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As a kid, it wasn’t uncommon to catch me reading while simultaneously walking down a hallway or going up stairs. I somehow honed my peripheral vision so I never had to take my eyes off the page.
I’m only slightly embarrassed to admit that I’m still known for reading while going through a subway turnstile or as I stir something on the stove—nothing gets between me and a good plot! So putting together the best gifts for book lovers was really an exercise in asking myself what reading-adjacent things I’d be most excited to receive. Here’s my short list.
The Best Book-Adjacent Gifts
Set of 14 Bookplates From the Library of Bookplates
Ban.do
Ever loaned a friend a novel only for them to pass it along to someone else? Rather than never see that book again, stick your name and number in it—stylishly, of course.
Tin of 125 Bronze Bookmarks by Book Darts
Amazon
A regular ol’ bookmark is only useful if you read one book at a time. Since I’m usually working my way through two or three at once, a tin of book darts is a more practical way to save my spot.
Pink Cap
Books Are Magic
I devoured Tembe Denton-Hurst’s recent Substack on good bookstore merch and promptly bought a McNally Jackson sweatshirt I wear weekly. Now I’m eyeing this baseball cap from cool-girl Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic.
Joya x Books Are Magic Books Candle
Joya
Another Books Are Magic merch must-have: Its brand-new Books candle (there’s also a Magic one), which has a scent that’s “the ambience of paper, ink, leather covers, and jackets.”
Fettu Bookends by Sin
Hawkins New York
Bookends that scream “bookends” often end up looking awkward and bulky to me. I much prefer Virginia Sin’s ceramic set, which could just as easily be two stand-alone sculptures. And how fun that the shape is inspired by fettuccine?!
Book Light by DesignWorks Ink
Anthropologie
There’s no bigger bummer than being deep in a chapter only to have your bedmate announce they’re going to sleep. A clip-on book light is your best friend here. This one has three brightness settings and comes in trendy olive green, lavender, and navy.
“Rather Be Reading” Women’s Sweatshirt
Lingua Franca
This organic cotton sweatshirt sums up my mood most days. Since it’s made to order, you get to pick your thread color.
Classic Books and Modern Art Print
Book/Shop
At 24-by-36 inches, this graphic poster (originally a flyer for Oakland, California, bookstore Book/Shop) can hold its own on a blank wall.
Lavender Oasis Matisse Throw by Ezcaray
Goodee
You’re not truly “cozying up with a good book” unless there’s a throw blanket involved. I can’t stop thinking about the colors of this striped mohair wool design—the periwinkle, pink, and wine red combo feels especially fresh.
Bookworm Rainbow Socks
Uncommon Goods
You’ll also need some house socks. The mid-calf length of this pair is perfect for scrunching.
Reclining Beach Chair by Sunnylife
Free People
If you’re shopping for someone who would rather sit while they read (like a normal person), this foldable lounge chair will allow them to sprawl out just about anywhere.
The Best Book Gifts
You can’t go wrong with any of these buzzy titles, which also sport covers guaranteed to look great on your shelf. Just check your giftee’s Goodreads list first.
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
Amazon
“Long Island Compromise” by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
Amazon
“Come & Get It” by Kiley Reid
Amazon
“The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley
Amazon
If they’ve read the bestsellers list top to bottom, but you’re set on handing over something bound between two covers, consider one of these coffee-table books.
“Mother/Founder” by Amanda Jane Jones and Jennifer Fernandez
Amazon
“Flamingo Estate: The Guide to Becoming Alive” by Richard Christiansen
Amazon
“The Book of Printed Fabrics Vol. I and II” by Aziza Gril-Mariotte
Amazon
“Crafted Kinship” by Malene Barnett
Amazon