Gift Ideas for Book Lovers

Everyone who knows me recognizes that I am a Reader with a capital R. I love books of all kinds and make it a goal to read every single day. This holiday season, I have created a list of ideas for the Reader in your life. Certainly there are the obvious solutions - a gift card to their bookstore of choice, some coffee or tea to enjoy while reading, a book light from a big box retail store, but you have other alternatives, alternatives that are more personalized and support small businesses during these difficult times.

1. Book Review Journal by @EmilyCromwellDesigns on Etsy - 12$

Many Readers are critics and feel the compulsive need to share their opinions on the books they read. This journal has 86 pages to record title, author, dates began and finished, as well as their star review and favorite quotes. This etsy shop has five star reviews for all of its items and reviewers find this journal to be the perfect size and shape for their reviews.

2. Leather Harry Potter Bookmark by @MereLeather on Etsy - 9.99$

While many of us Readers are trending towards the digital with ebooks, others still reading traditional hardback and paperback books. I always had a hard time with traditional bookmarks falling out or getting lost, and this leather bookmark by MereLeather on Etsy seems like a good solution, nestled in the corner of your book. Plus, the subtle Harry Potter decoration will appeal to the nostalgic joy many feel for the Harry Potter series.

3. Baby Yoda Reading Books Shirt by @6868Creative on Etsy - 20-37$

I am a total sucker for the adorable Baby Yoda, introduced in Disney+'s The Mandalorian. I found this adorable shirt on Etsy, by user 6868Creative. The shirt is an adorable depiction of the character with a book in hand and a play on the Mandalorian's creed 'This is the Way." Reading is a way of life for many of us, and this is adorable! The shop has five star reviews and the print comes in unisex t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops and sweatshirts.

4. Personalized Kindle Case by @GiftsWithLuv on Etsy - 29.99

I have been a Reader since childhood, but I have to admit that my reading habit dwindled as I entered my twenties. Then came the Kindle and other e-reader devices and I surpassed my childhood reading numbers yet again! By allowing me to carry dozens of books at a time and access them with the press of a button, even in dim light, I ended up at least a book or two a week. This item I found on Etsy is a personalized case for the 2018-2019 version of the Kindle paperwhite, but this and other etsy sellers have many case options available. Gotta keep that Kindle safe and sound!

5. A Page Anchor - 39.99

This item is a little pricy for my tastes, selling regularly at 50$, but as I said earlier, I experienced bookmarks falling out and getting lost. This signature gold anchor is not getting lost any time soon. Its stainless steel and the website states that it does not cause damage to a book's spine.

6. Custom Book Print - 105

Another one that's on the pricey side, but I would love if someone bought for me. Artist Jane Mount makes custom prints based on a selection of books, with an extra charge for books not on her list. There are many customized options.

7. Book Enamel Pin - 11$

While exploring Jane Mount's site, I found another listing that appealed to my own tastes. I love enamel pins, and the site lists several book-based pins with titles such as 1984, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Harry Potter, and The Hobbit. If a person has a title that's special to them, this could be a fantastic gift for a low price.

8. Books From An Independent Bookstore

While I have to admit it's far easier to buy your books from Amazon or a Big Box store, there are many small businesses, many of them woman-owned and/or black owned that need our help. This year, more than ever, small businesses are suffering. You can do a simple search for locations near you, or retailers from all over the world that ship online. It's hard to do when money is tight, but we really need to think about where we spend our money.

Money talks, after all.

Some personal suggestions are - Footprints LLC, an online bookshop that is black-owned and woman-owned. MissReadBooks, a shop that highlights women of color. MalikBooks, a Los Angeles based shop that has been struggling during the pandemic.

I certainly hope that these suggestions helped you figure out a gift for the Reader in your life! I'd love any and all of these as Holiday gifts this year.