Gifts for book lovers that aren't another book
Bookmarks, bookends, reading lights and literary prints. Handmade things for the reader who already has a towering to-read pile.
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Giving a book to a reader is risky: they've probably read it, or they have a strong opinion about it. Giving them something that makes reading nicer is safer, and often more memorable.
A leather or brass bookmark
Small, personal and used constantly. Add initials, or choose a brass bookmark engraved with a favourite line.
Handmade bookends
Solid wood, concrete or ceramic, heavy enough to hold a real shelf of hardbacks.
A "library" embosser or stamp
"From the library of…" pressed into every book. Wonderfully old-fashioned and very satisfying.
A literary art print
An illustration inspired by a beloved novel, or a map of a fictional world. Check the artist describes it as original work.
A book sleeve
A padded fabric sleeve protects paperbacks in a bag. Makers sew them in hundreds of prints.
A hand-bound reading journal
For tracking books read, favourite quotes and to-read lists. A hand-bound version feels like a book itself.
A reading mug and loose-leaf tea
A large handmade mug and a good tea, the official reading companions.
A vintage edition of a favourite
If you do want to give a book, make it a beautiful old edition of something they already love. How to buy vintage.
