So Christmas is almost here, and like me I'm sure most of you have some last minute shopping you have to do. And I know from personal experience that unless you know a person really well, it's hard to pick out books as gifts. Especially if they are a little bit picky like me. So I have come up with a list of things that aren't books for you to get the book lovers in your life.
1. Gift Cards.
The most obvious thing you can get them is a gift card to a local book store. That way they can go and pick out a book they know they would like. This is usually the go to for people who don't know what to get their reading friend. It's tried and true.
2. Book merchandise.
If you know your reader friend is into certain series, try looking online to see if you can find tee shirts, or jewelry relating to their favourite books and series. You'd be surprised what you can find if a series is popular enough. Usually a series will have merchandise if there is a movie, or a tv show to go with it. But be sure your reader does like the movie or show before buying something that is super involved with the show like a poster of the actors, or board game.
3. Tote bags.
If you reader goes and borrows books from the local library, then a nice tote bag might be something they could be interested in. They are long lasting, and come in lots of patterns and colours and designs. And of course these bags don't need to be for just hauling around books. You can even get ones that are related to series your friend loves, and they can use it for whatever needs they have.
4. Hot Beverages.
There is nothing like curling up with a hot beverage and a good book. Find out what your reader likes, tea, hot chocolate, coffee, or apple cider, and get them some of that. They'll thank you for it. Make sure you know what they like before buying anything though. For fantasy readers, you could also get them mulling spices. That way they can drink spiced wine (or grape juice) as they read.
5. A book themed mug.
Now, of course to go with the hot beverage you could get your friend a mug. But getting them any old mug is kind of impersonal. You can get lots of mugs with book quotes on them, or something like that. Even better is getting a plain white mug, and painting on it yourself. If your reader is really into Jane Austin style books, then you could get them a tea cup and saucer from a local thrift store.
6. BOOKMARKS!
As someone who looses so many book marks, I know that you can never have enough. So go into your local bookstore and pick out a nice book mark. These are a great idea for people you don't know very well. Just basic laminated paper ones will work, but if you want to take it a step further and you know your friend will like it, then of course try for something fancier.
7. E-reader cases.
I personally don't use an e-reader that often, but if your friend uses their e reader, and uses it a lot, then maybe think of getting them a nice case. You can get ones that look like real books for reasonable prices. And of course it doesn't hurt to have more than one case.
8. A snuggie.
Now, I am serious about this. It's well known that readers like to curl up with their books, and blankets aren't great for that. So try getting your reader a snuggie or a fleece poncho. Something to keep them warm, but still give access to their hands so they can hold the book. I have a fleece poncho, and I love it to bits.
9. Decorative book ends.
Find out if the person you are shopping for uses book ends first! Some people (like me) just don't have the space for them. But if the person in your life uses them, then pretty book ends look great on any book shelf. And there is a huge array of book ends to choose from. Check on etsy, or a local nick knack shop.
10. Book subscriptions.
If you have a little more money to spend on your book loving friend, then try getting them a subscription to a book crate service. Pretty much what these services do is once a month they send you a box with some bookish things as well as a book usually revolving around a theme. These are awesome for avid YA readers. Here are a few services you can check out: (Add some book crate services)
11. A signed book.
Now this is a little bit tricky, because getting a signed copy of a book isn't always easy. But it can be done. Usually it happens when a book is first released, or if the author has been to the book store. So keep an eye out for book tours. A lot of times these events are free. This is one of the harder things to get so don't worry too much.
12. A book light.
Is your friend a night owl? Think about getting them a book light so they can read late into the night. Usually these are pretty cheap things to get, and they aren't hard to find either.
13. Pretty editions of books.
Does your reader love pretty book covers? Well, you could get them a copy of a book they already have in a nicer cover. I find this works really well for those who love classics. A lot of covers look like they are text books. If you know your friend would be okay with it then maybe a nicer edition would be a great gift. Best place to begin looking is in used book stores, and of course the internet.
14. Audible credits.
This is kind of like the gift card idea, but instead it's for audiobooks. Be sure that your friend actually listens to audiobooks before getting them this gift. But it's a great way to share something different with someone.
15. Notebooks.
I feel like a lot of book lovers, even if they aren't writers collect pretty notebooks as well. Notebooks are just all around useful to have around. And especially if the book lover in your life is a writer too, then getting them a notebook might be a nice addition to their collection.
Here you are! Fifteen things to give book lovers this holiday season. Of course some of them are easier to get than others, but I hope you got some ideas from this list. But be sure your friend actually uses things before getting it for them as a gift. And of course if you know your book lover well, you can just get them a book.
Happy Holidays.
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