As the holidays approach (and I beg to put up the Christmas tree), gift shopping is picking up and so does the stress to get the booklover in your life the perfect present. You may think you have that in the bag, but wait, let me stop you there, because if you say you’re getting them a book — you’re wrong. 

Sometimes the best thing to get a booklover… is not a book. One, because you probably don’t know everything that person has ever read, and you might accidentally get them something they already have. And two, because there are a bunch of exciting (and nerdy) bookish products that make amazing and unique gifts. 

Below I have gathered a few of these gift ideas to make it easier on your seasonal shopping. And don’t forget, if you see something you like, these make great gifts for yourself too.

Gift Card to their Favorite Bookstore

Yes, this is obvious, but coming from me this is one of the best gifts you could give a booklover. With a gift card, I get to pick the book that you have technically bought me, it’s easier on the gift giver and everyone’s happy. Barnes and Noble has a wide selection of cute gift cards to choose from, but if you are in the mood to support independent bookstores (please do), you can get an online gift card from Bookshop.org, which raises money for local bookstores.

A Pretty Bookmark

A cute bookmark can make all the difference. Some people may prefer old receipts or napkins, but for me, a funny bookmark makes me feel that much better opening my book (and even better when I get a compliment on it). There are plenty of designs out there on Amazon and Etsy, some generic and some specific to a certain series or book. You can even get creative with it by making your own (which makes it extra special) using any medium of art. I love seeing the water-color and hand drawn bookmarks on Pinterest, but I am not that artistically talented.

Bookish Candles

I love candles (bookish stereotype there) and I know the booklover in your life does too. Especially if they are oddly specific — i.e. candles that smell like book characters or settings. I have a few of those sitting on my shelves and I’m looking for more. I have been eyeing these Harry Potter candles from Homesick for a while, but have also got some off of Frostbeard Studio and I totally recommend it. I know surprising your booklover with a candle based on a beloved character’s scent will not disappoint them.

Tea or Coffee

You might not know it, but there are a lot of literary teas and coffees out there. Most are based on classics and classic teas (like earl gray), so it’s a fun way to make you feel very distinguished with your morning cup. Fable Ground Coffee has a selection of bookish coffees such as Enemies to Lovers (Double Chocolate Chip) and Pride and Prejudice (Pemberley Roast). For the tea people, Novelteas has War and Peach and Anise in Wonderland.

Book Nooks

These things are so cool, not going to lie. A book nook is a shelf insert that makes it look like there is another little world in between your books. Usually you build them yourself, and while they are on the pricier side, they really are one of my favorite things on my shelves. Most have a mirror in the back, so the reflection looks as if the scene continues on further into the bookcase. I have around four; an Alice in Wonderland one, a Kings Cross Station one, a little shopping alleyway, and a home library. These from Hands Craft and Book Nook World are high quality and durable. 

If your booklover is crafty, and loves prettying up their shelves, this is the perfect gift for them.

Book Subscription Box

These are so exciting to me. Every month a box is delivered to you on your doorstep filled with a special book and bookish goodies. There are many of them to suit anyone’s fancy. One I have my eye on is FairyLoot. It usually has a waitlist because it is so popular on social media, but the hype seems to be deserved. They offer many options, adult and YA alike. Another popular box is Book of the Month. They deliver new releases to you every month from all genres. A perfect gift for you book lover that keeps giving.

I hope you find something for the book lover in your life. If you get them any of these, I know they will be happy with whatever they open. Happy Holidays!