Gift Guide for the Book-Loving Human in Your Life (A.K.A. Stop Overthinking It)
- deeheartsbooks
- Dec 14, 2025
- 4 min read
Christmas is creeping up again, and I’m going to hold your hand when I say this:
If you claim you “don’t know what to get” the bookish person in your life…
you are doing something wrong.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you. I’m about to walk you step-by-step through what to buy based on the kind of reader you're shopping for.
And if YOU are the bookish friend reading this?
Show this blog some love, then accidentally-on-purpose send it to whoever needs the hint.
Know Your Reader:
A Bookish Gift Guide by Reading Type
📚 The Physical Book Girlie (or Guy)
This one is the easiest.
If they love physical books, then… drum roll… buy them books.
But here are the rules:
Sneak a pic of their shelves so you don’t duplicate anything. (Pro tip: zoom in.)
Ask who their favorite authors are.
Go to the bookstore, yes, a real one.
Gift cards are absolutely acceptable.
Packaging ideas:
One beautifully wrapped book with a bow
A cute bookish basket
A “book bouquet” (yes, that’s a thing, and yes, it’s adorable)
Physical book lovers want books. Full stop.
📱 The E-Reader Lover
Before you buy anything, ask yourself the most important question:
Do they have an updated Kindle or e-reader?
✅ If yes → Continue Reading.
❌ If no → Congratulations, you’ve just found the perfect gift.
After that, consider:
An e-reader stand/holder (bonus points if it holds snacks...priorities!)
A Bluetooth page-turner so they don’t have to pull their hands out from under the covers
Stickers that match their energy (Book Nerd? Black Girl Magic? Fantasy baddie? There's a vibe for everyone)
A Kindle case or hand strap
A Kindle gift card
A full year of Kindle Unlimited. Be warned, this gift may make you their favorite person
E-reader people just want convenience and comfort.
🎧 The Audiobook Addict
These readers are simple too. They value good books and a system that respects their busy lives.
Try These:
An audible subscription or a specific audiobook(s)
A subscription to Libro.fm (supports indie bookstores!)
Great headphones, over-the-ear or earbuds
A Bluetooth speaker (so they never have to pause a book for something as unserious as a shower)
Extra add-ons:
A lap desk for couch or bed reading
Screen cleaners and protectors (not glamorous, but useful)
And never forget: Just because they're audiobook lovers doesn’t mean they don’t want a trophy copy on their shelves.
Don’t play with them like that.
Gifts for All Readers
If you're not sure of your loved one's reading style... here are options that never ever fail.
Book Lights
Because sometimes the book is too good to put down, no matter what the clock says. Clip-on versions are cheap, portable, and a lifesaver.
✨ Cozy Blankets
If it feels like a warm hug, it’s a yes. Bonus points for chunky knit throws, heated blankets, or weighted blankets.
✨ Bookish Mugs
Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, every reader has a Beverage of Choice. A cute mug just completes the vibe.
✨ Tote Bags
Functional and aesthetic.Perfect for bookstore runs, library hauls, and pretending we don’t already have too many books.
✨ Bookish Clothing
T-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, socks. Look for ones that match their reading identity:
“Just One More Chapter”
“Black Books Matter”
“Romance Readers Unite”
“Shh… I’m Booked”
Readers LOVE wearable personality statements.
How to get mentioned in the bookish group chat.
Listen closely. These are the rules that separate the casual gift givers from the elite ones:
📌 1. Special editions = instant win
If you don’t know where to start, just search “[Their Favorite Book] special edition.”
📌 2. They always need new shelves.
If you see piles of books with no homes, shelves might be your answer. And did you know they make ladders for bookshelves, like Belle in Beauty in the Beast... just saying.
📌 3. Personalized Gifts are always a win
Personalized TBR jars, signs for the book room, or anything like that will show you care and really thought about your gift.
Subscription Boxes with Diverse Books
If you want to impress them? Get them a subscription book box, especially one that highlights diverse and marginalized authors.
My top picks:
Coversnob – loves Black authors, indie authors, and beautiful curation
Satisfiction – fantasy.thriller, indie, and marginalized voices
Illumicrate – recently-released exclusive edition with a good mix of diversity
These are unmatched for readers who want surprise book mail that reflects actual reading personality.
A Few Pointers....
📌 There is no such thing as too many books
If you bought books last year, they are still in play this year
📌 Shop local when you can
Local bookstores depend on us. If they do not have your book in stock they will be happy to order it for you.
📌 Thrift-store hauls if you’re on a budget are acceptable.
Goodwill is always an option. And don't forget to check out used bookstores in your area.
Buying for a reader shouldn’t be stressful.
Bookish people are some of the easiest humans to shop for.. we will happily unwrap books, bookish accessories, and book-adjacent items all day long.
So don’t overthink it.
Don’t guess.
Don’t stress.
Just use this guide, follow your heart, and make your favorite reader feel seen.
And if you’re the book lover reading this?
Go ahead… send this to your people. “Accidentally, of course.” 😌📚✨
