Everyone knows a book lover, they’re pretty easy to spot, right? Always have a paperback or a kindle in their bag, expect regular rectangular parcels through the letterbox and can often be found in a cosy reading nook where they intend to stay all evening.
These are some of the greatest people to buy gifts for, and if you don’t feel confident enough to pick out a story they’ll like, bookish gifts are probably the answer. From handy accessories to fun decor, the bookish world is taking communities of women in particular by storm, meaning there’s plenty of options out there for a book lover when you want to treat them to something nice and bookish.
What Makes a Great Bookish Gift?
The best gifts aren’t always books for a reader, they could be something that makes the experience of reading better, more comfortable or easier. Some readers already have hundreds of books on their real or digital shelves to get around to, and others may just be very particular with their tastes, so books can actually be quite a hard thing to buy for someone.
A bookish gift however, could be exactly what you need to show your thoughtfulness of their hobbies and personality, combined with the fun friendship energy you have. A good bookish gift could make reading more comfortable, like a cute pillow or one of those fluffy stands with room for snacks. It could also be something as simple as a page turner for the kindle, allowing them to relax and press a button instead of having to hold onto their kindle.
This may seem like something very small, but as readers, we know what actually makes the experience more fun and easier, and more enjoyable.
Protecting the Stories They Love
Have you ever seen a well-loved book? Maybe the pages are all dog-eared and bent paperback covers, this could be from reading and rereading, or a bit of damage from being loose in a handbag on the go. Same goes with a kindle, scratches can easily happen when it’s rolling around the bottom of a bag with keys or a water bottle or anything else.
Luckily, a well-loved book doesn’t have to become a battered one. With our book sleeves and kindle covers designed to protect, your books and devices are kept much safer from spills, scratches or anything else that might happen while on holiday, commuting or just being handled often around the house.
We designed book covers for paperbacks and hardbacks to fit a range of sizes too, the adjustable part is ideal if you like to go from a short twisty thriller to a long high fantasy. Sleeves and covers often come patterned as well, which is where you can really find something perfect that your book lover would like.
Turn Reading Into Self Care
Self care is so much more than baths, I’ve talked about this before. Self care, to us, is taking the time that you need, whether it be to relax, engage in a hobby, or pamper yourself. Reading is a massive form of self care by itself, immersing yourself in a fantasy world or puzzling out a murder mystery. But there are ways to make the experience even more special and cosy:
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A good cosy blanket: Literally the perfect accessory to a cosy book corner, combined with a comfy chair to relax in.
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Candles: You can get their favourite scents, or look for a business that makes candles bookish-themed to their favourite genres.
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Bookmarks: A perfect little add-on gift that they will always get some use from, else we end up using receipts or pencils!
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Tea: You can’t go wrong with a cup of tea while you’re reading, if you know your book lover has a favourite, this can be the perfect addition to a cute bookish self care gift box.
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Book sleeve: to keep the book safe while you aren’t reading it, and to match the cosy aesthetic you’re going for.
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Bookish decorations: There are so many shops on Etsy that sell the cutest bookish accessories based on favourite genres or even individual authors and books.
All these things can help to create this cosy self care reading experience, that even if you only get to do it for a short time each evening, will make them feel relaxed and take less stress away with them afterwards.
Building a Reading Ritual
Ideally, you’ll have as much time as you want to read in your days, but we know it’s not always the easiest thing to do. A reading ritual though can immerse you into your reading experience straight away, rather than spending twenty minutes trying to get into your first chapter but struggling because of background noise or other people in the room.
Our founder, Tahlia, loves a cosy read in the evenings, so she’s here to share her reading ritual before bed.
‘I love reading at any time of day and I do squeeze it in with my breakfast, during breaks in my work day, and definitely in the evenings. Sometimes it can be hard though in the main lounge because of other things going on, so I set up a cosy corner for myself and follow a few rules to get straight into my books when I want to.
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Make a cup of tea in a nice big mug and find something easy to snack on with a book, like grapes or chocolate buttons.
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Settle into my soft, fluffy beanbag, where I’m kinda lying, kinda sat up, just a comfy position where I’m not bent over a book with a stiff neck.
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I turn my phone on silent or do not disturb, just to avoid those emails pinging in.
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I turn off the big light and use the soft lamp over my beanbag, ideal for reading without straining my eyes.
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Decide on a little goal for the book, even if it’s just ten pages or a chapter, but once I’m settled, it usually ends up being a lot more. Enjoy my tea, snacks and story together until it’s time to go to bed.
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Set up my kindle on it’s stand, attach the page turner and settle down to sleep. The page turner means I can cosy down and just need to click a button on the remote in my hand to turn the page, and I generally fall asleep this way, knowing my kindle is safe and my page is saved.’
Bookish gifts are a really nice idea for a book lover, whether they’re very practical or just pretty. If you want to find out more about the practical ones, I put together a post covering practical bookish gifts here.
The best gifts for a book lover do not have to be the biggest or most expensive (although who would say no to a library?), they’re the ones that become a part of someone’s routine or life. Your gift could become a part of their reading experience.
At Tahlia Paige, we love creating beautiful bookish gifts for book lovers, designed by a book lover. Every piece has a hand designed pattern on it, and is hand made right here in Wales. You can view the full collection here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bookish Gifts
What are good bookish gifts for someone who loves reading?
The best bookish gifts don't have to be books themselves. Many readers enjoy gifts that make reading more comfortable or help protect their favourite books. Items like book sleeves, bookmarks, cosy blankets, reading lights and themed accessories are thoughtful choices that become part of their everyday reading routine.
Why are bookish gifts better than buying a book?
Many book lovers already have long reading lists or are very particular about the books they enjoy. Choosing a practical bookish gift instead allows you to celebrate their love of reading without worrying whether they've already read a particular title or whether it suits their taste.
What makes a thoughtful gift for a book lover?
A thoughtful bookish gift is something that reflects their personality and reading habits. Practical accessories like book sleeves, Kindle covers or bookmarks can show you've considered how they enjoy reading while giving them something they'll use regularly.
How can I protect my books when travelling?
Using a book sleeve is one of the easiest ways to protect books while travelling or commuting. A padded sleeve helps prevent bent corners, scratched covers and damage from being carried in a handbag or backpack alongside everyday items.
Are book sleeves worth buying?
If you regularly carry books with you, a book sleeve can help keep them in great condition. They protect against scratches, spills and general wear while making it easier to take your current read wherever you go.
What accessories make reading more enjoyable?
Reading accessories such as cosy blankets, bookmarks, Kindle page turners, comfortable cushions, book sleeves and a favourite hot drink can all help create a relaxing reading experience. Small additions like these can make reading feel even more enjoyable and become part of a calming routine.
Can reading be part of a self-care routine?
Absolutely. Reading gives many people the opportunity to slow down, relax and take a break from everyday distractions. Creating a cosy reading ritual with comfortable surroundings, a warm drink and a good book can become an important part of looking after your wellbeing.
What is a reading ritual?
A reading ritual is a collection of small habits that help you settle into reading. This might include making a cup of tea, switching your phone to silent, finding a comfortable place to sit and setting yourself a small reading goal. These simple routines can help you relax and enjoy your book without distractions.
What should I look for when buying a book sleeve?
A good book sleeve should fit your favourite books comfortably while providing protection from scratches and spills. Adjustable sleeves can be particularly useful if you read different book sizes, from shorter paperbacks to larger hardback novels.
Why choose handmade bookish gifts?
Handmade bookish gifts often feel more personal than mass-produced alternatives. They're thoughtfully designed, created in small batches and can feature unique artwork that reflects a reader's personality, making them a memorable gift for any book lover.
