a lifestyle blog for book lovers

The MMD 2019 gift guide for book lovers

I’m not much of a shopper—but shopping for book lovers is something else entirely! I hope you enjoy browsing this gift guide for readers as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

These gifts are sure to delight the book lover in your life. Take note: there are lots of independent shops and creators on this list, so watch those shipping deadlines and do them a favor by getting your order in early!

If you’re shopping for younger readers, you’ll find great ideas below, and you also don’t want to miss this year’s gift guide featuring 15 books for kids who love to read.

This post contains some affiliate links. More info here.

“Cool Story Poe” Mug

Of course, something from Obvious State has to be on this list! They’re known for their distinctive artwork and this mug makes me chuckle. This design is also available as a tote and bookmark. 

1,000 Books to Read Before You Die Page-A-Day Calendar 2020

This calendar is based on James Mustich’s doorstop of a book 1000 Books To Read Before You Die. James appeared on WSIRN episode 165, where he told me which of these 1000 books I should prioritize. (It’s such a fun episode!) Similarly, this calendar is sure to help you do your own prioritizing…or explode your TBR.

Literacy Lounge Subscription Box

This small business has a wonderful mission of both highlighting Black literature and supporting a more healthy lifestyle. Their monthly boxes include a featured book by a Black author and 2-4 wellness items.

Libro.fm Audiobook Subscription

Libro.fm is the independent audiobook app that allows you to choose a local bookstore to receive purchase credit every time you buy an audiobook. Right now (until December 22nd) if you give a subscription of 3, 6 or 12 months you’ll get a copy of Circe AND I’d Rather Be Reading for free. Listen yourself or include them as part of your gift–your choice.

Carrot Top Bookworm mug

I’m drinking tea out of mine RIGHT NOW. I especially love the happy pink interior. (The entire shop is full of adorable bookish goodness.)

I’d Rather Be Reading: The Delights and Dilemmas of the Reading Life

‘Tis the season! My essay collection will delight the book lovers on your list, and it’s size and price point make it a perfect gift for friends, teachers, or your book club pals. Buy online or at your local indie, or get signed copies from my local independent bookstore Carmichael’s Bookstore. Order online or call them at 502-896-6950. Just tell them you’d like a signed copy, or put “signed copy” in the order comments, along with the name you’d like it inscribed to, and any other personal message you’d like.

Just One More Chapter Carry-All Pouch

Famous last words of every reader, immortalized in cute pouch form. Available in three sizes, these pouches are great for storing and organizing toiletries, pens and pencils, smaller electronics, and more.

Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club one-year gift membership

Annual memberships are back, and just in time for the holiday season. The MMD Book Club is the place where we’re learning to read better, together. Give the reader in your life the gift of a better reading life through bookish community, classes, and conversation, or add a gift membership to your own wish list). Click here for more info on what we’re reading in the coming months.

Northanger Soapworks soap

The tagline for Northanger Soapworks is “Soap for the Austen addict.” A friend gave me the Elizabeth Bennet soap earlier this year and it smells as good as it looks. They have soap inspired by each of Jane Austen’s books. Good luck trying not to buy one of each!

Library Due Date Coaster Set

Are library due dates best when they’re wood coasters? All I know is they bring back good memories. (Albeit, not of the fines I’ve had to pay over the years. Worth it though.)

Novelly Yours TBR candle

Novelly Yours offers all manner of bookish candles, from TBR, which smells like pastries & red wine, to Currently Reading, which smells like coffee, book pages, and clean cotton. And then there are candles for authors and fandoms.

Sense & Sensibility book scarf

Have you ever asked yourself, “I wish I could wear a page from my favorite novel in scarf form”? You’re in luck because StoriArts has done just that. I’m showing you the Sense & Sensibility scarf but they’ve done this with a number of beloved authors. You can also get a blanket, tote, and more.

Dreyer’s English: An Utterly Correct Guide to Clarity and Style

For everyone who wants to write better, a fresh (and often snarky) take on how to write.

Solid Oak Personalized Bookend

MijMojDesign created this solid oak bookend that has the bonus option of personalization. I’m dreaming about where I’d put one in my house and which books I’d pair with it. (And does it double as a plant propagator? Absolutely it does.)

Teacup & Books print

A vintage book page becomes the perfect backdrop for art.

Narnia Christmas Ornament

This small ornament manages to pack in a whole lot of literary nostalgia from The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe. Lucy and Mr. Tumnus take a walk on this pretty ornament, but there are lots to choose from. It makes me want to reread the book right now.

Harry Potter Book Cover Collage Puzzle

This 500 piece puzzle features artwork by Mary GrandPré from all seven Harry Potter books. Out Of Print has other great options for puzzle-lovers, too! Don’t tell my kids but they may find this under our tree Christmas morning.

UPDATE: If you find the Harry Potter puzzle is sold out, try this Harry Potter crests puzzle, or this Christmas at Hogwarts puzzle.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quote

This quote from Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg celebrates the joy of reading. The print is a digital download, FYI, so you’ll likely want to pick up a frame as well, like this pretty brass one from Target.

MasterClass Pass

MasterClass is an immersive online experience that gives you access to experts in the industry through online classes. Instructors include Margaret Atwood, Neil Gaiman, Serena Williams, James Patterson, Dr. Jane Goodall, and more. Gifting an All-Access Pass gives someone access to all of MasterClass.

Fabric Library Card Ornaments

Aren’t these ornaments darling? They’re fabric of real vintage library cards of books and novels and you can choose which one you want from a list of options. They’re also thin enough to use as a bookmark, according to the seller.

Cement Book Bookends

This set of two rustic books are created from stone. Your books are sure to stay in place while nestled between these bookends. The titles and saying on the side can be customized.

Bamboo Bathtub Caddy Tray

The perfect gift for people who enjoy reading during bath time. This particular tray includes a reading rack that holds tablet and books safely, as well as a cell phone tray and wine glass holder.

Reading People: How Seeing the World Through the Lens of Personality Changes Everything

I keep hearing from readers that this is the perfect book to read right now—whether again or for the first time—before we enter family holiday dinner season. One reviewer called this a “tour de force summary of the major personality sorting systems…. I’ve been surprised at how very helpful she has been at explaining each system, and am appreciating her insight as to WHY these classifications are helpful—because it can help us in our relationships (I’m already thinking of how insights can help my parenting, marriage, and specific friendships) and in our own growth.”

Buy online or at your local indie, or get signed copies from my local independent bookstore Carmichael’s Bookstore. Order online or call them at 502-896-6950. Just tell them you’d like a signed copy, or put “signed copy” in the order comments, along with the name you’d like it inscribed to, and any other personal message you’d like.

Well Read Graphic Tee

Surely, all readers need this burgundy tee from ModCloth.

Vintage Library Due Date Cards Ceramic Ornament

This ornament is available in different shapes and can also be customized. A true keepsake!

Happy shopping, and happy reading!

P.S. Want more great bookish ideas? Check out the 2018 gift guide2017 guide, and 2016 gift guide for book lovers. Plus 15 bookish gifts for kids who love to read.

37 comments

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  1. Nancy says:

    This question “sort” of goes with today’s gift list (fairly new followerm just went back to read past lists too, so fun with great gift ideas). Our family has a name/gift exchange with a limit of around $125.00 as I recall. Last year was the first time we did this. Anyway….I am interested in replacing my VERY old Kindle. I need to hear from real people, not someone trying to sell me something. Which one do you like the most of the different reading tablets and why? Also when I am traveling…is there a reading tablet that would let me read/send email, read my fave blog, Modern Mrs. Darcy, etc. Thank you for any recommendations.

    • anne with an e says:

      The Kindle Fire will let you read blogs, play games, read books and watch videos & movies. I also have the small 6″ Kindle ebook reader, it’s best for reading as it’s about the size of a paperback and light weight.

    • Bev says:

      I think all Kindles are backlit now, so I’m not sure you can really go wrong! The touchscreen on my Kindle Paperwhite that I purchased last year works great, and I love that it’s water-proof / resistant 🙂 I think Target has them on display if you want to see them in person? That my help!

      Good luck, happy reading!

  2. Jennifer O. says:

    I love the Carrot Top shop, but it doesn’t look like that mug is available right now. I’m going to check out the Literacy Lounge box since My Lit Box is closing in December.

  3. Lisa Zahn says:

    The puzzle is available still but the RBG quote on Etsy says sold out! I wonder why there’s a limit on that since it’s a download?

  4. Sana says:

    Thanks for putting the list together! I just have one note for those of us trying to shop more consciously – ModCloth is now owned by Walmart. If you can afford to stay away from Walmart and its subsidiaries, do! They are a huge employer that massively underpays workers and tries to bust union organizing. Same thing for Amazon (way easier said that done).

  5. Jenny says:

    Anne, what an absolutely delightful list. I’m so honored to be included! Thank you so much! A few of these are new to me – especially love the library card coasters and ornaments.

  6. Leslie Kozachik says:

    My Son’s Girlfriend would love the Harry Potter puzzle, but it is sold out for now. I added myself that their email list, to let me know when they are available again.

  7. Laura says:

    Anne, I’m so honored to be included in this list! What a great collection. I have the Carrot Top shop mug and it’s just darling. I’m so glad the Elizabeth Bennet soap from my shop found its way to you!

  8. Soleil says:

    I have and love the bath tub caddy, It’s perfect – with my kindle e-reader and I use it all the time. That page a day calendar looks perfect for a friend. Thanks for a fun list!

  9. Kara Middleton says:

    It is the day after Thanksgiving, and I just ordered one of the last 3 of those mugs. For myself! A combo Bday and Xmas present to myself. If you love that mug, you better hurry!

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