a lifestyle blog for book lovers

11+ gifts that are perfect for book lovers.

As a book lover myself, I think book lovers are relatively easy to buy for. (Unless I’m trying to buy them a book: that fills me with fear and trembling! So much pressure.)

My big problem when I’m trying to buy a gift for a book nerd like myself is to choose just one thing from a dizzying array of options. This list isn’t going to help you—or me—with decision overwhelm.

But golly, it’s just so fun to look.

The perfect gifts for the book lover in your life:

Puffin in Bloom stacked

The Puffin in Bloom collection (from $12)

This newly issued collection, designed and illustrated by Anna Bond of Rifle Paper Co., comprises four titles: Anne of Green Gables, Heidi, Little Women, and A Little Princess. Collect one or collect them all. (According to the shelves of my local Anthropologie, these editions mingle well with other classics.)

Alice in Wonderland Puffin in Bloom

Plus don’t miss the latest addition to the collection, Alice in Wonderland.

The original 4-book collection is now available as a box set for less than $40.

Penguin drop caps collection

The Penguin Drop Caps collection (from $12)

These vibrant new(ish) editions of old classics make a bold impact on the shelf, whether you shelve them individually or collect the whole set. (Note the ROYGBIV arrangement.)

Oakley Anne of Green Gables

Sourcebooks Anne of Green Gables collection (from $8)

I know I’m not the only one who would love to find this new Anne of Green Gables collection, illustrated by Canadian artist Jacqui Oakley, under my tree this year.

I’m also smitten with the Sourcebooks new editions of less well known L. M. Montgomery works—many of which have been out of print for years—such as Jane of Lantern Hill, The Blue Castle, Magic for Marigold, and A Tangled Web.

book clutch

A book clutch.

Kate Spade hasn’t been stocking their beloved book clutches (like this old Gatsby clutch) lately, but are available for less on places like Rent the Runway, which has this gorgeous Age of Innocence clutch, and on ebay. Etsy has great offerings, like this Pride and Prejudice clutch. Or you can DIY your own.

I like big books and I cannot lie tote bag from Etsy.

A mug to beat all mugs for the book nerd in your life.

Library letters

Library letters from Anthropologie.

Think of this as a coat of arms for book lovers. (Keep your eyes out for these at your local craft fairs or on Etsy, for a little less than Anthro prices.)

11+ gifts that are perfect for book lovers | Modern Mrs Darcy

An Ideal Bookshelf print ($34)

Choose from their pre-made prints (Southern Lit, Jane Austen, Barefoot Contessa, Shakespeare, and many, many more) preselected (barefoot contessa, southern lit, Paris) OR choose a gift card for your recipient to create their own custom print. ($155).

(The Ideal Bookshelf book would also make a great gift. It’s such fun browsing for book lovers.)

Superhero reader girl print

Superhero reader girl print from Etsy.

For those who say reading is their superpower. A perfect addition to their library corner.

book nerd necklace

book nerd charm necklace on Etsy ($8.95)

Say it loud, say it proud.

folio

Heirloom quality hardbacks from The Folio Society (from $36)

These are the highest quality hardbacks available for the serious collector. Each book comes with its own slipcover for safe keeping. These investment-quality books are built to last, and completely gorgeous. The Folio Society’s membership plan makes these editions a bit more affordable.

(I have three editions: Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and Anne of Green Gables, and they are so very lovely.)

11+ gifts that are perfect for book lovers | Modern Mrs Darcy

Little Free Library (from $175)

I am seriously considering begging for one of these for Christmas. (Read more about the Little Free Library movement here.)

What would you add to the list?

Gifts for book lovers | Modern Mrs Darcy

41 comments

Leave A Comment
  1. Faith R says:

    LOVE the Etsy shop you linked to!!! Did you the the “I love you, most ardently” charm? SO cute!!!!

    For my very-much-book loving and also good loving father my sisters and I often get him book-inspired cookbooks like the Literary Cookbook. It has recipes for all kinds of foods mentioned in classic literature. Growing up we often cooked from our Little House on the Prairie Cookbook. I have also seen a Harry Potter cookbook at the Library. That would be a good gift 🙂

  2. Dawn Reiss says:

    Sigh. I wish we were made of money because I would LOVE a custom ideal bookshelf! I read that book earlier this year and wrote a blog post about which books would be on my list. It’s a really fun discussion topic and conversation starter! That site has some beautiful options. I’ve been drooling over them for the past thirty minutes. ☺

    • Anne says:

      You and me both! I haven’t actually tried to put one together for myself: I might melt into a puddle trying to choose my very favorites! But then again, that sounds like a lot of fun…. You’ve got me thinking. 🙂

  3. Megan M. says:

    I have been recently obsessed with a shop on Etsy called “BookOrigami”. You are able to purchase a pattern to make gorgeous book folding projects (no books are harmed during this process). I made one for my sister for Christmas. I went to a discounted bookstore and purchased a book (used but in good condition) that has meaning to both of us and made the READ pattern. She can use it for a mantle decoration or display it somewhere in her house. The link to the shop is below:

    https://www.etsy.com/shop/BookOrigami?ref=shop_sugg

  4. This year I’m giving my book-loving friends the “sleep less read more” pencil pouches from Lucy Jane (thanks to your post last week!) with a kindle book gift announcement tucked inside (different books depending on the friend).

  5. Jenn says:

    I love the book nerd charm! It would be perfect on m charm bracelet. I’m asking for it and the I like big books and I cannot lie tote bag. So perfect.

  6. Whitney says:

    Book Riot does some subscription boxes (either quarterly for $50 a box, or monthly for I don’t know how much). Any kind of book subscription would be dreamy!

  7. Lee Ann Roberts says:

    Our city is opening a new, larger library near us. Unfortunately, that means they will close a branch which is within walking distance from my house. I’ve been thinking of installing a Little Free Library in my front yard, but if I do, we’ll build it ourselves. I’m just too cheap to pay $175 for one. 🙂

    A few years ago, my oldest daughter bought me a Jane Austen novels charm bracelet from Sophie’s Beads on Etsy. It’s a lot of fun to wear, and she has jewelry for a wide variety of novels and series.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/sophiesbeads?ref=l2-shopheader-name

  8. Courtney S. says:

    I am excited my father-in-law is building my a little library for Christmas! I think you can register and get the plack to put on your own. Can’t wait to see what he comes up with.

  9. Sarah Silvester says:

    I just discovered via Instagram the etsy handmade candle shop “the melted library”. OMG. https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMeltingLibrary
    I can’t decide if I want the Throne of glass themed ones (pine and snow) or the Anne of green gables “a world with Octobers”- crisp leaves, fresh pine and berries”. Or pippins pint. Or butterbeer. Sigh.

  10. Julie Y says:

    I have owned — for quite a few years — this tote bag from Montecello, Thomas Jeffferson’s house. It has the quintessential book-lover’s quote on it: “I cannot live without books” but is also large and sturdy. When I went to their online gift store just now, to make sure it is still available, I see they also have a cool four-sided bookstand that would make a unique gift: http://www.monticelloshop.org/130176.html

  11. Sarah R says:

    I just joined the Book of the Month Club as a gift to myself! It’s a monthly book subscription list that sends a new hardcover to you each month. Each month, five books are chosen by a panel of judges. The books are announced on the first of the month, and then you can pick one of the five books. Your subscription includes one book, but you can purchase the other ones. You can buy a 3 month, 6 month, or 12 month subscription. I did the 3 month subscription with the code BOTM15 so it was $20.97 for 3 hardcover books.

    BTW, the November selections were awesome. (Fates and Furies, Gold Fame Citrus, Rising Strong, Smaller and Smaller Circles, The History of Love).

  12. liz n says:

    Last year, my husband gifted me with the Jane Austen, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, and Oscar Wilde action figures. I actually squealed when I opened the box! So those are good gifts for super dorks like me…

    For my last birthday, he gave me a pendant with one word cut from a Harry Potter book. Ten points to the first person who can guess what that word is; shouldn’t be difficult!

    A good book light is always a good gift, and, of course, gift cards to the book lovers’ favorite book store.

  13. Lindsay Lea says:

    I asked for a Little Free Library for Christmas this year! My brother in law is an amazing carpenter so I’m really hoping he’ll come through! I have always loved LFLs and then I read The Little Free Library book and got extra inspired to start my own!

  14. Pamela says:

    Dear Anne

    I adore your blog and podcast and am so grateful for all the wonderful books you sent my way this year. I make stamped jewelry and would love to send you the “book nerd” necklace (only I will make it myself with sterling silver:).

    My website is http://www.wireandsaltjewelry.com. If you can email me your address I would love love LOVE to mail that to you!!!

  15. Guy Austin says:

    Hey thanks for the shopping tips – Got me some Book Darts – I heard you talk about them on a podcast – I also bought my Daughters those spoon bookmarks. awesome stocking stuffers.

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