The 2023 MMD gift guide for book lovers

Have you started your holiday shopping yet? This time of year always sneaks up on me so putting together our annual gift guides is my way of getting a jump start on shopping for my loved ones.

These gifts are sure to delight the book lover in your life …. or give you an excuse to treat yourself.

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! Ordering early is your best bet to get the items you want on time.

Shopping early also goes a long way towards easing the pressure on small businesses later, during the traditionally brisk period between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and saves you from any potential shipping delays. And it will lessen your stress in the process!

Our gift guide for kids who love to read is slated for next week. We also have our annual holiday recommendation episode coming soon on What Should I Read Next!

All items featured here were chosen because we love them. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission. More info here.

One More Chapter t-shirt 

Do you need a One More Chapter t-shirt? This Etsy shop has so many bookish shirts I love!

Book cart 

If there’s one thing a bookworm needs, it’s more storage for books. The Container Store has a fabulous rolling book cart in a variety of colors. (They don’t specify it’s for books, but that’s what I use mine for.)

Pride and Prejudice tea towels

I cracked up when I saw this “What excellent boiled potatoes” tea towel! If you know, you know.

Abibliophobia mug

Do you fear running out of books? This Abibliophobia mug understands.

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. They have several different credit bundles to choose from.

Rainer Maria Rilke Sweatshirt

Every week I end What Should I Read Next by quoting Rainer Maria Rilke: “Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.” While that quote comes from a different book, I’m very into this Rilke Sweatshirt inspired by the first edition cover of “Letters To Young Poet.” Camelsota has sweatshirts and t-shirts inspired by other classics as well.

Toni Morrison – Beloved – Sentence Diagram Print

Sentence Diagram Prints from Joyland make a clever, pretty gift. There are many books, musicians, and TV shows to choose from; Toni Morrison – Beloved is featured here. (We received a nice email from the shop owner after our gift guide went live: she’s kindly offering our readers a discount! Enter the code MODERNMRSDARCY at checkout to get 10% off your entire order.)

Book Lover’s Bookends

These Book Lover’s Bookends are so happy! I love the cheerful colors. There are more designs at the ARCHd Etsy shop.  

Always Willing to Talk About Jane Austen tote  

The totes from Opal and June are fantastic. I especially like this Jane Austen one because it’s true: I am always willing to talk about Jane Austen.

Anne of Green Gables Quote Pencils

It was almost impossible to decide which Lit and Whimsy pencil set to feature but in the end, I had to go with Anne of Green Gables.

My Reading Life: A Book Journal

Tracking what you read and how you feel about it is the simplest way to figure out who you are as a reader. With space to track 100 individual titles, book lists, and other tools designed to improve your reading life, My Reading Life: A Book Journal is perfectly sized for taking with you to the library or bookstore and lays flat for easy journaling. 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.

Readers are Leaders t-shirt

I love the vintage vibe of this Readers are Leaders t-shirt from The Bee & The Fox.

Candles from Fly Paper Products

The Fly Paper Products Etsy shop has lots of good stuff and their candle collection is especially great. I mean, Sexy Librarian! Also Green Gables, Next Chapter, Plot Twist. I could go on and on.

Leather Bookweight

If you ever need a book to lay flat, this Leatherology bookweight might be just the ticket! It’s handy for cookbooks, coffee table books, textbooks, and more. It’s made with full grain leather and can be personalized.

Cozy Tea Bookmark

An adorable and unique Cozy Tea bookmark!  (More bookmark recommendations here.)

Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club gift memberships

The MMD Book Club is the place where we’re learning to read better, together. 1 month, 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.

The Oxford Comma Society t-shirt

Declare your grammarly allegiance with an Oxford Comma Society t-shirt!  

Female Literature Rocks Glasses

These Female Literature Rocks Glasses feature the first edition inside covers of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, making them the perfect accompaniment to your next re-read. Or while reading anything, for that matter. (Related: these Langston Hughes Poem Glasses are beautiful and they’re on sale!) 

Galison Reader’s Society 1000 Piece Puzzle

I couldn’t put together a gift guide and not include a puzzle! This Reader’s Society 1000 Piece Puzzle is adorable. (More puzzle recommendations coming soon!)

Booktrovert t-shirt

Are you a booktrovert? Then you definitely need this Booktrovert t-shirt. Available in multiple colors.

Personalized library stamps

There are a ton of different personalized library stamps featuring various designs and fonts. Here’s one Etsy shop to get you started.  

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.

Dog bookends

I love me some Target bookends; there are so many good options. Look at these dogs!  

For the Love of Books flour sack dish towel

This For the Love of Books flour sack dish towel is adorable. I’ve had mine for years!   

LEGO Typewriter 

Did you know you can purchase a LEGO typewriter?! It looks and sounds like the real thing.

Take a Look It’s in a Book Shirt

How cute is this retro Take a Look It’s in a Book t-shirt?

P.S. Want more great bookish ideas? Check out the 2022 gift guide, 2021 guide, 2020 guide, 2019 guide, 2018 guide, 2017 guide, and 2016 guide.