Gifts for Book Lovers

Readers already have a to-read pile, so the best gifts improve the reading itself: better light, more time, a cosier spot, or a book chosen so personally it jumps the queue.

15 ideas to start from

Tea and a book bundle

A novel you think they'll love paired with a tea that suits the mood of the book.

Under $25sentimental

Embossed library stamp with their name

"From the library of …" stamped inside each book they own and lend.

Under $25sentimental

Special edition of their favourite novel

A beautiful hardback or illustrated edition of a book they already love and reread.

$25–50sentimental

Literary festival or author-talk tickets

Hearing a favourite author speak live is a treat few readers buy for themselves.

$25–50experience

Book chosen for them, with a note inside

Pick a book because of something they said, and write why on the first page. The note is the gift.

Under $20sentimental

Book about their team or sport

A history, biography or season story about the team or player they follow.

Under $25sentimental

Book stand or reading pillow

Holds a heavy hardback open in bed or at the table; gentle on wrists and necks.

$25–50practical

E-reader

Lighter than a paperback, readable in sun, and holds a whole holiday's worth of books.

$100–250practical

Reading journal

Somewhere to log every book, rate it and keep favourite quotes.

Under $20fun

Book subscription box

A new book chosen around their favourite genre arrives each month, often with a small treat.

$50–100fun

Streaming or audiobook subscription

A few months of films, music or audiobooks; easy to send instantly.

$25–50practical

Cosy reading blanket

A soft throw for the armchair where they read every evening.

$25–50practical

Art book of a game they love

Concept-art books show how their favourite game world was designed.

$25–50fun

Baking cookbook from a baker they admire

A well-tested cookbook with a note pointing to the recipe you want them to make for you.

Under $25fun

Adjustable reading light

A warm, clip-on or neck light for people who read in bed while a partner sleeps.

Under $25practical

Make it personal

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Tips for choosing

  • Ask (or quietly check) whether they prefer paper, e-reader or audiobooks.
  • Never guess at a series they are halfway through; you may duplicate a copy.
  • A note inside the cover explaining why you chose the book matters more than the book.

New to this? Our guide to choosing a gift explains why recipients and givers judge gifts differently.

Questions

What do you get someone who reads a lot?

Accessories that make reading easier (a warm reading light, an e-reader, a reading journal), a bookshop gift card, or a book you chose because of something they said, with a note inside.

Is a gift card a good gift for a book lover?

Yes. Readers are picky and often already own the obvious titles. A card for an independent bookshop or an audiobook service lets them choose, especially if you add a suggestion.

What are bookish gifts that are not books?

Reading lights, book stands, journals for tracking what they read, literary prints, cosy blankets, tea, and a membership to a library friends group or literary festival.