Gray Thursday (that holiday we fondly remember as Thanksgiving), Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday - the 2019 holiday shopping season is officially here. Whether you are a shop-’til-you-drop retail enthusiast or hate shopping with unparalleled passion, it’s time to take a page from good ‘ol Saint Nick and start making your list and checking it twice.
Is your list of gift recipients ready? Let’s start checking it. Does your list have any book-loving family members or friends? Is that coworker whose name you’ve drawn for the Secret Santa gift exchange a bookworm? Do you need an extra gift to have on hand for that person who shouldn’t have purchased you a gift but did, and now you need a gift for them? Are you a bookworm who is being constantly hounded by your mom or spouse for gift ideas?
We’ve got you covered. As two self-proclaimed book nerds, we’ve compiled a list of bookish items we love to give and receive. Have a look! Please note, links provided are non-affiliated. We don’t get any sort of kickback from them, they’re simply items we love or want. (Hint, hint, husbands.)
E-reader
Does the book lover in your life read mostly digital books? Maybe a new e-reader is in store. Cassie has a Kindle Fire from 2013 that is still in good working order while Ashley isn’t very careful around water so she opted for a Kindle Oasis. Nook and Kobo are dedicated e-readers too. We've not done a comprehensive comparison of all that are available, but we're sure someone on the world wide web has. Many e-readers will be on sale throughout the holiday season.
Book sleeve
If your bookworm has precious paperback or hardback books to protect, a book sleeve may be the perfect gift. There are lots of options available on Book Beau and Etsy. Cassie has one by this shop and it’s gorgeous! Check out her Harry Potter themed Instagram photo @cassiereading.
Tote bags
Or maybe your bibliophile borrows a lot of books from the library and could use a new tote bag. We don't think you can ever have too many of them.
Tickets to a signing event
Does the reader in your life love to travel and have a few vacation days to spare? Tickets to a book signing may be the perfect gift. We’re headed to Book Bonanza in August. Tickets are still available!
Bathtub tray
Does your book addict enjoy luxurious bubble baths? This bathtub tray is one of Ashley’s all-time favorite gifts. It’s got a designated spot for your wine glass as well as your book or e-reader and a snack. (Okay, it's not a designated snack spot, but you can be creative and make it work. Priorities.)
Headphones
Does your bookworm like listening to audiobooks? Or do they enjoy listening to music to drown you out while they are reading? A pair of bluetooth-enabled headphones may make a good gift.
Blankets
What’s better than cozying up under a blanket with a good book? To a bookaholic - nothing. Absolutely nothing is better.
Mugs
Okay the only thing that may be better is a cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee while you are cozied up under a blanket reading.
Socks
While wearing a pair of warm, fuzzy socks or socks that tell the world how you really feel (about books).
Tablet cushions
Make it easy for your favorite book nerd to curl up with a good book ... without dropping it on her face.
Gift cards
When all else fails, or if you’re running short on time, a gift card may be the way to go. Some of our suggestions are:
Amazon (so your bookish friend can buy their own books)
Independent, local bookstores
Etsy
Subscriptions can also be great last-minute purchase
Audio services like Audible or iTunes (We also like Author’s Direct and Chirp but haven't found gifting options on those sites yet.)
Kindle Unlimited - Did you know you can read on the Kindle App without having a Kindle?
Book subscription box - Bookworm Box, Owl Crate, and Book of the Month are just a few we know of.
Two final suggestions:
If you know your bookworm’s favorite authors, check out their websites. Many of them have shops where you can purchase autographed books, coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other fun gifts.
Does you’re book nerd have their own wishlist? Ask if they’ve built a list on Amazon or Elfster.com that you can consult for suggestions.
