9 Gifts for People Who Like to Read

If you’re not a book lover yourself, it can be hard to think of creative gifts for people who like to read. To help you find the perfect present, we’ve rounded up nine of our favorite gift ideas for book lovers–from booklights to scented candles to e-readers to themed games.

Book-Scented Candle

Is there anything better than lighting a scented soy or coconut wax candle and curling up with a good book? We don’t think so. For the reader who already owns too many books, we recommend our Library candle that smells like books. Base notes of vanilla, balsam and amber anchor the fragrance and the aroma of library books is interlaced with notes of cinnamon, clove, cedarwood, sandalwood, orange and nutmeg.

Heated Blanket

Reading is one of the best activities to do during the winter months when the weather is too cold to go outside. Help your gift recipient stay extra cozy by giving them a heated blanket to keep them warm no matter the temperature outside. These electric blankets deliver a gentle yet consistent heat and will stay toasty even if you have to get up. Heated blankets come in almost as many styles as regular blankets–from plaid flannel to microfiber plush.

Backrest Pillow

Sitting in bed to read sounds like a great idea, but it can be hard to find a comfortable position that doesn’t involve squashing your regular pillows behind you. If your friends like to read in bed and don’t have one already, consider giving them a backrest pillow with arms. These pillows are quite affordable and provide substantial support to keep you from hurting your back while reading in bed.

Bookshelves and Bookends

If your friend already owns too many books, odds are good that they don’t have enough shelves to store them all. If you’ve been to your friend’s house and know what their decor looks like and what space they have available, buying them a matching bookcase is a thoughtful gift they’ll be sure to use for years to come. If a bookcase isn’t a feasible idea, you can also get them a set of unique bookends for their existing shelves.

Book-Themed Games

If your book lover is also a vocabulary nerd, you can’t go wrong with a nice edition of Scrabble. However, there are plenty of lesser-known board games for literary fans beyond just Scrabble. For example, Ex Libris makes players race each other to collect the biggest and best collections of rare books, while It Was a Dark and Stormy Night asks participants to identify books based on their opening lines.

Booklight

Reading in light that’s too dim really puts a strain on your eyes and can cause your eyes to get tired more quickly (though it won’t make your eyesight worse, contrary to popular belief). Help the reader in your life keep their eyes feeling good with a strong booklight that will provide plenty of illumination. There are even some fancy models that hang around your neck for hands-free reading!

Kindle or Other E-Reader

If you’re looking to splurge, an e-reader such as a Kindle or a Nook is a gift that any reader is sure to treasure for many years to come. If they already own an e-reader and you’re looking to keep your budget a bit lower, you can also get them a case for their existing e-reader. Credits to buy e-books from popular services, or even a specialized e-book subscription service, will keep them in books all year round.

Literary Mugs and Glasses

If there’s one thing readers love as much as books, it’s beverages. From coffee mugs emblazoned with Shakespeare quotes to shot glasses decorated with the faces of famous writers, there’s a cup or glass out there for every reader, no matter their beverage of choice. There are also plenty of other options besides glasses–from literary-themed cocktail books to wine charms with book motifs.

Gift Card to Their Favorite Indie Bookstore

If you’re not sure what to give your friend, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to their favorite local indie bookstore. Many bookstores carry cute gifts and reading accessories as well as the books themselves, giving your gift card recipient a wide variety of items to choose from. Plus, you’ll be supporting a local business, something you can always feel good about.

Good luck finding the perfect gift for the person in your life who loves to read! You can’t go wrong with any of the ideas on this list if you’re looking for inspiration.