a lifestyle blog for book lovers

It’s hard to believe it’s already time to start holiday shopping! But here we are. With the supply chain issues plaguing the consumer landscape and publishing in particular, it’s more important than ever to shop early.

These gifts are sure to delight the book lover in your life …. or give you an excuse to treat yourself once you’ve crossed “buy gifts” off your To Do list.

Take note: we’ve included lots of independent shops and creators on this list, so watch those shipping deadlines and do them a favor by getting your orders in early! The global supply chain issues have affected everyone and everything so ordering early is your best bet on getting the items you want on time.

Shopping early goes a long way towards easing the pressure on small businesses later, during the traditionally brisk period between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Not to mention the delays in shipping. And it will lessen your stress in the process!

Keep an eye out for our gift guide for kids who love to read, coming next week. Our annual holiday recommendation episode on What Should I Read Next is also just around the corner.

This post contains affiliate links. More info here.

Booklovers Coaster Set

Storiarts created these leather coasters with words from Virginia Woolf, Frederick Douglass, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Stendhal. You might recognize the Rilke quote from the end of each episode of What Should I Read Next.

Library Card Coffee Mug

Due date cards are always going to be a source of nostalgia for me. I’m so glad Joyful Moose put it in mug-form!

I Closed My Book to Be Here shirt

This shirt from Wella Apparel made me laugh and also nod in recognition. Booktroverts understand.

Libro.fm Audiobook Subscription

Libro.fm is an independent audiobook app. You choose the membership, the recipient picks their own audiobooks, and your local bookstore is supported by your purchase. Libro.fm has 3, 6, and 12 month gift membership options. They are offering a bonus credit to anyone who purchases the 12 month option by 12/31/21.

Personalized Art Print – Your Favorite Books No. 1

This lovely watercolor painting of hardcover vintage books can be personalized with favorite book titles. Laura Row Studio has several different customizable art prints. It would be easy to mix and match for book lovers who have a hard time narrowing down titles.

Galison Ideal Bookshelf 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

I’m a long-time fan of Galison puzzles and this is an especially fun one to put together.

Puns Bookmark Set

As Obvious State says, “when it comes to puns, it’s go big or go Homer.” They have a few different bookmark sets to choose from and I couldn’t resist this one. Give the whole set to your bookworm or pair one with a book you think they’ll enjoy.

Leeds Design Pemberly Sweatshirt

Such a cozy design for fans of Pride & Prejudice! Perfect for those days when you wish you could whisk yourself away to Pemberley.

Ampersand Bookend

I’m pretty sure every bookworm needs an ampersand bookend.

Nancy Drew Sherpa Fleece Blanket

Vintage Nancy Drew covers on a fleece blanket! My childhood self would never believe such a magical thing existed. StoriArts comes up with the coolest stuff.

My Reading Life: A Book Journal Box

This is a great gift for the book lovers in your life! The Snail on the Wall put together a box of bookish goodies, including a copy of My Reading Life: A Book Journal, personalized “From the library of . . . ” stamp with ink pad, signed bookplate, and a bookmark designed to go with the journal. Don’t miss the option to add I’d Rather Be Reading to your book box! (Deadline to order is November 15.)

If You Can Read This You Are Too Close Tote Bag

Are you carrying books home from the library or are you conveying a message about the importance of social distancing? Yes.

Blankets & Book Stacks Soy Candle

Choosing which candle to spotlight from From The Page was near impossible. Anne’s Octobers! A Day With Mr. Darcy! Late Night Reading! They all sound amazing.

NYT Crossword Puzzle gift subscription

I got this for myself last year and it brings me daily joy (okay, mostly joy and occasional consternation). This gift subscription gives access to other NYT Games, like Sudoku (which Will loves) and Spelling Bee, but I’m in it for the Crossword.

Shakespeare Heroines Shirt

It’s hard to resist ampersand shirts like this. But it’s especially hard to resist this one because of our Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club September selection If We Were Villains. It had readers seeing Shakespeare in a whole new light.

So Many Books, So Little Time Socks

Isn’t this ever the truth? These socks from 2 Trouble Boys are available in five colors.

Ravensburger Bizarre Bookshop 2 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

For the puzzle lover who wants more of a challenge. So many details in this one!

Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club gift memberships

The MMD Book Club is the place where we’re learning to read better, together. 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year gift memberships are available. Give your loved one the gift of a better reading life through bookish community, classes, and conversation, or add a gift membership to your own wish list.

Writer’s Block: Jane Austen (Emma Version)

Cleverly named by Literature Lodge, these writer’s blocks are for readers. And they have so many author’s to choose from!

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

Lamy makes this excellent starter fountain pen (although five years in, it’s the one I still use) for anyone who wants to feel fancy while writing a letter, To Do list, or the next Great American Novel.

Books Are My Love Language sweatshirt

Isn’t it the truth? Bookshelf Tees also makes a t-shirt version but it’s currently sold out.

Printable ‘Parable Of The Sower’ Book Cover Art on Vintage Page

Oh how I love this book cover art! The cover is overlaid on top of a vintage Encyclopedia Britannica Page. I also have my eye on this Jane Eyre but there are plenty of other options to choose from. The print is a digital download, FYI, so you’ll likely want to pick up a frame as well, like this one from Target.

The Library Water-Safe Case for Kindle Paperwhite

There are so many great ereader cases out there! Protect your Paperwhite with this cute waterproof design.

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.

It’s a Good Day to Read a Book Mug

It’s important to surround yourself with positive messages, like the one on this mug from The Harper House.

Lito Classic Wood Portable Light

An LED lamp that looks like a book! This would be a splurge but how gorgeous is it?

Reading at the Cafe Candle

Frostbeard Studio candles smell amazing. With the scent of coffee and chocolate pastry, this one might make you hungry, too.

Library Stamp Women’s Relaxed Fit T-Shirt

One last library stamp item because I just can’t help myself! Out of Print has plenty of great options, especially if you’re in search of specific book covers.

P.S. Want more great bookish ideas? Check out the 2020 gift guide2019 guide2018 guide2017 guide, and 2016 gift guide for book lovers. Plus 15 gift ideas for kids who love to read.

The 2021 MMD gift guide for book lovers

24 comments

Leave A Comment
    • Teresa B. says:

      This caught my eye, too! I also wish that I had saved my Nancy Drew book collection. The older I get, the more I long for the items that brought me joy in my youth.

    • Rebecca says:

      Me too! I only have one that I saved. It was my very favorite. The Clue of the Broken Locket. It is falling apart I read it so much. 🙂

  1. Janice McBratney says:

    My husband and I did the Ravensberger Bizarre Book Puzzle 2 during COVID-19 lockdown. Challenging, fun and funny book titles!

  2. Kristin Welch says:

    Literary Creations by Jenny has a cute t-shirt version of the Books Are My Love Language sweatshirt if interested. Find her on Instagram @literarycreationsbyjenny .

  3. Tracie says:

    I miss due date stamps in library books! It was always fun to see when the last time the book was checked out before I got it. Cute mug and shirt for those of us who remember those stamps.

  4. Kimberly Hentrup says:

    I went on to buy Christmas gifts for others but ended up buying myself a “I closed my book to be here” instead t-shirt…Couldn’t help myself…

  5. I’ve done both of the puzzles in the post and the Bizarre Bookshop one is HARD, but so much fun. Tip: Use a magnifying glass to see and find all the tiny details on the shelves.

    Love this fun list of bookish goodies! I may just gift myself something!

    • Beth says:

      I’ve done both, too, and had the opposite experience! Loved the bizarre bookshop one, but I found the other one to be difficult! Those white edges with pieces that looked all the same. I was never sure if I had pieces in the right place. So frustrating. I finally employed the policy I’ve learned here for books and it became the only puzzle I’ve ever dnf’d!!

  6. bosslady says:

    So many things I’ve added to my cart from this list! LOVE everything, but especially the bookend! I’ve been looking for book lover gift ideas for my friend, but on this list, I’ve got myself more things than for her. Love it!

  7. Diana Robertson says:

    Great list, I was hoping to see something we’ve been searching for. A bookweight or marker that holds your book open, down on the table, so you can read from the book and do something else with your hands. We found one but it was very expensive. I have even mocked one up with pie weights but it was unsightly. Any help would be appreciated.

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