Holiday Gift Guide 2023
If you are reading this page, you probably know a bookworm or you are a bookworm yourself. Now that the holidays are approaching, you are probably looking for a gift for the reader in your life. We invite you to think beyond the bookmark and the coffee mug. Book lovers (you 😉) definitely deserve something creative and original. We have included favorites from our previous year as well as some new additions that will be a hit with any book lover.
Big Gestures
🎁 Literary Wines
It is gratifying to enjoy a glass of wine while reading, and the following vintages have literary connections that will delight bookworms:
- Serego Alighieri: Vineyards owned by the direct descendants of the author of the Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri
- Quixote Winery: The winery was founded by Carl Doumani and the vintages are inspired by the famous errand knight.
- Realm Cellars: Each year, the winery releases three Shakespeare-inspired blends.
🎁 Literary Perfumes
If someone has ever dreamt of smelling like the books they love, they are not alone, and some prestigious fragrance designers have made their dream come true.
- In the Library by CB I Hate Perfume: Described as a warm blend of English novel, Russian and Moroccan leather bindings, and a hint o wood polish, this fragrance was copied from a first edition novel published in 1927.
- Histoires des Parfums: The tagline of this company is "stories to be read on your skin". Their fragrances are named after a year in history with a literary connection. Some of their perfumes include 1899 Ernest Hemingway, 1804 George Sand, and 1828 Jules Verne.
- De Profundis by Serge Lutens: This perfume is inspired by the eponymous famous letter written by Oscar Wilde's from prison and dedicated to his lover who had put him there.
- Bibliotheque by Byredo: This fragrance started as a scented candle, and it was so popular with costumers, that Byredo decided to create Bibliotheque Eau de Parfum.
- A Midsummer Dream by Roja: This perfume is a tribute to Shakespeare famous comedy A Midsummer's Night's Dream. and it sounds as heady as the play.
From The Library of Congress Shop, this dinnerware is sure to be a standout. The set would be perfect for book themed dinners, although it is durable enough for daily use.
This 16-drawer organizer in the shape of a library card catalog cabinet is perfect for storing all bookish knick knacks.
For a reader looking to decorate their home or book nook with some art, these set of three minimalistic art pieces in metal are sure to make any space pop.
I know we did encourage you to think beyond the coffee mug before; but, this mug is really special. When reading for large periods of time, beverages get cold, and the options are to stop reading to get a refill or continue reading while drinking our beverage cold. With the Ember Smart Mug, the option is easy: keep reading and drink your beverage hot for as long as you want.
Thoughtful Gifts
🎁 Literary Maps
If a map gorgeously summarizing 5,000 years of literature is preferred, Martin Vargic has created just that and it is now available as a poster. A gargantuan endeavor!
This is my favorite magazine subscription of all time. Their motto is "A magazine for book lovers who haven't read everything." Every issue is packed with book reviews in all kinds of literary genres. The quality of the content as well as the physical magazine is exceptional, but is space is an issue for you, they have recently added digital subscriptions as well as the traditional print.
Trust us! We bookworms want, scratch that, we bookworms need, a library cart. Besides, being useful, it look so good in all those instagram posts right?
🎁 Book-themed scratch off posters
There are so many options for scratch-off posters out there. We love these four: 100 Book Bucket List, 100 Kids Books Bucket List, 100 Essential Novels, and 100 Challenging Novels.
Yes, I am recommending the whole store! You are guaranteed to find something you adore at Obvious State. They offer postcards, art prints, notebooks, totes, calendars, bookmarks, all in their signature sophisticated black and white style.
This is another store where there are zillions of options for gifts. Litographs creates illustrations made with the text from famous books and prints them on wearables. With a large selection of tees, blankets, scarves, totes, and even shower curtains, you can shop merchandise for more than 200 well known titles.
Another website with plenty of apparel options for book lovers!
🎁 Songs for book lovers: Mixtape
Remember those mixtapes compiling songs we would like to dedicate to a loved one? Well, now a mixtape might not be viable, but a playlist can still be created as a very thoughtful gift. If this right down your alley, why not make a playlist with songs that have been inspired by literature. Here is a link to an article from udiscovermusic.com listing some tracks to get you started:
My husband gifted me a book embosser a while back and I was floored. It is a unique and creative way to mark all the books in your personal library.
A great companion to the embosser could be this personal library kit. Bibliophiles who like to share their books but are afraid of not have them back can find good use for it. Add some book repairing tape as a stocking stuffer, and you are all set!
🎁 Board Games
Game night with a plot twist! For readers who also enjoy board games, this might possibly the perfect gift ever. The classical game of Trivial Pursuit has been adapted with more than 2,000 questions in the following six categories: Beloved Children's Books, Popular Classics, Riveting Non-Fiction, Book Club Favorites, Favorite Authors, and Book Bag Surprises. Other candidates for a bookish game night include Bookopoly, Booktastic, or ExLibris.
Who doesn't like reading while on a picnic? These 50'' by 60'' water-resistant machine-washable blankets are perfect for those who like reading outdoors. Society 6 offers a lot of different designs of picnic blankets for book lovers. We have our eye on the one above!
For the couple who reads together! The silkscreen printed men's tie and scarf by Cyberoptix can be the perfect accessories for a couples outfit.
Personally, I wish I had space in my crammed bookshelves to insert these 3D wooden puzzles. These beautiful pieces even come with LED lighting to be enjoyed when the room is dark. Make the space between book spines a beautiful one.
It is a truth universally acknowledge that readers like socks. John's Crazy Socks offers gift boxes for him and her with an assorted selection of socks to get comfy with a book. Go and visit their online store, you will fall in love with it!
Here is an idea for a TBR generator. You can order a custom set of mini books, place them inside a glass ornament and use it to pick the books you will be reading throughout the year.
🎁 TBR Jar
This is great for those bookworms who are always wondering what to read next. Sold by Fortune Jars, there are different genre options, or you can even personalize yours.
This is a special treat for readers belonging to Book Clubs. The company offers a selection of more than 850 titles for which they have created bingo cards and prizes to aid book discussions and lively interactions. These bingo boxes look like great ice-breakers for any book club meeting.
Any planner or notebook from Little Inklings is going to put a smile on a reader's face. Make sure to order soon, since items sold out fast.
Stocking Stuffers
This gorgeous handmade soap in the shape of a book is perfect as a stocking stuffer. It is so beautiful I am not sure I would like to use it if I owned one.
Get some bookish love in your hair from BrittsHighlights.
Ranging from 4 to 64 GB of storage capacity, use this novelty item for all your bookish digital needs.
🎁 Book-shaped cookie cutters
Another idea for stocking stuffers are cookie cutters; especially for readers who also like to bake. We personally like these three options from Sweet Prints Inc., Arbi Design and Bakerlogy
Bibliotherapy in a box! You are almost certain to find a book recommendation for a specific situation or life stage.
🎁 Candles
Creating an ambiance to curl up with a good book enhances any reading experiences. A good way to do so is with scented candles. As with book subscription boxes, the options are many, but we will venture to tell you about Library from SmellsLikeBooks and Rainy Day Reads by Frostbeard Studio.
Let'toon have whimsical illustrations available as stickers. There are several options that may appeal to readers like Reading at Home and Reading Time.
How about giving your books at home the same stickers you will find on library books. These adorable stickers will definitely give your personal library an ingenious touch.
Enhance your book journaling by adding stickers of the books you red or plan to read!
If you like the genre stickers above, then you will love these genre coasters. They come in an adorable felt case in the shape of a book.
Steep your tea with a book-shaped tea infuser and get tea and book pairing ideas from the included guide.
Wrap It Up
Wrap it all up in the perfect gift basket! Complete the look with Retro Library Book Date Due Tissue Paper or use the Retro Library Date Due Wrapping Paper if you prefer wrapping. This is the final detail for the perfect gift.
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