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Gift Guides

The best gifts for book lovers

Gift for readers? We’ve got ‘em.

Various book-related gifts Credit: Reviewed / Uncommon Goods / Phillips / Dan the Mug Man / Homesick

Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

Shopping for gifts for readers can be tough, especially if you know better than to try to pick out specific titles. After all, bibliophiles are nothing if not discerning about the books they read. That's where we at Reviewed come in. As product experts, we've got a pretty good handle on what is and isn't worth your money–and as avid readers ourselves, we know what makes the best gifts for readers. If you know someone who spends every spare moment absorbing the written word, consider borrowing one of these ideas for a welcome gift.

1. "Literary insults" poster


For the reader who wants to spice up their décor

Product image of Literary Insults Chart
Literary Insults Chart

Find the perfect artistic insult with this attractive chart.

$25 at Uncommon Goods

Know someone who worships the acerbic wit of Oscar Wilde or Elizabeth von Arnim? They'll be giddy when they get a look at this poster, which features a flowchart of some of the best jabs and one-liners ever committed to print, neatly organized by type and style. 

2. Kindle Paperwhite


For the book lover on the go

Product image of Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite

The Kindle Paperwhite is our pick for the best e-reader you can buy.

$140 at Amazon

We've spent years testing Amazon's Kindle e-readers and they're incredibly reliable for anyone who reads on the regular. Our favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite, which we think is the best Kindle model available right now. Not only does it have a massive library to select from, but its battery lasts for weeks at a time.

3. Kindle Oasis


For the reader who wants an e-reader upgrade

Product image of Kindle Oasis Essentials Bundle (Fabric Cover)
Kindle Oasis Essentials Bundle (Fabric Cover)

This luxurious e-reader will elevate any reading experience.

$249 at Amazon

If your reader wants an even more deluxe experience, the Oasis could be the upgrade they need. With its waterproof aluminum body, physical page turn buttons and glass display, the form and features of the Kindle Oasis feel luxurious. It also has a warm, yellow-hued backlight that's gentler on the eyes than the blue-tinged Kindle Paperwhite, which will appeal to anyone who's sensitive to screens.

4. Umbra Conceal floating bookshelf


For the minimalist reader

Product image of Umbra Conceal Floating Bookshelf (Set of 3)
Umbra Conceal Floating Bookshelf (Set of 3)

These low-profile bookshelves will disappear, leaving the spotlight on their favorite volumes.

$26 at Amazon

Traditional bookcases are lovely, but their footprints can be too big for small-sized living spaces. These minimalist floating bookshelves, on the other hand, are a fun and flexible way to organize a book collection. With books in place, the L-shaped shelves disappear, creating the illusion of a floating stack of books. 

5. Book Riot Read Harder Reading Log


For the reader who likes to keep track of their reads

Product image of Book Riot Read Harder Reading Log
Book Riot Read Harder Reading Log

Let the reader in your life jot down everything they’ll ever need to keep track of their reads.

$17 at Amazon

Sure, there's always Goodreads or the good ole Notes app on a smartphone. But if you know someone who wants to keep track of the books they read and prefers an analog approach, they'll love the Book Riot Read Harder Reading Log, a notebook designed for hardcore readers to keep a record of everything they consume. It has dedicated spaces to write down important details about the book, including the start and finish date, a brief review and notable quotes. It also includes 12 reading "challenges," which prompt users to read different kinds of books than they might normally pick up, like ones originally published in a different language or from an independent press.

6. Audible membership


For the lit lover who listens to their books

Product image of Audible subscription - 3 months free
Audible subscription - 3 months free

Give your favorite bookworms the best selection of audiobooks around with Audible.

From $15 at Amazon

Audible, Amazon's audiobook subscription service, is a favorite of both our staff and our readers for its simplicity and incredible selection. It's the perfect gift for the person who laments about their lack of available reading time.

With a three-month Audible membership, your book-obsessed loved one will get access to Audible's entire collection, plus one credit each month to get a title on the app to keep forever.

7. 100 Books Scratch Off Poster


For the reader who likes working toward a goal

Product image of 100 Books Scratch Off Poster
100 Books Scratch Off Poster

The book lover on your list can scratch off unique illustrations as they read 100 classic books.

$15 at Uncommon Goods

This 23-inch by 16-inch poster shows the titles of 100 notable books—from "Wuthering Heights" to "The Color Purple" to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy—with corresponding illustrations that are revealed once its silvery cover is scratched off. This provides the reader on your gift-giving list with some nice wall décor and even more inspiration to catch up on the classics.

8. Philips Wake-up Light


For the one who stays up too late reading

Product image of Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light
Philips SmartSleep Wake-up Light

Wind down with this gentle light that can fade out as you head to bed.

$99 at Amazon

Reading in bed is part of most book lovers' evening routine. If they often find they stay up later than intended, give them the Philips Wake-Up Light. We love this lamp-and-alarm clock in one, which has a sleep timer feature that lets it stay lit for a certain amount of time before fading out, allowing the reader time to enjoy their book and still remember that they have to go to sleep at some point. It's also easy to reset if they want to finish a chapter before turning off the light. In the morning, the same light eases on to wake them up naturally for the day.

9. Perfectday Rechargeable reading light


For readers under the covers

Product image of Perfectday Book Light
Perfectday Book Light

This slim book light has three brightness settings for unobtrusive nighttime reading.

$10 at Amazon

Any bookworm who shares a bed or room with someone but needs to plow through a book as their companion sleeps will appreciate an old-school reading light. This one from Perfectday is slim, reliable, and rechargeable, and shines a small but intense beam on the page to ensure the reader sees the words but others close by aren't disturbed by a glare. The light also has three brightness settings, each with its own color temperature.

10. Scribd subscription


For the omnivorous reader

Product image of Scribd subscription
Scribd subscription

Get e-books, audiobooks, magazines and more with a Scirbd subscription.

From $60 at Scribd

Scribd is a subscription service that offers unlimited access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers and more in its collection. It's not compatible with Kindle e-readers_so don't give it with one as a package gift—but the app works with most smartphones, tablets, and even smartwatches, so it's a great gift for someone who wants quick access to different types of media wherever they are.

12. A Sips by tea subscription box


For the reader who thinks books are better with a hot beverage

Product image of Sips by subscription
Sips by subscription

A Sips by subscription delivers four types of tea every month.

From $48 at Sips by

The Venn diagram of bibliophiles and tea lovers isn't quite a circle—but we think it's probably pretty close. If the reader on your list falls into this group, they'll be into the Sips by tea subscription box, which delivers four types of high-quality teas each month, plus filters for loose leaf tea and coupons for certain brands if they decide they want to re-up one of the teas they received. The present comes in the form of a gift card, so the person you're giving it to can activate it when they want and curate the box by taking a brief quiz and determining whether they want more herbal, green, black or other types of tea. We loved the way this subscription let us try a huge variety of different tastes, so choose a 3-, 6- or 12-, or 24-month subscription, and your giftee will always have something to sip on as they read their way through the winter.

13. Dan the Mug Man old library card coffee mug


For the reader who loves the public library

Product image of Old Library Card Due Date Coffee Mug
Old Library Card Due Date Coffee Mug

Pay homage to the library days of yore with this mug.

From $16 at Etsy

Whether they're a tea or coffee drinker (or both), any local library devotee will enjoy sipping their beverages out of this mug. It features a vintage library card print filled out with stamped-in due dates and comes in a variety of sizes and formats like a traditional mug, a camp mug and even a travel mug. 

14. "Pride and Prejudice" ornament


For the Elizabeth Bennett fan

Product image of Pride and Prejudice Christmas Ornament
Pride and Prejudice Christmas Ornament

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an Austen lover is in need of of this ornament.

$13 at Etsy

If the reader on your list loves decorating their Christmas tree every year, they'll be psyched to receive this "Pride and Prejudice" ornament. Jane's Austen's witty words (rescued from previously loved books) fill this sphere. (Or, for a more seasonal option, pick the "A Christmas Carol" ornament from the same seller.)

15. Galison Book Club Puzzle


For the reader who loves putting pieces together

Product image of Galison Book Club Puzzle
Galison Book Club Puzzle

This 1000 piece puzzle is a booklover’s dream.

$22 at Amazon

Give your bibliophile a sweet puzzle that reflects their interests, such as one of the whimsically designed, literature-inspired options from puzzlemaker Galison. With 1000 pieces, this puzzle will be a welcome activity when they're in-between books.

16. Paddywax Library Collection Candle


For the bookworm who enjoys setting the mood

Product image of Paddywax Library Collection candles
Paddywax Library Collection candles

These candles pay homage to classic authors.

$22 at Amazon

The Paddywax Library Collection features an array of scents designed to evoke the lives and work of literary legends. Consider the Louisa May Alcott blend: a sweet and pastoral blend of cherry blossoms and ivy. Paddywax also sells candles inspired by Charles Dickens, Leo Tolstoy, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, and others. Whatever author you choose, burn time is 60 hours—but that's just for the candle itself. True literary passion burns for a lifetime.

17. Hide & Drink Leather Bookmarks


For the reader serious about marking their place

Product image of Hide & Drink leather bookmarks
Hide & Drink leather bookmarks

Your favorite reader can save their place times three with these study bookmarks.

$15 at Amazon

Nothing says "I'm serious about reading books" like a big, honkin' piece of cattle hide hanging out of the side of your copy of "Moby Dick." These hand-sewn leather bookmarks from Hide & Drink are far sturdier than an old envelope, a frayed baseball card, or whatever your loved one is currently using as a bookmark. And each set comes with three because no true bibliophile has only one book going at a time.

18. Fred & Friends Sprout Little Green Bookmarks


For the whimsical reader

Product image of Fred & Friends Sprout Little Green Bookmarks (set of 6)
Fred & Friends Sprout Little Green Bookmarks (set of 6)

These adorable sprout bookmarks will make your favorite reader smile every time they see them.

$8 at Amazon

If leather bookmarks are too serious for your giftee, consider these precious sprout-style bookmarks from Fred & Friends. Each pack comes with six sprout bookmarks, and each sprout features its own special shade of green. Get 'em for the daydreamer in your life.

19. Peepers by Peeperspecs Reading Glasses


For the reader who needs a closer look at their book

Product image of Peepers by Peeperspecs Reading Glasses
Peepers by Peeperspecs Reading Glasses

Reading glasses can be chic, too — just look at these stylish frames from Peepers by Peeperspecs.

$29 at Amazon

After many years of reading, the words on the page may not seem as focused as they once did. Peepers by Peeperspecs—stylish, chunky-framed reading glasses you may have spotted on Oprah's "Favorite Things" list—could be the solution for the reader on your list. They come in six different magnification strengths from 0 x to 3 x, and 13 patterns and colors, like cherry red, clear, and tortoise. 

20. Owl Eyeglass Holder


For the reader who's always looking for their specs

Product image of Owl Eyeglass Holder
Owl Eyeglass Holder

This owl eyeglass holder is the perfect bedside companion for your favorite reader.

$25 at Uncommon Goods

Reading glasses are a boon to any dedicated reader whose near-vision isn't what it used to be—but those necessary specs have a tendency to go missing around the house. Help your book lover remedy this by giving this adorable owl eyeglass holder. It's hand-carved out of sheesham wood and provides a perfect perch to set a pair of glasses on and remember where they are when they're needed. 

21. Sony WH-1000XM4 noise-canceling headphones 


For the reader who needs to shut out the world

Product image of Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones
Sony WH-1000XM4 Noise Canceling Overhead Headphones

The Sony WH-1000XM4 is our favorite pair of over-ear noise canceling headphones.

$278 at Amazon

There's nothing worse than settling in for a good book and finding yourself consumed by the noisy distractions of the world around you. If the bookworm in your life has been searching for some peace and quiet, these Sony headphones are a perfect investment for long-term tranquility. Of all the noise-canceling headphones we've tested, the Sony WH-1000XM4 over-ears impressed us the most, thanks to their comfortable fit, posh design and superb noise-canceling performance. And did we also mention that they're perfect for audiobooks?

22. Stamp By Me Studio Custom Library Stamp


For the reader who wants their books back

Product image of Stamp By Me Studio Custom Library Stamp
Stamp By Me Studio Custom Library Stamp

This library stamp can be customized for your giftee.

From $20 at Etsy

Generous readers know that part of the joy of a good book comes from sharing it with friends and family. But actually getting the book back? That's more of a toss-up. Help someone make their lending process a little more official with a customized "library" stamp. When they let a friend borrow their copy of "Normal People," they'll know it has a better chance of making its way back to them---or, at the very least, the "borrower" will always remember where the book came from. The stamp comes in three sizes and four styles, so you can pick one that best suits the giftee you have in mind. Some stamp styles are self-inking, but if the one you get isn't, don't forget to also include some ink.

23. Big Blanket


For the reader who loves a cozy reading situation

Product image of The Big Blanket
The Big Blanket

We love this absolutely enormous blanket and we think your favorite reader will, too.

$127 at Amazon

Help a bookworm make their reading experiences even cozier with a Big Blanket. We love this extra-large blanket made of temperature-regulating polyester and spandex, which makes it soft, stretchy, and comfortable in every season. It's also machine-washable and easy to fold and store.

24. Sriwatana Bookends


For the reader who likes to display their personal library

Product image of Sriwatana Bookends
Sriwatana Bookends

These modern geometric bookends will frame your giftees books perfectly.

$12 at Amazon

Why frame books with anything less than a modern, visually appealing bookend? These geometric bookends from Sriwatana feature a chic design and don't take up too much space on the shelf. Available in both black and white, they're an elegant way to keep literature front and center.

25. Bards Dispense Profanity card game


For the foul-mouthed bibliophile

Product image of  Bards Dispense Profanity Card Game
Bards Dispense Profanity Card Game

This Cards Against Humanity-style card game is for Shakespeare lovers.

$29 at Amazon

The game Bards Dispense Profanity is exactly what you think it is: a Cards Against Humanity-style game where every card features a reference to the works of William Shakespeare. This may sound tame to those not in the know but—surprise!—the Bard is bawdier than you think.

26. Homesick Book Club Candle


For the reader who's missing their IRL book group 

Product image of Book Club Candle
Book Club Candle

This cozy scented candle from Homesick is the perfect gift for your favorite reader.

$38 at Homesick

This candle doesn't replicate the heady wine-and-cheese aroma of most book clubs—instead, it strikes a subtler note with a blend of orange, nutmeg, sandalwood and cinnamon.

27. Tilisma Book Page Holder


For the reader who needs to get a grip

Product image of Tilisma page holder
Tilisma page holder

Always keep your place with this handy and attractive page holder.

$14 at Amazon

For serious readers, it can be hard to juggle a good book with some of life's more important day-to-day tasks—like lying on your back in a park, for instance, or sipping a glass of wine. Consider, then, this handmade gadget from PagePal that makes holding a book an easier task to carry out single-handed. This frees up your other hand for a glass of wine and makes it easier to read on your back.

28. The Husband Pillow Reading Pillow


For the reader who needs some support

Product image of Husband Pillow
Husband Pillow

Find the perfect artistic insult with this attractive chart.

$80 at Amazon

Reading while leaning on a stack of pillows gets old. Offer your book lover some real support with the Husband Pillow, which contains sturdy yet cozy foam and comes with an adjustable neck bolster to provide a comfy, slouch-busting base whether it's on a bed, couch, or floor.

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