If you have a bookworm in your life, you know their passion for reading is boundless. This makes finding a gift for them (that’s not a book) exciting and challenging. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a library of unique gifts for book lovers that they’ll love just as much as the latest bestseller.
Sure, a book is a classic gift choice for avid readers, but let’s ruffle the pages! Whether you’re uncertain about the recipient’s favorite genre or want to avoid duplicates on their shelf, our curated list of alternative gift ideas will make any bookworm smile. We’ve gathered the best gifts for book lovers for every budget. Starting with some budget-friendly gems, we’ll work our way up to gifts that cost a bit more. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, so you don’t need to spend a fortune to give a meaningful and memorable gift.
Source: Book lovers by mentalmind via Depositphotos
1. Custom bookmark (under $10)
Every bookworm has their own way of marking a page. Some fold the corner where they left off, while others highlight quotes or scenes they loved and want to revisit. One of the most budget-friendly and practical gifts any book lover would be thrilled to receive is a set of custom bookmarks (minimum order of 5), bringing order and flair to their reading sessions.
Customizing a bookmark with the recipient’s name, initials, photos, favorite quotes or beloved fictional characters makes this one-of-a-kind gift even more thoughtful and special. Choose from classic bookmarks, leather bookmarks, corner bookmarks, magnetic ones, sticky bookmarks for easy page marking and writable bookmarks for jotting down notes. For a book lover, there’s no such thing as too many bookmarks.
Source: Custom bookmarks (minimum order of 5) via VistaPrint
2. Notepad and Post-it Notes (under $10)
Book lovers don’t just read—they dive deep, analyze and reflect on the texts they love. That’s why a custom notepad or a set of custom Post-it Notes could be the perfect budget-friendly gift for keen readers.
Imagine the recipient jotting down their thoughts, capturing insights and marking favorite passages as they read. Personalized notepads and custom Post-it Notes transform these tasks into delightful rituals (and drastically reduce book damage).
Source: Custom notepad via VistaPrint
Source: Custom Post-it Notes via VistaPrint
3. Book-themed pin (under $10)
Book-themed pins and badges are a charming way for book lovers to accessorize their clothes and bags, proudly show the world their passion for literature, and connect with like-minded individuals. This small, thoughtful gift is a delightful yet affordable way to celebrate and share their love of reading.
Enamel pins come in a variety of designs, from quotes and book covers to illustrations of fictional scenes and characters. Consider designing and gifting a custom pin to make the gift truly personal!
4. Book cover postcards (under $10)
Custom postcards featuring the covers of all the recipient’s favorite books are an inspired gift idea for book lovers. These postcards can be displayed around the house, used as bookmarks or sent to fellow bookworms and book club pals, perfect for sharing the love of reading with friends.
5. Custom notebook or journal (under $15)
Whether the recipient uses it to jot down reading notes or write their own novel, a custom journal or notebook is a useful and meaningful gift for a book lover. Personalize the journal with their name, a favorite literary quote or a design inspired by their most beloved book.
Source: Custom notebooks via VistaPrint
6. Personalized tote bag (under $20)
Custom tote bags are among the best gifts for book lovers—not only are they practical for carrying books around, but they also offer a stylish way for the recipient to show off their literary passion.
Here are a few design ideas:
- Favorite quotes: Feature iconic lines from favorite books.
- Book covers: Print attention-grabbing book covers or illustrations.
- Author portraits: Include illustrated portraits or caricatures of beloved authors.
- Genres: Reflect genres they love, like fantasy, mystery or classic literature.
- Personalized details: Add their name or initials alongside a literary-inspired design.
- Library card design: List their favorite books on a retro library card.
- Book spines: Include an illustration of a stack of their favorite books.
- Bookish illustrations: Feature hand-drawn scenes or characters from their favorite novels.
Source: Get a personalized tote bag for your favorite book lover via VistaPrint
Opt for a witty tote bag design by customizing this gift for book lovers with humorous phrases like:
- “The book was better”
- “Just one more chapter”
- “My weekend is all booked”
- “Bookmarks are for quitters”
- “I read past my bedtime”
7. Book poster (under $20)
A custom wall poster is a fantastic gift for book lovers, combining their favorite stories and passion for reading with stunning visual art and home decor. Imagine, for example, a poster featuring the entire text of “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry as the outline of the little prince on the moon, transforming someone’s beloved book into a beautiful display for their home. You can also gift a witty book-ish retro poster design that appeals to the recipient’s sense of humor.
For this unique gift idea, you can order a ready-made poster, use a template, design your own poster or commission a professional graphic artist via 99designs by Vista. Frame the poster so the recipient can hang it on the wall, reminding them of their favorite pastime. Speaking of wall art…
8. Book wall art (under $20)
Prints of book pages and covers are great gifts for book lovers, transforming their beloved literature into stylish wall art. These prints can feature illustrations or quotes and come in a variety of formats, including canvas prints, wood prints and metal prints. Photo tiles allow you to print multiple book-inspired designs for the recipient to hang on their walls.
Source: Illustration of book is ideal for wall art by Danussa via Depositphotos
9. Framed book prints (under $30)
Alternatively, you can give the book lover framed prints of the pages of vintage books with hand-drawn illustrations or quotes on top of the text.
10. Reading light (under $20)
Brighten your beloved bookworm’s reading experience with a clip-on or USB rechargeable book light. These handy gadgets make reading in low light possible, perfect for late-night page-turning sessions. Compact and easy to use, a book light is a practical, budget-friendly gift that any book lover will appreciate.
Source: Portable reading lights are great gift ideas for those who love to read by littleny via Depositphotos
11. Custom stamp (under $20)
A custom stamp saying “This book belongs to…” is a thoughtful and original gift that any book lover will treasure. Allowing the recipient to put a stamp on their own library, this unique gift is perfect for keen readers who have a habit of lending out their much-loved books or simply want to personalize their collection.
Include their name, initials, a favorite literary quote or even a small illustration in this custom gift for book lovers. Alternatives to “This book belongs to [Name]” include:
- “Treasure belonging to [Name]”
- “Borrowed from the library of [Name]”
- “Treasured property of [Name]”
- “Thoughtfully handpicked by [Name]”
- “Stolen from [Name’s] library”
- “Read and return to [Name]”
- “Ex Libris [Name]”
Source: Custom stamp via VistaPrint
12. Book-themed candle (under $20)
Elevate the recipient’s reading sessions with a book-themed candle. The best gifts for book lovers are those that evoke emotion and stimulate the senses—and a book-themed candle does just that.
Gifting a candle like Mrs Weasley’s Kitchen, with aromas of baked goods and lemon zest, or the Hogwarts Library candle, infused with leather and dark musk, creates the perfect atmosphere for a literary escape, immersing the recipient in a fictional world of their choice.
Not only do these candles set the scene for an enchanting reading experience, but they also serve as a subtle “Do not disturb” sign. Your favorite book lover can light the candle whenever they’re reading to signal that they shouldn’t be bothered. For an extra special touch, you can personalize the candle with a custom label.
Source: A scented candle sets the cozy mood when reading a book by Syda_Productions via Depositphotos
13. Cover art puzzle (under $20)
A custom puzzle featuring the cover art of a beloved novel is an entertaining and thoughtful gift for book lovers, perfect for cozy nights in or relaxing weekend fun.
14. Custom mug (under $15)
Sipping on a hot tea or coffee while enjoying a page-turner is non-negotiable for many book lovers, making a custom mug the perfect companion for cozy reading sessions. Customize drinkware with a literary quote or design or a relevant message that reflects the recipient’s love for books.
Source: Custom mug with an inspirational quote via VistaPrint
15. Custom tumbler (under $30)
For book lovers who easily get lost in their stories, a custom travel mug like this stainless steel tumbler is a useful and thoughtful gift idea. Keeping beverages hot (or cold) for hours, a tumbler ensures the recipient can immerse themselves in their book and enjoy their drink at the perfect temperature.
16. Literary cookbook (under $20)
A collection of literary-inspired recipes is a unique and creative gift that combines bookworms’ love for literature and cooking. A custom recipe book is the ultimate DIY gift for book lovers, giving them a delicious way to engage with their favorite stories and turning their kitchen into a literary adventure.
Gather recipes of dishes mentioned in their favorite books or inspired by the novels they love. For example, you could include a recipe for peach cobbler and name it James’ Giant Peach Cobbler. Customize the book with personal touches and fun illustrations, leaving a few blank pages for the recipient to add their own literary culinary creations.
Source: Custom cookbook by belchonock via Depositphotos
17. Books about books (under $25)
You can always play it safe and choose a book about books for your gift. Consider the following books about reading:
- “Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader” by Anne Fadiman — A collection of essays celebrating the love of reading and books.
- “The Book” by Keith Houston — An illustrated history of the book as a physical object.
- “A History of Reading” by Alberto Manguel — An exploration of the history and cultural significance of reading.
- “The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction” by Alan Jacobs — Insights and advice on how to enjoy reading in a digital world.
- “The Bad-Ass Librarians of Timbuktu” by Joshua Hammer — The true story of how a group of librarians saved thousands of ancient manuscripts from destruction.
- “Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany” by Jane Mount — An illustrated book celebrating all things literary.
- “Reading Lolita in Tehran” by Azar Nafisi — A memoir about a secret book club in Iran where women gathered to read forbidden Western classics.
- “The Secret Library: A Book-Lovers’ Journey Through Curiosities of History” by Oliver Tearle — A tour through the lesser-known corners of literary history.
- “What Writers Read: 35 Writers on their Favourite Book” by Pandora Sykes — Writers share their favorite books in this love letter to reading
18. Custom coloring book (under $25)
Gift a custom coloring book filled with intricate designs from famous literary scenes, offering a new way for book lovers to enjoy their favorite books. Personalize the book with beloved quotes for an extra special touch that shows how much you listen and care.
Source: Coloring book illustration by agnes design via 99designs by Vista
19. Custom cap (under $25)
A custom cap is a stylish gift for book lovers who like to read outdoors. It protects their eyes and faces from the sun, bringing extra comfort and joy to sunny reading sessions.
Customize this practical gift with an embroidered quote or line drawing of a literary scene alongside their name or initials. Or maybe a phrase like “[Name] loves reading in the sun” or “I like big books and I cannot lie” is just the thing to print on your book lover’s custom cap.
Source: Custom cap via VistaPrint
20. Custom T-shirt (under $25)
Custom T-shirts featuring literary quotes or designs are fun and expressive gifts for book lovers that showcase their passion for reading and books. Print unique designs with memorable quotes, beloved characters or iconic scenes, incorporating their name or an inside joke for a personal touch.
This budget-friendly gift for book lovers is perfect for casual everyday wear, book club meetings or literary events, allowing them to celebrate their love for literature in style.
Source: Personalized T-shirts with your favorite illustration of a book or character make a great gift idea via VistaPrint
21. Custom wine glasses (under $25)
Custom wine glasses etched with a funny slogan about reading are a delightful gift for book lovers who enjoy a glass of wine with their novels, bringing humor and personality to their reading sessions. Consider slogans like “Wine not read another chapter?”, “Read between the wines” or “Books and wine make everything fine.”
22. Custom calendar (under $30)
Custom calendars are versatile and thoughtful gifts for book lovers. Here are several creative ways to customize your unique calendar gift:
- Book quotes — Feature a different book quote each month.
- Monthly themes — Dedicate each month to a different book or fictional character.
- Fictional dates — Signify important dates from literary universes, like The Battle of Hogwarts (May 2nd, Harry Potter) or Bilbo’s birthday (September 22nd, The Hobbit).
- Author birthdays — Highlight their favorite authors’ birthdays.
- Reading challenges — Include monthly reading challenges to spur them on.
- Personal photos — Combine book references with photos of them reading or visiting literary landmarks.
- Favorite quotes — Feature a beloved book quote each month.
- Book recommendations — Suggest a book to read each month.
- Literary events — Mark local library events or book fairs they might want to attend.
Source: Custom calendars via VistaPrint
23. Personalized pillow (under $30)
Custom pillows are the perfect gift for book lovers, enhancing their reading experience with comfort and style. Imagine the recipient cozying up with a pillow that says, “So many books, so little time.” Custom pillows help them get comfy while they read, and you can even add a few practical details like straps to secure the book and turn it into a dedicated pillow for reading.
24. Custom blanket (under $30)
Custom blankets make those long reading sessions even comfier. Personalize the fleece blanket with witty bookish phrases, favorite quotes or illustrations of iconic literary characters or scenes to snuggle up to while they read.
Source: Custom blankets are great for book readers who like to get comfy. Photo by Goodluz via VistaPrint
25. Portable charger (under $50)
A portable charger is a practical and thoughtful gift for book lovers who prefer to read books on electronic devices. Wireless chargers or power banks ensure their Kindle or e-reader never runs out of battery, keeping them immersed in their favorite stories without interruption. Consider customizing the charging device for a more personal touch.
26. Recording studio session (under $50)
Give the gift of a recording studio session where the recipient can record a chapter from a beloved book in audiobook format. This unforgettable experience allows book lovers to bring their favorite stories to life and is a fun event in itself, complete with friends and laughter. Plus, they’ll have a cherished keepsake to listen back to for years to come.
27. Book-themed perfume (under $100)
Book-themed fragrances are a luxurious and unique gift for book lovers, allowing them to carry the ambiance of their favorite stories with them. Many high-end perfume brands offer scents that capture the essence of a good book, from generic literary scents to niche fragrances inspired by specific stories and characters.
Some of the best-known book-themed perfumes include:
- Whispers in the Library, Replica by Maison Margiela — Wax wood and paper.
- By the Fireplace, Replica by Maison Margiela — Burning wood and chestnut.
- Imaginary Authors — A range of imaginative scents that evoke stories and adventures.
For those seeking more affordable niche perfumes inspired by specific books and characters, consider the following:
- Sirius Black of Harry Potter by Unusual — Bay leaf, cedar, bergamot, tobacco leaf.
- Literary Lovers Collection by Immortal Perfumes — Scents inspired by Hades and Persephone, Gatsby, Jane Eyre and more.
Whether it’s a high-end perfume or a niche fragrance, these scents offer a unique way for book lovers to celebrate their love for literature.
28. Bookstore gift card
A bookstore gift card is the ultimate flexible gift for book lovers. It doesn’t fit into a specific budget category, so you can give as much bookstore credit as you like. Whether it’s a small token or a generous amount, this gift lets the recipient choose the books they’ve been eyeing, as well as explore new titles and authors.
Source: DIY gift certificate via VistaPrint
These free gift ideas for book lovers don’t cost anything at all and can perfectly complement the main present:
- A custom playlist inspired by their favorite books
- A personalized digital reading journal (try using tools like Notion, where you can either build one yourself or customize an existing Book Journal template)
- An invitation to a virtual book club
To personalize your gift and make it even more special, add a heartfelt note, present it as a custom gift certificate or bundle it with a custom postcard or note card.
Ready to order the best gift for book lovers?
With so many fantastic gift ideas for book lovers, finding the perfect present has never been easier. From budget-friendly to premium suggestions, these gifts are sure to delight any bookworm. Remember, the best gifts for book lovers are those that come from the heart and show you appreciate their passion for reading.
