It feels like each year finding the perfect gift for friends and loved ones gets harder and harder. 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.
Books we like to gift (and be gifted) | Gifts under $10 | Gifts under $15 | Gifts under $25 | Gifts under $50 | Gifts worth the splurge | Gifts from independent bookstores
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Books we've gifted (or been gifted)
"Legendborn," by Tracy Deonn
This book is a personal favorite of mine 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.
"Remember Love: Words for Tender Times," by Cleo Wade
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.
"The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty" Trilogy by Jenny Han
Treat any teen to this book-series-turned-tv-show that has already captured the attention of many.
"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!"
“The Baseball 100,” by Joe Posnanski
The sports fanatic will love this book filled with the most iconic and memorable moments in baseball. Associate editor Sierra Hoeger, who wants to visit as many ballparks as she can, was gifted this by her parents.
"Beach Read," by Emily Henry
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.
This deluxe edition of "Beach Read" features a cover different from the original, as well as artwork on the pages, opposite of the spine.
Once Upon a Book Club Adult Month-to-Month Subscription
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.
Book of the Month Subscription
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.
"From Here to the Great Unknown" by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Get 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for 99 cents per month.
$0.99
$22.50
Audible
Best book lover gifts under $10
Redbubble Cottage Stamp Sticker from Emily Henry's Happy Place
If they're a fan of Emily Henry books, they'll love anything from the Busyzoo's shop on Redbubble. There's a collection with themed stickers for every book, including this stamp design for Henry's novel, "Happy Place."
Personalized Leather Bookmark
Cocchi-Zabloudil has a habit of gifting these personalized leather bookmarks that are "always a hit." With six colors of leather to choose from and three different foils for letters to be embossed on, it makes for an affordable yet touching gift.
Best book lover gifts under $15
Beaded Eyeglass Chain
Editor Vivien Moon earns constant compliments on this beaded eyeglass chain, which she “love[s] how chic it looks in comparison to the old ones my dad used to have,” she says.
Book Club: A Journal
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.
vinmax Lazy Readers Glasses
Reading in bed can be a pain when you want to lay down and don’t want to hold the book up over your head. Enter: the Lazy Readers Glasses made for people who want the best of both worlds — aka laying down flat and still keeping the book low and comfortable. The frames have 90° angle prisms that will allow you to read the text without uncomfortably tilting your head.
Wizard of Oz Wicked Witch Bookmark
Traditional bookmarks are great, but who doesn’t want the Wicked Witch of the East’s legs sticking out of their book to remind them where they left things off? This makes a perfect gift for fans of the classic tale or the person who’s reading one of its many retellings.
Best book lover gifts under $25
A Day at the Bookstore 1,000-Piece Puzzle
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.
Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light
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.
Personal Library Kit
This personal library kit comes with self-adhesive card inserts so you can fill out each borrower’s name and even a date stamper to give it an authentic library look.
Kunitsa Co. Reading Journal
Help them keep track of their book list with this journal that has spaces for things like a daily reading tracker, engaging challenges and a color/draw-in bookstack. It has room for 52 reviews, perfect for someone who reads at a slower pace or is just getting back into reading.
Etsy Book Embosser
"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."
Alice in Wonderland Book Scarf
“My aunt gifted me this whimsical scarf for Christmas one year,” says associate editor Allie Wise. “As a book lover, I absolutely love that it pays homage to one of Lewis Carroll’s most famous works. It is also extremely soft and cozy.”
Bonding Over Books Conversation Cards
Stewart recently purchased these to create conversation during her next book club meeting. Thanks to prompts like "should the book be more or less popular today," and "go around the group and everyone share their favorite genre," book club members can remain engaged all meeting long.
Best book lover gifts under $50
Fritz & Fraulein Stacked Tomes Glass Ornament
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.
Ora Calming Chai
A nice warm beverage is the perfect partner for a good book during the colder weather. According to the brand, this blend is non-caffeinated and “reduces nervous tension, while alleviating digestive unrest” (perfect for the people with sensitive tummies).
Kate Spade New York Canvas Tote Bag
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.
RoWood Book Nook Kits
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.
Taylor Swift Folklore as Books Canvas Print
T. Swift fans will fawn over this canvas print that turns tracks from her album “Folklore” into individual books on a shelf. If there’s a Swiftie in your life, act fast because it’s on sale now! You can also choose to get it as a framed canvas or a framed print.
Spotify Premium Gift Card
If the reader in your life is anything like the Shop TODAY team, then they're stoked about audiobooks finally being included within Spotify Premium subscriptions.
With the option to listen to 15 hours a month, surprise them with a gift card that allows them to take advantage of this new feature.
Literie “Late Fees at the Library” Candle
“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.
WS Game Company Scrabble Board Game
"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."
LeVar Burton Read Banned Books Tee
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.
The Moth by Mail Subscription
Sure, receiving snail mail from loved ones is more common around the holidays, but keep it going throughout the rest of the year with this story subscription that sends them one letter a month for six months, each featuring a heartfelt letter.
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.
Pride and Prejudice Book Bag
This crossbody bag is designed to look like the cover of “Pride and Prejudice” but flips open to reveal an inner pocket where you can store the essentials like your phone, keys and wallet. It’s currently available in a small and medium size. “The bag is just us beautiful as it is on the pictures and to own it makes me feel special,” one five-star reviewer gushed.
Best splurge-worthy gifts for book lovers
Uncommon Goods Book Nook Reading Valet
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!"
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Heart Bookmark
Stewart was recently gifted this bookmark by her boyfriend for their anniversary, 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."
Uncommon Goods Hidden Power Wireless Charger
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.
Casetify Books Lovers Phone Case
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According to the brand, this case offers drop protection up to 13 feet and has an antibacterial coating that eliminates 99% of bacteria. Plus it's MagSafe compatible so wireless charging is a breeze.
Kindle Paperwhite
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
Fabled Bookshop & Cafe Read 'Em and Weep Tote Bag
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.
Strand Books Book Cart Mug
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.
This smaller-sized mug is perfect for sipping tea, coffee or virtually anything else while reading.
The Last Bookstore Zombie Hands Enamel Mug
"Every reader needs a reading mug," Los Angeles-based The Last Bookstore says on its site. This enamel one features a set of zombie hands spelling out the acronym of the store's home city.
Literati Bookstore Baseball Cap
Located in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan, Literati bookstore is well-known and loved by many, helping earn it the Publishers' Weekly Bookstore of the Year award in 2019.
This baseball cap features their logo, a typewriter enclosed in a circle with their shops name.
The Ripped Bodice Friendship Bracelet Tote Bag
Combine multiple fandoms with this one tote from Los Angeles-based bookstore The Ripped Bodice, a bookstore dedicated to the romance genre.
They also have a location located in Brooklyn, New York and an online store where readers can shop books recommended by staffers, opt for a "blind date with a book" or pick up the next novel in their favorite series.
Parnassus Books "I Heart Nashville" Tee
Show the world how much you love reading and Nashville with this tee from locally-owned bookstore, Parnassus Books. Available in sizes S-4XL, it features an image of a heart emerging from a book.
The bookstore is owned by novelist Ann Patchett, author of novels such as "Tom Lake," and Read With Jenna pick "The Dutch House."
Reading In Public "Where Are You Reading?" Tote Bag
Located in the capitol city of Iowa, Reading In Public Books and Cafe is a small but mighty bookstore offering a large selection of non-fiction, fiction, children's books and even a menu of coffee and tea. This tote bag is available in four different colors and begs the question that the store name itself answers.
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.
