Buying for someone who devours pages looks easy, but getting it truly right has a knack to it: they almost always already own the book you were about to buy. That is why the best gifts for book lovers usually go a step beyond the title everyone is talking about. In this guide you will find original gifts for book lovers and several gift ideas for book lovers designed to help them set up their next favourite corner, look after their copies and enjoy every chapter even more.
How to get a gift for a reader right
Before you buy, look at how that person reads. Someone who underlines and annotates is not the same as someone who treats books like relics, and reading on paper is not the same as carrying an e-reader everywhere. Bear three things in mind:
- Where they read: on the sofa, in bed, on public transport or in the garden.
- What they are missing: good light, order on the shelves or a comfortable place to sit.
- Their favourite genre: crime, romance, non-fiction or graphic novels all give you clues for personalising the gift.
With that information, a simple gift becomes something they will use every day.
Gifts for book lovers that are not books
These are the safest bets, because they add to the hobby without any risk of duplicating a title. They are gifts for readers that are not books and they work for almost anyone:
- A reading lamp with warm, dimmable light, for reading without straining the eyes.
- Attractive or magnetic bookmarks, far better than folding down the corner.
- A book stand for hands-free reading over breakfast.
- A soft blanket and a plump cushion to build their winter corner.
- A thermal mug that keeps coffee or tea hot for hours.
Original gifts for book lovers
If you want to surprise them, go for something with a special edge. These original gifts for book lovers show you have thought about their passion:
- A scented candle with notes of old paper, wood or vanilla to set the mood for a reading session.
- Decorative bookends that tidy the shelves and look good doing it.
- A fabric sleeve to protect the book inside a bag.
- A stationery set with a notebook and pens for jotting down quotes and reading lists.
- A personalised stamp along the lines of "this book belongs to" for their library.
Gift ideas for book lovers by budget
You do not need to spend much to get it right. Here are several gift ideas for book lovers depending on what you want to invest:
- Under 15 €: a special bookmark, themed socks or a lovely notebook.
- Between 15 and 40 €: a reading lamp, a blanket or a quality candle.
- Over 40 €: a reading armchair, an unusual bookcase or a bundle combining several pieces.
If in doubt, pair something useful with something indulgent, such as a good tea and a mug. In our shop of gifts and pieces for the home you will find items that fit almost any budget.
How to give a reading nook as a gift
If you want a gift with a surprise effect, consider bringing several pieces together to create a complete reading nook. You do not need much space: an armchair or a good cushion by a window, a lamp with warm light, a soft blanket and a small shelf or basket to hold the next titles. Add a plant to bring the space to life and a tray so the mug is always within reach.
This idea works particularly well as a joint gift between several people, because it lets you split the cost and still make a real impression. It is also something enjoyed for years, not just on the day it is unwrapped.
For those who read digitally
Anyone who prefers an e-reader appreciates a good gift too. Think of a sturdy protective case, a desk stand for comfortable reading or a comfortable pair of headphones if they listen to audiobooks as well. These are practical gifts they will use daily and that suit anyone who mixes paper and screen just as well.
The final touch that makes the difference
A gift gains a lot from careful presentation. Wrap it in nice paper, add a handwritten card with a line from their favourite author and, if you can, include a bar of chocolate or their preferred tea. That gesture turns a simple object into a memory.
In short, the best gifts for book lovers are the ones that look after their passion and their comfort. Choose according to how and where they read, add a personal touch and you cannot go wrong. If you want more inspiration for the home and for gifting, take a look at our Velia Select selection.