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Whether you're shopping for a casual reader or a dedicated bibliophile, finding book lover gifts can feel tricky. They're picky about their reads. They have strong opinions about dog-eared pages versus bookmarks. And they've probably bought themselves every book they wanted this year.
But here's the good news. The best gifts for readers aren't always books. Sometimes, there are things that make reading more magical, more comfortable, or more meaningful.
Ready to find something special? This gift guide features 10 unique gifts that'll make any bookworm's heart skip a beat this Christmas.
And if you're shopping for someone who loves learning but struggles to find reading time, check out the Headway app — it turns bestselling books into 15-minute summaries perfect for busy readers.
Quick answer: Best gifts for book lovers in the 2025-2026 holiday season
An annotated copy of their favorite book. Add your own notes, highlights, and memories.
Book page bouquet. Flowers crafted from old book pages that last forever.
Book nook insert. A tiny world that fits between books on a shelf.
Headway subscription. A year of insights and practical tips from the bestsellers they can read or listen to on the go.
Book-themed jewelry. Necklaces, earrings, or bracelets shaped like tiny books.
10 gifts that will make any reader smile
1. An annotated copy of their favorite book
This one takes time and effort, but that's exactly why it means so much.
Buy a fresh copy of a book your friend loves. Read it yourself. Then fill the margins with your thoughts and little notes to them. Add some honest reactions. Mark the passages that made you think of them. Add sticky notes with questions, jokes, or ideas.
When they unwrap it, they're not just getting a book but a piece of you tucked between chapters.
2. A bouquet made from old book pages
Flowers wilt. Book page roses last forever.
Crafters on Etsy make stunning bouquets from recycled book pages. Some even use specific titles — imagine gifting a bouquet made from Jane Austen's 'Pride and Prejudice' or 'The Great Gatsby.' It's romantic, literary, and won't die in a week.
3. A book nook or bookshelf insert
These miniature worlds fit right between books on a shelf. Picture a tiny glowing alleyway, a cozy library scene, or a magical forest — all about the size of a paperback.
Book nooks come with LED lights that make them glow. Every time your reader glances at their shelf, they'll see this little pocket of magic you gave them. If book nooks aren't their style, decorative bookends make a great gift alternative.
4. A Headway subscription
Know someone who loves books but never has time to read? Give them a year of Headway. Here's how it works:
Visit the gift page.
Enter your recipient's details.
Add a personal wish from yourself.
Purchase a full year of Headway at a reasonable price.
Headway sends them an email with a promo code to activate their subscription.
They'll get access to thousands of book summaries in text and audio formats — perfect for those who love audiobooks but want key insights faster. Great for learning during commutes, lunch breaks, or before bed. It's like giving someone a whole library that can change their career, relationships, or wellness (and that library fits in their pocket!)
5. Book-themed jewelry
Tiny book pendants. Earrings shaped like stacked novels. Bracelets with literary quotes engraved on them.
Book jewelry lets readers wear their passion. You can find beautiful pieces on Amazon, Etsy, or your local bookshop. It's subtle enough for work but meaningful enough to spark conversations. Plus, it won't take up space on their already-overflowing bookshelves.
6. A phone case designed like an antique book
This option is both practical and charming. Leather cases designed to look like vintage hardcovers protect their device while satisfying their love for old-school aesthetics. Similar cases exist for Kindle devices as well.
Every time they pull out their phone, it looks like they're reaching for a pocket-sized novel.
7. A mushroom reading lamp
Soft lighting makes reading cozier. And nothing says "cozy" like a mushroom lamp on a nightstand.
A mushroom lamp creates the perfect atmosphere. Plus, these lamps are gentle on the eyes and add a touch of magic to any room. If a full lamp feels like too much, a clip-on book light makes a perfect stocking stuffer.
8. A 60-minute hourglass
There's something meditative about watching sand fall while you read. A large hourglass helps track reading sessions without having to check your phone.
Just set it, watch the sand, and read until the last grain falls. It turns reading into a ritual and helps scroll through TikTok or Instagram less. It's a great book companion for avid readers that helps build a habit or literally set up time for yourself.
9. Reading glasses
If your reader spends hours with titles, blue-light filtering glasses can be a lifesaver. Many brands now offer stylish frames designed specifically for reading.
Look for lightweight models with comfy nose pads, and your loved ones' eyes will thank you. Pair them with an adjustable book stand for the ultimate reading setup.
10. A signed first edition from a beloved author
This one's a splurge. But for a serious collector, finding a signed first edition from a favorite author — especially one who has passed — can be unforgettable.
Check their wishlist first, then browse reputable book dealers. Verify authenticity necessarily. Watch your friend's or relative's face light up when they realize what they're holding.
Make this holiday season unforgettable
For book lovers, these bookish gifts can mean honoring their passion for stories and quiet hours spent lost in pages.
Whether you choose something handmade, something practical, or something magical, your thoughtfulness will shine through. From literary tote bags to cozy sweatshirts with book quotes, there's book-themed merch for every budget, too.
And if you want to give the gift of knowledge that fits any schedule, try gifting a Headway subscription.
Download the Headway app yourself to see what they'll experience: thousands of book summaries, personalized recommendations, and bite-sized wisdom delivered daily. It might just become your favorite gift, too.
Happy holidays — and happy reading.
Frequently asked questions about gifts for book lovers
What to gift a book lover?
Think beyond books themselves. Book lovers often appreciate items that enhance their reading experience — cozy reading lamps, beautiful bookmarks, book-themed jewelry, or bookshelf accessories like book nooks. Library cards to special collections, literary t-shirts, or a Headway subscription also work wonderfully for readers who want to learn more but struggle to find time for full-length books.
What are experience gifts for book lovers?
Consider tickets to a literary festival, a bookstore gift card, a gift card from their favorite bookstore, or a membership to a local library's events. Book club subscriptions, author meet-and-greets, and writing workshops also make great impressions. The best tip is to analyze where the recipient of the gift goes and what they do before making your final decision.
What book to get someone who has read everything?
Try a beautifully illustrated edition of their favorite classic — something they'd never buy themselves. Signed copies, anniversary editions, or books in their favorite author's lesser-known catalog also work well. A literary advent calendar with daily book surprises is another fun option. Or skip the book entirely and gift a Headway subscription for bite-sized nonfiction summaries instead.
What are the 4 categories of gifts?
The popular framework suggests: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read. For book lovers, you might adapt this to: a book they've been eyeing, a reading accessory they need, book-themed clothing or jewelry, and a surprise read outside their usual genre.
