The holidays and winter season are upon us, and while you may be inclined to curl up and read a book, it’s time to seek out unique gifts for family and friends. Whether you’re shopping for your librarian friend, literary relative, or yourself, here are some fun, memorable book-themed gifts that show you care.
1. Literary Candles ($11)
Readers can bring their favorite books to life with Etsy artist Callie Meaney’s literary candles. Whether it be the scent of the ocean breeze at Jay Gatsby’s shoreline, the freshly laundered socks of Dobby the House Elf, or the blue spruce from the Narnia forest, From the Page soy candles bring a whiff of the unforgettable scenes of beloved books.
2. Literary Mugs ($12.99)
Sipping morning coffee or tea from these famous author mugs gives new meaning to early literacy. Featuring writers like Mark Twain, Jane Austen, and Kurt Vonnegut, the PBS literary mugs include wise words, such as Austen’s quote, “One cannot have too large a party.”
3. Tote Bags from Out of Print ($18)
Canvas book bags become arm candy with art from beloved books, such as Eric Carle’s Very Hungry Caterpillar. Other bags from online retailer Out of Print feature The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain, and a Banned Books list. These totes are not just eco-friendly and stylish—Out Of Print also sends a book to a community in need when you buy a bag.
4. Gray Classic Retro Book Style Smart Case for Kindle Paperwhite 3 ($19.99)
Kindle users who miss the feel of a sturdy hardcover book will like this leather cover case. The classic Mosiso Kindle Paperwhite case is made with bicast leather and has a protective soft interior. It comes in blue, brown, red, and gray, and it fits the first, second, and third generation of the Kindle Paperwhite.
5. Fingerprint Bookmark Band ($7)
Next time you’re reading a gripping novel or studying an important passage for a test, keep track of where you left off with MoMA Store’s Fingerprint Bookmark Band. The bookmarks are made of rubber and are available in orange, gray/blue, and green (selected at random when you order).
6. Eyeglasses Holder ($18)
Stylishly perch your reading glasses on this humorous shisham wood eyeglasses holder (shown above). The distinctive item is handmade by the nonprofit HSSS, which helps underprivileged artisans in India. HSSS has also created animal-themed glasses holders, including an owl ($24), a peacock ($28), and a pig ($36).
7. Build On Brick Bookends ($19.99)
Keeping your books organized and aligned doesn’t have to be a dusty, tedious affair. ThinkGeek’s bookends have an exterior surface that matches most bricks—such as LEGO, PixelBlocks, Mega Bloks, KRE-O, or K’NEX Bricks—letting you construct masterpieces that are just as interesting as the books they’re keeping upright.
8. Library Card Socks ($10)
Even if your books are a tad overdue, your fashion sense can still be up to date with these library card–themed socks. Featuring a nostalgic due-date card template and available in yellow, gray, and blue, these Out of Print socks will keep book lovers warm throughout the winter.
9. Archive Got the Power Dress ($99.99)
Readers can express their literary devotion with this chic, whimsical ModCloth dress featuring stacks upon stacks of books. The cotton dress includes a removable red belt; plus, it has side pockets, making it practical as well as fashionable. The versatile dress looks great with a cardigan, long-sleeve shirt underneath, with tights, or on its own.
10. Litographs T-shirts ($34)
Torn between buying your friend a book-inspired gift or an actual book this upcoming holiday? Just combine the two. Litographs T-shirts feature designs made completely of the book’s text in a pointillist style. Check out the design of Nancy Drew with a magnifying glass using the text from Carolyn Keene’s Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock. The T-shirt designs feature American lit, mystery, Shakespeare, story collections, and more; they can also be printed as posters or tote bags.
11. Check Me Out Library Kit ($16)
Being a savvy librarian, you probably have an impressive book collection of your own. Do you have friends who want to borrow one of your classic novels but you’re afraid of never getting them returned? Have no fear—you can take the cataloging reins with the Check Me Out Library Kit. The kit comes with cataloging supplies, including 20 checkout cards and a stamp pad, so you can keep track of your books in a fun, personal way.
12. Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book ($9.57)
The adult coloring book craze is here to stay, and what better time to jump on board than during the holidays? Unwind from work, or destress from the holidays, with Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford’s popular 2013 Secret Garden: An Inky Treasure Hunt and Coloring Book. Coloring in the pages’ intricate floral designs will let readers relax, be creative, and get back to their childhood chill.
13. My Life Story—So Far Journal ($28)
Librarians are experts in finding quality books to share to readers, but they surely have their own personal stories waiting to be shared, too. This My Life Story—So Far journal is divided into sections such as “Early Years,” “Family Roots,” and “Passions & Pastimes,” and it provides prompts to write about, like “A childhood experience that stands out.” The memoir also includes a sheet of 36 photo corners to include pictures.
