Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means commissions are earned for qualifying purchases made through links in this post. Read more about this on my Disclaimer Policy.

You’re shopping for a book lover. You think, “OH! I will just get them a book.” Spoiler Alert: we love more than just BOOKS.
Sure, books are a large WANT on their lists for Birthday’s, Christmas, etc. but, do you know what they like to read? What they own? Are they a collector? Do they want Hardcover, Paperback, or eBook? What about audio?
Yes, we’re that complicated.
There’s more to shopping for a book lover than just getting them a book. So what else is there? A LOT. Below, find my beginner’s gift guide for book lovers.
Bookish Art, Pillows, & Mugs
ANYTHING book related, really. I haven’t met a book lover that doesn’t like Mugs. Seriously. There are even websites & artists dedicated to just creating Bookish Merchandise. These are also really popular props for those that use Instagram as their platform. Below are a few websites to start:
- Etsy
- Society6
- Redbubble
Or, you can literally google Books + Mugs/Wall Art/Pillows.
Candles
Book lovers LOVE candles. And I’m not talking about those overpowering Yankee Candles. Whether or not they are Book related or not, candles are a hit for book lovers. Like with other Merch, Bookish Candles are very popular. If your book lover has a deep love for a certain fandom (Harry Potter, LoTR, etc.) Start here:
- Novelly Yours –
- Cornerfolds Candles
- WickyWickyCandleCo
- Geeky Girl Scents (Personal FAVE!)
- Aurora Candle Co.
- Scent Pop Candles
- Spireside
- Flick the Wick
- .. and many more. Check out Etsy!

Coffe & Tea
This may be a general assumption, which is fine. But, a lot of book lovers drink either Tea, Coffee, or BOTH. This could coincide with gift cards, but a new brand of tea or gift card to a tea or coffee subscription box is a fun, unique idea.
Here are a few that I recommend:
- Sips By
- Brothers Coffee Company
- Match Made Coffee
- Simple Loose Leaf Tea
- Teabox – (Personal Fave!)
- Capital Tea
- For the Love of Tea
- True Coffee
But. There are plenty of yummy teas to be found at the grocery store, too! Check out local small businesses, and don’t forget tea infusers. There are some cute ones on Amazon.

Gift Cards
This is maybe kind of obvious, but I am not just talking about Book Stores… CRAFT STORES. Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics, Michaels. There are TONS of stuff within craft stores that book lovers LOVE. There are also OTHER bookstores we love: Bookoutlet, The Book Depository, and Amazon, too.
If your gift recipient loves audiobooks, how about a gift card to Libro.fm? What’s amazing about Libro is that they support local indie stores.
Shopping for a #booklover? Be sure to check out this quick gift guide for ideas. Click To TweetPlanners, Journals, Notebooks & Stationary
I LOVE notebooks. And Planners. And Journals. Most book lovers, do. There are ENDLESS places to find these. I will again, mention JoAnn Fabrics, Hobby Lobby, & Michaels. There’s also Target & Walmart.
But, there are some cool ones at Erin Condren and on Blitzy. Cards and other stationary, too. Book lovers just tend to love paper! You can find handmade cards at CardsbyAndreaS, or again, check out Etsy.
Photo by Andrea S
Photo by Andrea S
Subscirpion Boxes
Subscription boxes are a HUGE hit. I mean, you can find a box for just about any Hobby and books, are no exception. Here a few I found:
- Owlcrate
- Litjoy Crate
- The Bookish Box
- Quarterly Literary Box
- Bookcase.Club
- GiftLit
- My Thrill Club ( I just found this, and OMG I need this in my life)
- Coffee and a Classic
- My Coffee and Book Club
- Comic Block
- Shelflove
CrateJoy has a LARGE selection of Book Subscription Boxes in a variety of genres, age groups, and pricing. And when you sign up, you could get a 30% off coupon on your first order. Head over and check out their large selection now!
..and so much more
- Socks
- Book Sleeves
- Tote Bags
- Art Prints
- Buttons
- Stickers
- Bookmarks
- Humor T-Shirts
And so on! So, next time you are shopping for a book lover, think outside the box. Or book, rather.

Tonyalee is an avid reader, gym junkie, coffee addicted workaholic, and blogger. Be sure to follow on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram for random shenanigans.
20 Comments
I never thought about a possible connection between my love for mugs and my love for BOOKS. Interesting thought! There might be something to it! 😁 Great post!
I didn’t either! Until I kept seeing photos and mentions of mugs. And I was thinking, THIS MUST BE A THING. haha
I have yet to try a subscription box. I tend to shy away from the obligation of spending that much on a regular basis when there is only a certain one I want. I do love planners, and stickers that I can put in planners and just everything planner! I have a Plum Paper Planner which I love because I can get a Blog add-on as well as a Budget and Fitness all in one planner. Makes for a pretty thick planner, but I love it. This year’s is going to be huge by the time December comes and I’m done decorating every week! Great post, I’m going to have to check out some of these places.
Some of the Tea, coffee, and other boxes are actually cheap. I did the tea box (and vitamin one) and they’re both less than $20. I think it’s a great cheap gift LOL I love sound of that planner. I need one that puts all my stuff in one place. I don’t mind multiple, but it might be a little easier.
This is a great list! I have many book lovers in my life 🙂 thanks for posting!
I’m glad you found it helpful! 🙂
Some of those subscription boxes I’ve never heard of! Great list. I will be checking some of those out for sure!
There were quite a few that I hadn’t heard of, either! It’s crazy how many there are.
yesyes, that’s a good list !
I work at a coffee shop.. so of course that option works great with me 😂 Boyfriend figured that out and coffee beans is one of the things he had brought me from home when he went for Christmas ! He however wasn’t sure which one I liked ahaha so he picked the same his mother liked.
Pro-tip; know which roast your person loves best ahah for myself and mom, it’s flavored. He brought me a medium-roast.. which is fine, he didn’t messed up too too bad.. but you know
xD
I am however not a big fan of candles.. I prefer smell then straight out of the pot and not burn it x) ahah
Kristina recently posted…Sims 4 – Strangetown ☆ Review
I LOVE trying out new coffee beans! Grinding them down yourself just makes the experience, ya know? (I’m sure you do! LOL)
I like candles for decor – but to use essential oils for scent. Less chemicals.
A lovely mug with the True Coffee subscription would be the perfect combo!
Brittany recently posted…blogging series #1: currently knitting
Right?!
Love these ideas and that they are sourced from indy shops too, Etsy is my favourite place to get something unusual and unique
I love Etsy! Any way I can support small shops and business’, I am ALL FOR IT!
Great post! I love stationery and love receiving it as a gift!
Jenny in Neverland
Me too! I can’t get enough pretty paper. 🙂
You nailed this book lovers list! I love coffees, teas, journals, notebooks, and of course gift cards and books. Lots of neat links for fun things to check out too! Thanks for sharing Tonya!
Thanks! I was trying to branch out of more than just what I love, and I think it worked! 🙂
So many fantastic ideas! I’m a HUGE lover of journals & notebooks, basically any kind of stationery. 😀
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip