It feels like finding the perfect gift for friends and loved ones gets harder and harder with each birthday and holiday. Some people are easier to shop for than others, like the person who loves all things beauty or the friend who's always up to date on the latest tech releases.
Others? Not so easy. Like what do you get the person who always has their nose in a book? Luckily for you, you won't have to worry too much anymore. We've found some of the best gifts the book lover in your life is sure to adore (and actually use), as well as arrive on time for the holidays.
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Books we've gifted (or been gifted)
This book is a personal favorite of mine [Stewart] to both read and gift, especially to the person who's looking for something that'll get them back into reading regularly. Once you pick it up, you'll be transported into the world Tracy Deonn has created and you won't want to put it down.
Partnerships editorial assistant Erica Marrison recommends this book for the "non-reader who likes affirmations and notes." Poet Cleo Wade encourages readers to "remember love" in periods where it's hard to, such as moments of grief, times when change occurs and other periods where we feel low.
Here at Shop TODAY, we’re all big fans of Emily Henry. How could you not be? Her romance novels have captured all of our hearts enough to have us wanting multiple versions of books we already own.
"I adored this trilogy when I first read it in high school (the first book came out when I was in 9th grade) and I loved all three books just as much when I reread them as an adult after the Amazon Prime series came out," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil. "Season three comes out in 2025, so now is a great time to gift these books to a teen who hasn’t gotten to know Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah yet!"
Multiple editors — myself (Hoeger) included — were anticipating the arrival of Taylor Jenkins Reid's newest novel, and finished it in a weekend's time.
It follows the story of Joan, a NASA-hopeful who falls in love while preparing for a life-changing mission.
The sports fanatic will love this book filled with the most iconic and memorable moments in baseball. Associate editor Sierra Hoeger was gifted this by her parents.
This isn't your ordinary book subscription. Each month's chosen book comes with a variety of gifts that you open as you reach dedicated page numbers. Commerce writer Danielle Murphy is a fan after being gifted a three-month subscription. They also offer boxes themed for young adult and middle grade readers.
Give them the power to choose their own books to be delivered right to their doorstep with a Book of the Month subscription. Writer Emma Stessman was gifted a six month subscription and calls it "one of my favorite gifts I've ever gotten." They offer three-, six- and 12-month plans.
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Best book lover gifts under $10
Cocchi-Zabloudil has a habit of gifting these personalized leather bookmarks that are "always a hit." With three colors of leather to choose from and the option for letters to be embossed on, it makes for an affordable yet touching gift.
If their shelves are filled with more cookbooks than they can count, gift them with a foodie-themed bookmark to help them keep their place. Humdrum Paper offers a variety of food-related options, including a stick of butter, sushi and chopsticks, dumplings, a pickle and more.
Best book lover gifts under $15
Editor Vivien Moon earns constant compliments on this beaded eyeglass chain. She says she “love[s] how chic it looks in comparison to the old ones my dad used to have."
Whether you’re starting a new book club or are well-versed in the practice, this journal is perfect for keeping track of key points from your meetings, your personal thoughts and even the snacks you all shared. Plus, it’s loaded with suggestions for the group’s next read and fun activities to try during your next gathering.
Best book lover gifts under $25
For days spent at home reading, this 1,000-piece puzzle offers a break while still maintaining the cozy vibes. Senior SEO editor Jess Bender is in her self-proclaimed “cozy girl era,” which will be perfectly partnered with this puzzle.
This isn't any ordinary puzzle. It's shaped to look like butterflies are flying up out of the stack of books — different from your traditional square or rectangle puzzle. Plus, you can glue the pieces together and frame puzzle to serve as décor in your book nook or at-home library.
Know someone who always falls asleep while reading? This handy rechargeable reading light will not only take their evening stories to the next level, but it’s a partner-friendly light that won’t disturb those happily snoozing next to you. Even Jenna Bush Hager said the light changed her reading game.
"My friend has the most enviable book collection and she kindly lets everyone borrow her books," says Stessman. "A few years ago, I gave her this stamp so people will never forget who they borrowed from. Every time I borrow a new book from her now, she takes out the embosser to stamp it and it makes us both so happy."
Best book lover gifts under $50
If booked and busy describes their year (and reading style), this stack of books should be familiar to them. Add a little love to their Christmas tree with this ornament, that features seven colorful books.
Whether they're going to the library or the bookstore, you can't go wrong with gifting the reader in your life a cute tote bag to carry all of their goodies.
Stewart was over the moon when receiving this tee featuring iconic “Reading Rainbow” host, LeVar Burton, in support of banned books. These limited edition T-shirts celebrate the freedom to read any and all books while taking a stand against censorship.
If they also like to get crafty, they’ll love this book nook kit that they can put on display as soon as they’re done. There are four different options to choose from that all make the perfect addition to any bookshelf.
“One of my favorite parts about my first job at the library was the smell of new (and old) paper coming through the stacks, so the promise of this candle piqued my interest,” says Bender of this luxe candle.
"I would love to receive this version of scrabble that fits right into your bookcase," says Stessman. "Great way for any reader to test their vocabulary!"
Cocchi-Zabloudil also has a special connection to Scrabble (her now husband proposed using the game!), and he then bought this as a white elephant gift for their family to use on Christmas.
"I love the unique packaging — it’s designed to look like a vintage book," she says, adding that "the brand makes similar editions for a bunch of popular games, so you could collect them all for a fun shelf display."
Written and submitted from people all around the world, this unique storytelling subscription aims to encourage empathy and was also featured in Shop TODAY’s 2023 Gifts We Love.
Best splurge-worthy gifts for book lovers
If your nightstand serves as a catch-all for everything you need before winding down for bed, optimize space with this multitasking storage option that holds glasses, a cup of tea or coffee and saves the spot in your book.
"This is just the cutest thing on my nightstand right now," says Murphy. "It’s a great way to show off my physical reads AND save my place when I inevitably lose my bookmark somehow. The glasses holder, mug holder and secret phone pocket make for nice touches!"
Stewart was gifted this bookmark by her boyfriend for their anniversary last year, a touching gift that can be made even more so with the option to customize it with a message or initials.
"It’s perfect for readers and has a bit of weight to it, too, which I was surprised by," she says of this sterling silver reading accessory. "I’m so excited to use it with my next read."
Traditional wireless chargers can look out of place sometimes — this one aims to resolve that. This wireless charger is disguised to look like a book, fitting in on any nightstand or coffee table.
One of our editors recently put this e-reader to the test against Amazon's Kindle and found that the Kobo is better and more accessible for travel.
This portable e-reader will help them take their entire library on the go. What could be better than that? According to the brand, it offers up to ten weeks of battery life on a full charge and has a "glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight."
"I’ve always been a physical book person but ultimately hitting my reading goals is what matters most to me so I’m so excited to have the option to quickly download new books or rent e-books from my local library," says Cocchi- Zabloudil.
Gifts from independent bookstores
Nestled in a flyover state, Dogeared Books is located in Ames, Iowa and plays off the word "dogeared," with merch featuring the store's dogs.
With a plethora of literature-related merchandise on their site (including their takes on popular designs seen out and about), Fabled Bookshop and Cafe leans in to their location of Waco, Texas with this Western-inspired tote bag.
These book carts are immediately recognizable to those who have visited either of Strand Book's physical storefronts in New York City, packed with dozens of discounted titles to sift through.
Books Are Magic was founded and is operated by author Emma Straub, with two locations in Brooklyn, New York. This bag makes trips to the bookstore and library even easier.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list including the grillmaster, movie lover, music lover, foodie and more.
