21 Unique Gifts for Book Lovers in 2025 (That Aren’t Just Books)
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Buying a gift for a book lover is surprisingly difficult. You run the risk of buying a book they have already read, or worse — one they have no interest in reading.
Unless you have access to their “To Be Read” (TBR) list, the safest and most thoughtful route is to choose accessories that enhance their reading experience.
Whether you are shopping for a fantasy addict, a non-fiction devourer, or a casual bedtime reader, this guide covers the best literary gifts of 2025.
The Gift of Mindfulness: A Dedicated Reading Journal
One of the biggest struggles for avid readers is “book amnesia”—forgetting the details of a great story months after finishing it. This is why a high-quality reading journal is often the most cherished gift under the tree.
1. The Lazy Cat Reading Journal
Perfect for: The organized reader and the goal-setter.
For the reader who loves to track their progress, a reading journal is an essential tool. It allows them to log start and finish dates, write reviews, and curate their own definitive list of 5-star reads.
Our Lazy Cat Reading Journal is designed specifically to help readers retain more of what they read. With dedicated space for favorite quotes, star ratings, and reading challenges, it turns a passive hobby into an interactive experience.
And guess what? You can get it for free just by joining the club! Fill out the form below and get it straight to your email.
Cozy Essentials for the Perfect Reading Nook
You can’t have a proper reading session without the right atmosphere. These gifts help set the mood.
2. Literary Scented Candles
Books and scents are deeply connected. Look for soy candles with notes of “Old Library,” “Rainy Day,” or “Teakwood” to evoke the feeling of a classic bookstore.
3. A Weighted Reading Blanket
There is science behind the comfort of a weighted blanket. It reduces anxiety and helps the reader settle in for long marathon sessions without fidgeting.
4. Rechargeable Neck Reading Light
For the partner who likes to read late into the night without disturbing their spouse, a warm-light neck lamp is a game-changer. It’s practical, affordable, and incredibly useful.
5. Ceramic Book Mugs
Go for a wide-brimmed mug that allows them to sip tea or coffee comfortably while holding a book open with one hand. Bonus points for mugs featuring quotes from Pride and Prejudice or Harry Potter.
Practical Tools for the Modern Reader
6. Personal Library Kit
For the reader who lends out their books (and wants them back), a personal library kit with adhesive pockets and date stamps is a nostalgic and fun gift.
7. Page Anchor or Thumb Holder
These small wooden or metal tools hold the pages open with minimal effort, reducing hand strain during those 500-page epic novels.
8. Custom Embosser
An embosser allows the reader to stamp their name directly onto the page of their books, creating a raised, elegant seal that says “From the Library of…”
Decor for the Bookish Home
9. Creative Bookends
Move away from standard metal L-brackets. Look for heavy geodes, cast iron figures, or “floating” bookshelves that turn their collection into art.
10. Floating Bookshelves
These invisible shelves make stacks of books appear as if they are floating on the wall, saving floor space and looking incredibly chic.
Tech & Subscriptions
11. Audiobook Subscription (Audible or Libro.fm)
For the reader who is always on the go, an audiobook subscription allows them to “read” while commuting, cooking, or exercising. Libro.fm is a great alternative that supports local independent bookstores.
12. Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo Libra
If they haven’t made the jump to digital yet, a dedicated e-reader is a lifesaver for travel. Unlike a tablet, the e-ink screen doesn’t strain the eyes, even in bright sunlight.
13. Blue Light Blocking Glasses
For those who do read on tablets or phones, a stylish pair of blue light glasses can help reduce headaches and improve sleep quality after a late-night reading binge.
Wearables & Totes
14. Canvas Book Tote Bag
A sturdy canvas tote is a staple for library hauls. Look for one with an interior pocket for keys and a gusseted bottom so it can handle heavy hardcovers without ripping.
15. “Book Trope” Enamel Pins
Small, affordable, and full of personality. whether it’s “Enemies to Lovers” or “Just One More Chapter,” enamel pins let readers wear their personality on their denim jackets or backpacks.
16. Literary Scarf or T-Shirt
From Litographs (text printed on fabric) to simple graphic tees, apparel featuring text from their favorite classic novel is a thoughtful, wearable gift.
Protection & Care
17. Padded Book Sleeve
There is nothing worse than throwing a book in a bag and ruining the cover. A padded book sleeve acts like a laptop case, keeping their current read pristine while traveling.
18. Bamboo Bathtub Caddy
For the reader who loves a soak, a bathtub caddy with a dedicated book stand (and wine glass holder) is the ultimate luxury.
Fun & Games
19. 1000-Piece Literary Puzzle
When they need a break from reading words but still want the aesthetic, a complex puzzle featuring a collage of classic book covers is a great brain teaser.
20. A “Blind Date with a Book”
Many independent sellers wrap books in brown paper with only a few keywords described on the front (e.g., “Mystery,” “Victorian London,” “Plot Twist”). It adds a sense of adventure to unwrapping.
21. Gift Card to a Local Independent Bookstore
When in doubt, support local. A gift card encourages them to browse and discover something new on their own terms.
The Best Gift is a Good Reading Experience
Choosing the perfect gift for a book lover doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Whether you opt for a cozy weighted blanket, a clever book light, or a fun literary puzzle, the most meaningful presents are the ones that show you support their passion.
However, if you want to give a gift that keeps on giving long after the wrapping paper is thrown away, a dedicated space to track their literary journey is unmatched. The Lazy Cat Reading Journal isn’t just a notebook; it’s a keepsake that helps them remember every story, character, and quote that touched their life this year.
Ready to upgrade their reading life? Just join the club!
Which of these gifts would you be most excited to unwrap? Let us know in the comments below!
