The Best Gifts for Book Lovers, According to Our Resident Bookworm

Originally published on People.com

The average person reads 12 books a year. Yes, 12.

For avid readers immersed in the culture of celebrity book clubs or who find themselves reading late into the night, that might be a shocking statistic. My book count lands between 40 and 70 depending on the year (yes, I’m in therapy), and I’ve embraced being the resident bookworm of my circles. 

I’ve also received many bookish gifts over the years which have, no doubt, aided this hobby of mine. If you know someone who makes reading their entire personality, let me pass along a few gifting suggestions that will bring the same joy as cracking open a new book.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

A stack of books in your suitcase isn’t efficient for travel, but an Amazon Kindle can slip into a backpack or tote sleeve with ease. One of our editors owns this Kindle and loves its crisp display and long battery life — she’s only had to charge it three times in five months! Plus, Amazon’s Kindle Books houses thousands of popular books at majorly discounted prices.

Joyberg Magnetic Bookmarks

A moment of silence for the paper bookmarks that have fallen from their post. These magnetic bookmarks hold a sturdier grip on those pages to ensure you can always pick up where you left off reading. Plus, the set comes with 15 earthy and neutral hues for just $5.

Yahu Lando Reading Women Figurine

My mom gave me this little reader figurine for Christmas, and it was one of my absolute favorite gifts! The details are everything: the letters wrapping around the figure’s body, its thoughtful pose, and miniature size (ideal for resting on a bookshelf). It’s peak bookish décor!

Pickled Stamps “From the Library of” Book Embosser

I frequently loan out books, but rule number one of the Mads Library: Returns are required. A customized stamp or embosser, like this Etsy find, provides a subtle and sophisticated reminder. I personally have the stamp, but since the ink can be a little messy, I’d actually recommend the embosser version for a cleaner, lasting mark.

Papier Reading Journal

For those in book clubs, a reading journal is a good place to gather all of your thoughts after finishing the chosen story. This Papier journal has space for up to 32 books, with organized pages to denote ratings, favorite quotes, first impressions, key takeaways, and more. I use mine to dissect themes and passages I want to refer back to later — a solid gift for any bookworm.

Storied Home Resin Pinecone Bookends

If you know someone who collects books as often as they read them, then bookends could be a storage solution they’ll actually use. These sturdy bronze pinecone bookends add a rustic touch to any coffee table or bookshelf.

Rifle Paper Co. Book Club Porcelain Mug

A good book is served best with a steaming cup of coffee or tea, and this book club mug is the ideal vessel to sip from while reading your latest fix. With literature classics painted across the side, the mug is an ode to readers of every era. Pro tip: The gold rim and handle cannot be microwaved (I may have tested this by accident and strongly advise against it).

Apple AirPods Pro 2

When I’m not hauling books in my work bag, I’m listening to an audiobook via Apple Airpods. These wireless earbuds drown out city noise (specifically the subway) impressively, and the battery easily endures hours of nonstop usage. Whether a user of Audible, Apple Books, or Spotify, the book lover in your life will greatly benefit from these noise-canceling earbuds.

Plkmn Vintage Book Reading Posters

These vintage-looking book posters are the ideal, cozy décor for a home library or a go-to reading spot. The set comes with four unframed sheets covered in bookish and floral-inspired imagery — and these sleek gold frames would finish the look.

Book Of The Month Gift Membership

Two years ago, my mom treated me to a year-long Book of the Month (BOTM) membership (there are 3-month and 6-month options, too), and it’s become a yearly gift tradition. The app creates a seamless process for choosing your monthly pick — with five to seven options each cycle — and your order arrives within just a few days. I’ve received 22 books spanning thrillers, historical fiction, fantasy, and romance and cannot recommend this service enough.

Homesick Book Club Candle

I’ve owned many Homesick candles, and the soy wax blend allows you to burn your candle for hours of reading time (60 to 80 to be exact) without putting any harmful chemicals in the air. The Book Club candle, in particular, brings together notes of cinnamon, amber, nutmeg, and orange  for a cozy, aroma-filled reading experience.

designedRx A Year of Books Custom & Personalized Mini Book Ornament

For readers who meticulously track the books they read, this unique ornament is a special gift. Simply select the number of books and write out the titles/authors, and this Etsy shop will create a time capsule of one’s books read that year. (Hint: Check out your reader’s Goodreads account or Bookstagram to source their book log.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to pay for books on Kindle?

The Kindle is a vessel to house and read books, but you do have to purchase and download E-books to the device. That said, with an Amazon Prime Membership, you can access certain Kindle books first, and others for free during special promotions.

How does a Book of the Month gift work?

As the gift giver, you pay a one-time fee and the recipient receives a code to start their membership. Once a member, they can access monthly book options in the app, with the ability to add credits should they want extra books, skip a month if they aren’t feeling the picks, and so much more. If you decide to re-up the gift, they can simply add the new code to their existing account and it will add more credits, so they can keep their membership status (which levels up overtime as you read and review more books).

Madison Yauger is a PEOPLE shopping editor who’s lost many nights to reading rabbit holes: The intention to peruse a few chapters ending up in a landslide of intricate plotlines, steamy characters, and unraveling mysteries that leave her awake at 1 a.m. with her jaw on the floor. That said, she finds time to read 50 or more books a year (on subway commutes, airplanes, park days, etc.), so she knows a thing or two about gifts that readers will actually use. Combining research with tested gifts she’s received over the years, Madison curated this list of the absolute best gifts for book lovers that any reading aficionado is sure to love.