21 Thoughtful Gifts for Book Lovers

Do you have a friend who drags you to the bookstore every weekend and then forgets you exist as they get lost flipping through pages? A cousin who has more books in their home than shelf space? A neighbor who has a new crush every week, but it’s always a fictional character from their latest reads? Well, you’re in the right place if you’re looking for a gift that celebrates their always wonderful, and only sometimes odd, bookish quirks.

While the book lovers in your life are off in a different world, they appreciate anything that lets the mere mortals in this one know about their love for reading, whether it’s through the bookish embroidery on their sweatshirt or art on their walls that celebrates the written word. We found some of the more thoughtful gifts for book lovers created by talented sellers on Etsy that’ll be perfect for any occasion. (Psst! We won’t tell if you get these for yourself.)

Bookish Style Finds

Perfect for the reader whose favorite style statement is their love of literature.

1. Embroidered book sweatshirt

SHOP: Open book embroidered sweatshirt from the gray goose boutique, $38

A designated cozy sweatshirt for when they’re in your cozy-reads era is a brilliant idea! This blue embroidered sweatshirt fits the bill perfectly, especially if the “open book” on the front could have more than one meaning.

2. Embroidered book snob hat

SHOP: Embroidered hat from Books With Josie, $28

They listen, and they don’t judge—except when it comes to books. They’ve got some strict rules when it comes to which ones make it to their TBR and which ones go into the DNF pile (that’s “to be read” and “did not finish” to those unfamiliar with the lingo), and that’s why this book snob hat is just right for them.

3. Enamel pin set for readers

SHOP: Book lover enamel pin set from Night Owl Paper Goods, $31

Reading isn’t just their favorite hobby, it’s the biggest part of their personality. So, why not let them showcase it with these adorable enamel pins? This pin set features three reading creatures (sloth, otter, and unicorn) and would be so loved by fellow book club members.

4. Embroidered tote bag for book lovers

SHOP: “It’s not hoarding if it’s books” tote bag from Soul Made Stitches, $25

It would be a rookie mistake to tell an avid reader that they have too many books. Go the other route by celebrating their book-buying habits with this canvas tote for book collectors that proclaims ‘It’s not hoarding if it’s books’ in 100% cotton embroidery floss—perfect for lugging home bookshop finds.

5. Embroidered hair bow for book lovers

SHOP: Handmade blue linen bow from Ninis and Family, $47

If nothing makes them more excited than when someone asks about the book they’re reading currently, you can create more such opportunities for them with this custom blue bow. With the golden embroidered words, “ask me about my books,” it’s the perfect way to connect with fellow book lovers in the wild!

Cozy Reading Accessories

Elevate any reading nook with these book-themed accessories that bring comfort and charm.​

6. Ceramic bookshelf mug

SHOP: Ceramic book mug from Atesartt, $105

Mugs can sometimes feel like a basic gift… but this one will be treasured more than you can imagine by a book lover. Featuring a detailed mini bookshelf, they’ll always reach for this special mug when they need coffee to help fuel them to the last page of their latest book.

7. Reading journal

SHOP: Reading notes journal from Hobitonia, $47

Talking of TBRs, if they’re making their way through theirs at an impressive rate, this reading journal is perfect for the book lover in your life to use to record their progress. Bonus: It’s easy to mix up the books they’ve read within the same trope, so this journal can help them better keep track of the million storylines stored in their mind.

8. Personalized book holder

SHOP: Personalized book holder from The Art of Engraving, $80

Do they have a hard time putting down a book once they pick it up? We don’t have a cure for that yet, but this personalized book holder sure will make their day! Easy to track their current read, as well as the books waiting in line to be read next, this piece will work well in a special spot near their reading nook.

9. E-reader sleeve

SHOP: Fabric cover for tablet from sandra lietzmann, $44

Made from soft organic denim, this fabric cover will keep their e-reader safe and stylish as they go about their day.

10. Chicken e-reader stand

SHOP: E-reader stand from Kuzia krafts, $52

If their e-reader is never more than two feet away and they’re constantly looking for hands-free reading solutions, this egg-cellent gift will be a dream come true for the one constantly hatching bright ideas. This endearing crochet chicken is available in two different colors and acts as a tablet stand for when they’re reading in bed. No more having to find a balance with pillows and blankets!

11. Crocheted book sleeve for reader

SHOP: Crocheted book sleeve from Lilis Gloves, $59

If you’ve heard your reader friend complain about the bent pages of their books, then gifting them this crocheted book sleeve will absolutely make you the hero in their story.

Bookmarks for bookworms

You can make any ordinary day special with unique bookmarks and other fun accessories.

12. Reading tracker bookmark

SHOP: Reading tracker bookmark from This Paperback Life Co, $5

A bookmark that also serves as a reading tracker? Sign us up! A sweet present for any occasion, this tasseled bookmark will definitely make the book lovers in your life feel seen and supported as they work towards their reading goal for the year.

13. Felt mouse bookmarks

SHOP: Felt miniature mouse bookmark from Cozy Mil Art, $40

If collecting unique and creative bookmarks brings them joy, then you’ll have them over the moon with these felt miniature mice bookmarks. Holding a pink heart and featuring a long tail that holds their place in the book, this is just the touch of whimsy that will brighten up a book lover’s day.

14. Personalized dragon bookmarks

SHOP: Personalized dragon bookmarks from BT Creations US, $16

If worlds ruled by dragons are ruling their daydreams currently, these personalized felt bookmarks embroidered with their name and dragon motifs will be just the accessory their fantasy books need.

15. E-reader sticker

SHOP: Magical e-book sticker from Papio Press, $3

Sometimes e-readers need a bit of decoration to reflect some of the magic that’s found within them. With a glossy finish, this cute vinyl sticker, featuring a stylish stack of books, does just that!

16. Book embosser

SHOP: Custom book embosser from Tsings Design, $38

From the latest paranormal thrillers to classic biographies, their books are their most prized possessions. This custom embosser will give the reader with the personal library peace of mind and help their books find their way home when friends (like you) borrow them.

Literary Decor for Book Lovers

From wall art to reading candles—these decor pieces will make a book lover's day!

17. Reading art print

SHOP: Reading girl print from Meenal Patel Studio, $32

Reading becomes so much more fun when you create a designated comfy spot for it. For the little one who is just beginning her reading journey, hanging this art print in her reading corner is sure to create a magical experience and provide inspiration for years to come.

18. Ceramic bookends

SHOP: Hand-built bookends from Mara Look Ceramics, $298 for a pair

They might have more books than shelf space, but we’re sure they’ll move things around to make room for these handmade ceramic bookends. After all, every bookshelf deserves bookends that are art in themselves.

19. Illustrated mythical beasts map

SHOP: Illustrated map of mythical beasts from Puca Printhouse, $27

Are they fascinated by myths and the creatures that star in them? This storied map of the US will have them diving back into their books to read more about mythical creatures—from Bigfoot to the Mothman.

20. Literary lamp

SHOP: Bookshelf lamp from Literary Lamps, $150

Designed to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to bookshelves while illuminating a reading nook, this unique lamp’s base looks just like a book and will have all their guests gushing over it.

21. Funny reading candle

SHOP: “Smells Like She's Reading Faerie Smut Again” candle from Bookish Babe Company, $29

This one doesn’t need much explanation, but if all her crushes are on fae princes who live in romantasy novels, this candle might be just a little too appropriate for her. (And if you’re looking for a self-care gift for a reader who gravitates to other genres, you can find all sorts of bookish candles on Etsy!)

Shop gifts for book lovers