in one story while putting together a tiny world of your own.

Like any well-chosen trinket, book nooks add personality to a shelf. Only these come with tiny rooms, intricate details, and an excuse to listen to just one more chapter.

Here are some options to consider:

Or search “book nooks” on platforms like Amazon or Google. There are so many options to choose from to fit your personality.

Buying for a reader is really about noticing the little things: how they unwind after a long day, what they collect, and what makes them say, “Okay, I need that.” Hopefully, you’ve found something here that unmistakably feels like them. And if you’re the reader who’s been quietly building their own wishlist this whole time? Send this post to someone who could use a hint.

And while we’re talking about finding something for the reader in your life, don’t forget yourself. If you’ve never finished a book and immediately needed someone to talk to about that ending, come join us in the Wildcard Reading Club.

It’s our little corner of the bookish world to read together, share opinions, and get far too attached to fictional people. Bring your enthusiasm, your unpopular opinions, and whatever book currently has you in a chokehold.

Come find your next bookish obsession—and your people—in the Wildcard Reading Club.