Gift Ideas for Bookish People

Happy Wednesday, y’all! This year I’m starting my gift guides early to give you plenty of time to find the perfect gift. This week, I’m focusing on the bookish people in our lives. Maybe this is more along the lines of a wish list for me, as I’m really the only bookworm in my family. That’s not to say I’m the only reader, but I’m the only one who reads more than anything else. Are the bookish people in your life hard to shop for? This list of gift ideas for bookish people is here to help.

I have done a lot of these kinds of lists in the past: Lego Sets, Gifts from Etsy, Places to Buy Bookish Merchandise, and Stocking Stuffers.

I tried to come up with a list of gift ideas for every budget. So let’s check out my gift ideas for bookish people.

A Year of Books

This is probably the most expensive gift on this list. But it can also be affordable if planned out. So what is a year of books? Simply, it’s a book a month for a year. While this isn’t a new idea, I was inspired by Libby Page’s This Book Made Me Think of You. The book is a perfect read!

You could do what Joe did in the book and pre-order 12 books from a local bookstore to pick up at the beginning of the month. Or, what I’ve seen others do, is buy and wrap 12 books in a box. The books are labeled with the month they should be opened. Yes, buying 12 brand new books can be pricey. But if you plan it out, you may be able to get these books second-hand.

Custom Tools

What kind of tools do bookish people need or want? Some people like to mark the books in their personal library. Look at custom bookmarks based on their favorite authors, characters, or series.

Journal

A lot of book people have journals and notebooks galore. Why? Because they like to keep track of the books they read, but even quotes they like. Some people also write out reviews in their journals. You can find journals specifically for readers, or even a plain one. You can add stickers and such to a journal.

Bookish Coupons

This is a great gift idea that you can make with items you have at home. A few years ago, I created a series of bookish coupons, which you can find here. You can also make them yourself to fit you and your gift recipient.

Music & Soundscapes

Before I go too far, I know you’re wondering what soundscapes are. Essentially, they are the background noise of a specific place. A quick look on YouTube and you will find a ton of ideas.

Now how would you give music and soundscapes as a gift? There are a variety of ways, from CDs, radios, headphones, earbuds, and speakers. If those don’t work, then you can give a gift subscription to Spotify or YouTube Music (these may require purchasing gift cards).

Board Games

I know this is a twist from the other ideas, but even bookish people need a break from reading all the time! That said, there are some games out there designed with readers in mind.

A Reading Retreat

What is a reading retreat? It’s a trip designed for readers. I’ve had some advertised to me that are week-long trips to the UK where breakfast and dinner are shared with everyone, with blocks throughout the day to visit castles and gardens, and, of course, time to read. Then after dinner, everyone gathers to discuss the books they’ve been reading. I also saw one set up like a summer camp, with craft time to make assorted bookish items. And discussion time around a campfire with s’mores and a chance to discuss books.

Of course, you don’t need to do something like that to have a reading retreat. You can sit in your local park for a day and read. Or go away to a cabin and read for the weekend.

Trip to a Book Event

What’s a book event? Well, they are things like author meet-and-greets, book conventions, and book fairs/shows. Last year, I attended a free book event in Toronto called Word on the Street. It was such a fun experience; I’m already making plans to go this year.

Last year I also found myself at a book show. Picture a craft show, but book-themed. There were indie authors, booksellers, and crafters selling book things like bookmarks, T-shirts, hoodies, and bags.

Trip to a Book Place Out of the Norm

That sounds clunky! But I can’t be the only person who likes visiting bookstores when on vacation. Several years ago we were on vacation in Hershey, PA, and stopped at the local library book sale. When I was on a cruise to Alaska two years ago, I made sure to visit Old Harbor Books in Sitka. It’s located in downtown Sitka and is easy to access from the bus stop where shuttles drop off visitors. And then last year, while we were in Brockville, Ontario, we discovered an amazing second-hand bookstore called Book Trader. It’s a dangerous place! I spent close to an hour on a step ladder just looking through all of the Agatha Christie books they have so I could add them to my collection.

A quick look at your social media can help you find places near you that may strike your fancy. I could spend a weekend searching bookstores in Toronto. Why? Because I’ve learned of so many independent bookstores I’d like to visit. I mean, there’s a horror-themed one, a couple of romance ones that sort their books by spice level.

Make a Donation to a Local Library or Literary Organization

Does the person on your list insist they don’t want you to get them anything? Maybe make a small donation instead to a local library or literary organization. Maybe even purchase some of the organization’s swag; trust me, they have it!

That’s ten gift ideas for bookish people. Did you find anything here that you hope to receive? Or to give to another bookish person? What are some other great gift ideas for bookish people that you can think of?

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my other bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.