A Bookish Guide To Gifts

I’ve gone back and forth about what to include in this book lover’s gift guide, and have finally made some decisions. Many of these are personal wants (or needs), while others are more general, but all make excellent gifts for the bookish people in your life.

Books

Many book lovers make their book wishlists known, whether it’s in a journal or through a bookseller like Barnes and Noble. If this is the case, by all means purchase those books! I always recommend going to a local bookstore, or purchasing online through a local bookstore, to do so. In many cases, local bookstores add a little something extra to a package, whether its a bookish tote bag or even a beautifully designed bookmark. You can also go directly to publishers’ websites for newly published books and bestsellers (Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Penguin Random House, Hachette, and countless indie publishers).

For a more personalized book gift or one that is more unique, visit Juniper Books and browse their beautiful selection of special editions, Penguin Classics, or opt for a custom set of books. I requested a catalog from them a few weeks ago and to tell you the truth, that was like a gift in and of itself.

Book Subscriptions

This month I finally signed up for Book of the Month, a monthly book subscription that allows you to choose a book from pre-selected titles to be sent to you month by month. There are a few different packages at different prices, so choose one that works for your budget, and for the recipient of the gift in hopes they will want to continue the subscription. Learn more here.

The Strand bookstore just recently announced the beginning of their subscription program, called The Book HookUp. They have organized four different plans that will each bring a “first edition of a highly anticipated title” to a book lover’s door once or four times a year. You could check everyone off of your list with this subscription, to be honest. Learn more about this subscription here.

If you would like to find out more about other Book Box subscriptions, Bustle created a great list here. But be careful, this kind of hole is a dangerous one to go down – you may wind up subscribing to all of them for yourself!

Other Subscriptions

If they haven’t already subscribed to The New Yorker, this would make a great gift, and, the magazine offers some special holiday pricing just for gifting purposes. Depending on the person, you could also offer to renew their subscription when the time comes.

The New York Review of Books is an almost essential subscription for a book lover. Subscribe for your friend or loved one here, or, you could even browse their selection of books to purchase instead or in addition to the subscription.

While the list is basically endless when it comes to literary journals, magazines, and other resources, a few others to consider as you make your gift list include The Paris Review, Glimmer Train Press, Poets & Writers, and the New England Review.

Other Gifts

For whimsical, personal, or other bookish gifts, indulge in Etsy. A simple search of a favorite novel or character will bring up many gift ideas in the form of home accents, whimsical coffee mugs, and other novelties. Check out these great Book Lovers’ Soy Candles by Frostbeard, a variety of gifts (I love their pillows) from AndersAttic, and my absolute favorite bookmarks from kraze4paper (wine charms, cards, and more).

What is on your book wishlist this year? Have you found any one-of-a-kind gifts for a friend or loved one? Are you considering giving a monetary gift to a non-profit or educational organization during the holiday season? Share the best book inspired gift you’ve received, and your ideas for giving the perfect gift below – and let me know if you’ve given any of the above. And most important of all, enjoy the holiday season!