The Best Gifts for Book Lovers: Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide

All bookworms know books are nice- but sometimes a unique present is even better.

‘Tis the season for holiday gift guides. But let’s be honest: most of these guides are full of Amazon listings. Why buy every single Christmas gift from Amazon when you can support independent makers on Etsy, Uncommon Goods, or a business’s own website? Don’t scroll through another listicle full of the same boring gift ideas this year. You’ll love our guide; we promise!

We put together a massive list of bookish gift ideas from places that are NOT Amazon. Find a perfect gift for the bookworm in your life while supporting independent makers and small business owners. It’s a win-win! This article contains some affiliate links. We earn a small commission when you use our Etsy or Bookshop links. It doesn’t affect the price you pay for these products, it just helps support our work!

Here is Far Flung Readers’ ultimate bookworm gift guide featuring handmade items from Etsy and beyond!

Literary Stack Prints by AlyssaSantoDesign

Artist and fellow bookworm Alyssa Alarcón Santo has a beautiful collection of uniquely designed book stack prints to die for. From true crime fans to romance lovers, this Etsy shop covers pretty much every type of reader. So what better way to help someone decorate the walls of their personal library?

Book Nook Reading Valet

Let’s call this book nook what it is: a perfect reading shrine. It has everything you need for an optimal reading experience. A place for your cozy reading beverage, space for your glasses, and a triangle to save your place when you need a snack break. There’s even a hiding place to put your phone for distraction-free reading.

Library Candle by ForageCandle

A premium soy candle that evokes the memory of a library! With notes of teakwood, mahogany, and sandalwood, this candle is sure to add some cozy ambiance to anyone’s reading nook.

Vintage Inspired Vegan Leather Backpack

This gorgeous vegan leather backpack from Ecosusi is inspired by 1950s fashion and is oh-so-stylish. It’s the perfect size for your laptop, cardigan, and a favorite book or two. Ecosusi bags come in various colors and styles, so be sure to check them out!

Angela Davis Art Print

This art print by Jess Owens-Young is a perfect gift for any writers or politically active readers in your life. It features a quote from the great Angela Davis: “Imagination is a political process.” Owens-Young also has several other art prints centering Black authors. Check them out!

Portable Minimalist Night Light

Stop relying on dim book lights and plug-in light sources with this beautifully crafted portable night light. This motion-sensor light is rechargeable and mounts on a sleek magnetic base. You won’t have to squint your eyes or crane your neck at an awkward angle to get in some late-night reading.

Moleskine Book Journal

For the highly organized, bookish friend in your life. This highly categorized book journal provides readers with an alphabetical way to document all their reads. From favorite quotes to publishers to author nationality- each page allows for as many bookish details as possible. The journal is also beautifully bound and would hold a special place on anyone’s bookshelf.

100 Epic Reads Bucket List Scratch Poster

The perfect gift for your list-loving reading friend. This scratch-and-reveal poster features 100 must-read books based on ratings from Goodreads, Amazon, and Book Sales. It features a nice mix of older classics and more modern lit. Beneath each scratch-off is beautiful book cover art, and you can also add your own ratings. Been There Done That also has Epic Reads Bucket Lists for YA reads and children’s books.

NYPL Jane Austen Pouch

Everyone can always use another pencil/crochet/makeup bag. So why not throw a literary reference onto something so practical and cute? This mustard canvas pouch from the New York Public Library is beautifully made and 100% cotton. Plus, your purchase supports libraries! What’s not to love?

Personal Library Kit

A wonderful gift set for the generous bibliophile. This kit comes with checkout cards, a date stamp, and self-adhesive library bookplates. This fun, unique gift is sure to add some personal charm to anyone’s personal library!

Rooms of Their Own by Alex Johnson

This gorgeous coffee table book is a perfect addition to any book lover’s collection. Learn where 50 renowned writers produced their best work, from James Baldwin’s Paris apartment to Maya Angelou’s hotel room.

Jane Eyre Litographs Puzzle

This gift combines the two most wonderful things in life: literature and puzzles. Choose from a variety of books and cultural figures, such as puzzles inspired by the words of The Beatles, Hamlet, and even Ruth Bader Ginsburg. In addition, Litographs has many other beautifully made literary goods such as shirts, tote bags, and even face masks!

Brass Hand Bookmark by Poketo

This isn’t any old bookmark. A simple object-turned-statement piece, this hand bookmark by Poketo is sure to be a memorable gift. It’s sturdy, unique, and not to mention gorgeous in a quirky way. What better way to save a spot in a book?

In Bloom Book Collection by Rifle Paper Co

Rifle Paper Co’s beautiful illustrations can be found all over the internet. Now you can own them as part of your personal library! The set includes these children’s classics: Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, A Little Princess, and Heidi.

Hemingway Pocket Notebook by Obvious State

Obvious State notebooks feature artwork inspired by well-known authors from the past. In addition, each notebook listing features a deeper dive into the story behind the artwork and its intention, making it a truly unique and special gift. Check out their whole selection!

Custom Book Stamp from ExlibrisGallery

A personalized ex libris bookplate stamp? A classier gift has never existed. ExlibrisGallery has a variety of templates and customization options. But, of course, the one with the doggo was our favorite.

Stay Home, Read a Romance Novel Sweatshirt

If you’re on Bookstagram, you’ve probably seen versions of this sweatshirt from The Ripped Bodice. For a good reason- it’s incredible! The Ripped Bodice is an independent bookstore in Culver City, CA, and 100% of your purchase supports the bookshop and its employees. You have to be fast, though; restocks sell out quickly!

An Adorable Print by Oh Jess Marie

Artist Jess Marie creates adorable artwork that is quintessentially bookish. Warm, cozy earth tones abound. Tea, flowers, cozy-looking homes, and vintage-inspired book spines are the main stars of her work. Her Society6 shop is excellent because a variety of her prints are available as totes, shirts, mugs, and much more.

Novel Book Reader Men’s Socks by PinkandDink

There are so many bookish socks out there that are, well, kind of cheesy. Not these! These open books are keepin’ it classy and literary.

The Reading Women Mug

This Reading Women mug from Poppy and Paper is absolutely gorgeous! It’s microwave and dishwasher safe and holds up to 15 fluid oz (aka plenty of coffee or tea)—a great gift for people who love cozy designs and warm colors.

Resin Bookmarks by LeiMomiBy

These beautiful handmade bookmarks are a go-to gift for anyone who loves a bit of glitter and a soft color palette. There are different color varieties to choose from, always with a touch of gold.

Library Lover Magnetic Bookmark

Etsy shop mysecretcopy makes the cutest bookmarks and stickers, we swear. If you grew up watching Arthur on PBS, this library card for the beloved animated aardvark is a definite must-have. Arthur is probably the reason we all love the library so much, right?