The ultimate book lover’s gift guide

The ultimate book lovers’ gift guide is complied by a librarian who knows a thing or two about bibliophiles and their needs. So, you’ll find plenty of amazing presents for your favorite bookworm, from reading accessories to clothing to decor that they’ll love.

I’ve been an avid reader all of my life, from Dr. Seuss to Nancy Drew to my all-time favorite author, Agatha Christie. I love reading so much, I’ve made it my career. You see, I’ve worked in libraries most of my life (32 years to be exact). 19 of those years were spent working as a children’s librarian and an academic librarian. So I really do know what readers want.

I created this ultimate gift guide to help you find the perfect present for your favorite book lover!

To make it easier for you, I have grouped items into broad categories, like reading accessories (things to make their reading experience better), clothing and jewelry, bookshelves and book ends, food/drink, and, of course, books!

(Just so you know, this page contains some affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). As an Amazon Associate, for example, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend whether I was being compensated or not. Thanks for your support in this way. Click here to see my full disclosure policy.)

So, here we go!

The ultimate book lovers’ gift guide!

Accessories that make reading easier, better, more comfortable, and more fun!

Many readers are multitaskers. Some are reading while also walking. Or highlighting or taking notes. Maybe sipping a cup of coffee or tea. Or perhaps they are curled up in a comfy chair with a cat/dog/small child in their lap.

So here are some great ways to help them keep their book open while doing other stuff.

I use a book weight to hold my book open. This leather book weight is the one I have. I’ve had it for over 15 years and use it every day.

Maybe they prefer to hold their book up to read (instead of having it on their lap or table). Then a thumb book page holder is a great tool to have! It helps keep the book open and flat while being held upright.

For those who struggle with reading small print, a magnifying glass paperweight can be a real help. Not only does it enlarge the print, but it also holds the book, magazine, or newspaper flat.

Looking for ways to get organized? Check out our free guide below. 👇

Just one more chapter, then I’ll go to bed…

Does your bibliophile like to read in bed (but you just want to sleep)? Get them a book light. They are small and attach right to the book itself. So the reader gets plenty of light to see by, but it doesn’t light up the whole room.

Just in case they can’t finish their book in one sitting, they’ll appreciate these fun bookmarks!

Get your GOT reader this rustic Lord of the Rings bookmark made from wood.

Or let the Loch Ness monster keep their place.

Their place will be safe from the Wicked Witch with the Wizard of Oz’s help.

Or with a handcrafted metal crest Harry Potter house bookmark, suitable for their potions book.

These silly squashed critters will bring a giggle to any reader.

But if you have a rebel on your hands, get them this fun mug instead!

On the road again…

Most readers I know (myself included) are never without at least one book to read, no matter where they are. So, help them keep their books corralled, whether they are stocking up at the library or taking a vacation. Gift them a sturdy book bag tote.

There are even ones from reader favorites…

Avid readers are always on the lookout for new books. And most are just as eager to share their favorites with other bibliophiles.

Make sure they get their books back by giving them a set of antiquarian bookplates.

How to store all those books…

As awesome as public libraries are, the majority of book lovers I know also have a home library, too.

There are so many bookcases and bookshelf designs to choose from. Here are a few of my favorites that are both unique and functional.

Rustic wooden shelves with black metal ends make great shelving.

This fun, uniquely designed bookshelf has plenty of girl power holding up those books!

Make your own DIY bookshelves

Are you a do-it-yourselfer? Here is a post I compiled of 8 great DIY book shelves you can make for your favorite bookworm!

Bookends, bookends, bookends…

I must admit, I am a bit of a neat freak. Which is why I’m not only a librarian, but also a professional organizer… And one of my biggest pet peeves is not using bookends to keep books upright on the shelf. They make your shelves look neater. Books are less apt to come cascading down on your head as you pull one off the shelf. And, yes, I do know this from experience!!!).

There are a ton of fun bookends available now that fit every type of decor.

It was really hard to narrow down, but here is a sampling.

Check out these imaginative bookends featuring Bigfoot, readers, and a helpful kitten.

And these headphones bookends will bring good vibes to the music lover.

Give them some sophisticated natural elements like these gorgeous agate bookends.

Or fun ones like these:

Nothing says MURDER and MYSTERY like these Edgar Allan Poe-esque raven and skull bookends.

Of course, there are always simple BOOK ends! (Get it?)

And these fun little cat book ends would be great for pet parents or in a child’s room.

Help your reader let the world know how much they like books with these accessories!

Things to wear.

This card catalog shirt is a great gift.

Of course, everyone will recognize these date due cards stamped on these socks.

For the Harry Potter fan, this perfect bookworm patronus shirt!

Cats and reading just go together, along with warm socks!

If your bibliophile would rather read than anything else, they’ll appreciate these!

Get them this shirt that screams introverted book lover!

Weekends…

For the movie critic.

Or even some gorgeous jewelry to inspire your avid reader.

Like this lovely pendant.

Or this stunning necklace.

And help them keep track of their keys with this fun keychain.

Reading just goes perfectly paired with a cup of tea or coffee

This fun mug, full of first lines of famous literature.

Or this gentle reminder.

And for the brunch book club, you can’t do better than this wine tumbler.

Don’t forget the perfect tea to go along with their mug! Novel teas!

And a date due coaster set is a perfect housewarming gift!

Reading-related decor is always appreciated, too.

Things to sit on a shelf.

This sweet statue from Willow Tree.

Or this dapper frog.

And this reclining cat.

A cute little fairy friend for the avid fantasy and fairy-tale reader.

This exquisite abstract face makes a real design statement.

And this tiny, lit sculpture helps set the mood for quiet reading.

Things to create the perfect mood for reading.

A book lover’s dream: soy candles that smell like a “bookstore.”

And a cozy throw for when they just want to curl up and read. Isn’t this cool??

Or a fun way for avid readers to keep track of the number of books they’ve read in a year!

It can even be customized with their name!

Lastly, for the reader who also loves to color…

A perfect coloring book for book lovers!

There’s also an off the bookshelf coloring book.

And so they can keep track of when their library books are due…

The ultimate calendar for the cat and book lover!

And this fun daily calendar.

So there you go! plenty of fun and practical presents for your favorite reader.

I hope you’ve found my ultimate book lovers’ gift guide helpful!

Happy gifting!