26 gifts for readers that aren't books: Inspired offerings to please the bibliophile in your life
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Everyone has that friend who always has their nose deep in a book. Charming as that is, they're impossible to buy gifts for. Buying them a book is risky. Literary tastes are hard to gauge and then there's the chance that they've already read the book you bought them. Luckily, there are plenty of great gifts out there for readers that aren't books.
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We've compiled the best gifts to buy the bookworm in your life that isn't another book. There are some seriously surprising finds that will wow even the most voracious reader. Here are 26 of the best gifts for readers that aren't books.
►Gifts for kids who read: Give your budding bookworm something they'll love
1. The best e-reader: Kindle Paperwhite
E-readers aren't for everyone but they are incredibly reliable for anyone who reads on the regular. Our favorite is the Kindle Paperwhite which is the best Kindle model available right now. Not only does it have a massive library to select from but its battery lasts for weeks at a time. Its beautiful screen is also easy on the eyes with various light temperatures to choose from.
2. For cozy reading nooks: Nestl reading pillow
There are plenty of pillows out there that can help readers can get cozy but few are as perfect for long reading sessions as Nestl. It provides support for your back, neck and arms, with pockets perfect for books, e-readers and magazines. There's even a handle on the top to lug it from room to room easily.
3. For late-night reading marathons: Vekkia 14 LED rechargeable book light
It's not uncommon for bookworms to get sucked into a book deep into the night. This book light is not only perfect for lighting the way but is also fairly versatile. Each of the two lights on it can be set in three different positions, to light single pages or entire books. It packs up to 80 hours of battery life and has nine brightness settings to accommodate nighttime reading in bed, in the car or even on a plane.
4. For personalizing your books: "From the Library Of" stamp
This is a charming way for the reader in your life to leave their personal stamp on all their books: literally. DelightfulStamps lets you choose between one of seven designs on either a self-inking or wooden stamp. It can display the name of the reader you're buying for or even display a custom message.
5. For the coolest bookmark: Peleg Design Cool Animal bookmarks
If there's a bookmark out there more charming than these two we haven't found them. Each of these bookmarks pokes out of the top of any book guarding your place. Buy the hippo and the crocodile bookmark separately or together. It's a great year-round gift for readers and far-flung from typical bookmarks.
6. For a fantastic bookshelf: Sauder five-shelf split bookcase
Books were meant to be displayed like any great work of art. The Sauder five-shelf split bookcase is our pick for one of the best bookshelves out there. It comes with detailed instructions for an easy build, has an excellent finish and has a timeless look to it. For bookworms looking for a traditional way to display their tomes it's a solid choice.
7. For the perfect candle for readers: Paddywax Library Collection scented candles
Books have the power to transport you to a different place and time but so do scents. This Paddywax Library collection of scented candles are fashioned after popular authors that may add an extra layer of immersion to your next long reading session. The Charles Dickens candle combines tangerine, juniper and clove making it the perfect accompaniment for the book that made Scrooge famous. Other authors include Edgar Allen Poe, Louisa May Alcott and Mark Twain.
8. For blocking out the world: Sony WH-1000XM4 wireless noise-canceling headphones
Reading happens best in a quiet place without any cumbersome noise aside from some soothing music. The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones are our favorite noise-canceling headphones because they're so good at blocking out whatever noise you want to keep at bay. They're also incredibly comfortable and provide some of the best audio quality out there.
9. For a charming reading chair: OSP Home Furnishings wicker Papasan chair
A Papasan chair is one of the coziest chairs out there if you want to spend hours deep into a good book. The OSP Home Furnishings Papasan chair is a fantastic choice for readers of all kinds and could easily double as seat for streaming binges. It's got a durable frame and even swivels.
10. For audiobook aficionados: An Audible subscription
One of the easiest ways to consume books is through audiobooks. Audible is the internet's biggest audiobook library and it's perfect for anyone who consumes books through their ears instead of their eyes. The library grows every day, with curated lists for both curious minds and picky enthusiasts.
11. For a cozy reading blanket: Bedsure fleece throw blanket
Our favorite throw blanket for everyday use is also one of the most affordable on the market. The Bedsure fleece throw blanket is perfect for any reader looking to get cozy on a couch, a bed or anywhere else. It's lightweight, has a velvety feel and comes in 28 colors. There are even big sizes for readers who want to get cozy with a friend or loved one.
12. For thick tomes: ZB Essentials book page holder
Some books (I'm looking at you, Stephen King) are so thick that holding them open with one hand is a Herculean task. These handy wooden page holders spread pages before you with ease. It reduces strain on your hands so you can hold pages open when you want to read one-handed. This pack comes with two so you can keep one for yourself and the other for your favorite bookwork.
13. For original apparel for book fans: Fugly Barbie
Big box stores are rife with clothing featuring characters from TV shows and movies. For book fans, Fugly Barbie is a fantastic and original apparel line. There are countless offerings for bibliophiles of all kinds including these charming Vampire Romance Novel and Mr. Darcy t-shirts.
14. For inspiring young readers: OwlCrate subscription
There is no cooler subscription box you can give a reader than OwlCrate. Every month, subscribers get a book, a handwritten letter from its author, and fun bookish goodies including everything from canvas bags to ceramic bowls. OwlCrate comes highly recommended by our writer Madison Durham as a great gift for young readers and may just inspire a lifelong love of literature.
15. For a charming book light: CNANXU Lamp book folding light
There's never been a more charming bedside lamp for readers. This folding book light serves as a mood light for reading in bed or in your favorite nook. When it's not in use, you can close it just like a real book which makes it perfect for traveling. There are also three different lighting styles to choose from including warm white, warm light and white light.
16. For a reading nook, anywhere: Book Nook Reading Valet
Using this handy accessory, you can take the comfort of a reading nook anywhere. It props up your book, has a spot for reading glasses and even a small divet for a small cup of tea. The Book Nook Reading Valet also serves as a way to mark your place by tenting the book over it. It's so small and lightweight you can use it to take your book nook anywhere.
17. For an inspired way to display your library: Hoctieon six-tier tree bookshelf
Displaying your books on a shelf is so last century. The Hoctieon six-tier tree bookshelf serves as a display piece and a rather clever way to show off books and save space. Books can rest at an angle in one of six shelves including another hidden shelf in its base. It's not just a way to store books it makes for a great conversation starter.
18. For a reading adventure: Divalis 100 Books scratch-off poster
Unsure what to read next? This 100 Books scratch-off poster compiles countless classics to check off your list. Once you finish a book, simply scratch it off to reveal a charming emblem. When all the entries are scratched, you can proudly display it for all to see.
19. For manga readers: Lofi Aesthetic Holographic bookmark
Manga used to be a niche genre but now it's one of the most popular sections in any bookstore. This Lofi Aesthetic Holographic bookmark is perfect for both new and veteran manga readers. It's one of the most kawaii ways to mark your place in any manga and can choose between a holofoil or a glossy laminate finish.
20. For a romantic gift: Book Page Flowers
A rose, is a rose, is a rose unless it's a rose crafted by book pages. These charming flowers are hand-crafted, and won't wilt like the real thing so you can display them year-round in any reading nook, living or bedroom. These roses come in 12, 18, and 24-count bouquets and you can even request a specific book for an additional charge.
21. For freeform book displays: Umbra Conceal floating bookshelf
With the right tools, you can display books anywhere: even seemingly in midair. These floating bookshelves are easy to install on any wall and are a great way to save space while being totally eye-catching. Each shelf holds up to 15 pounds so they can accommodate quite a few tomes. This set comes with three floating bookshelves.
22. For cozy couch reading: Book couch stand
Whether you prefer reading on a Kindle or the old-fashioned way this book stand is a perfect accessory when you want to get cozy with a book. It's as plush as a pillow and props up your book whether you're sitting up or laying down. This book stand is also fully machine washable in case of spills or stains. It doubles as a travel pillow too.
23. For protecting your e-reader: Kindle fabric cover
You should always add a protective sleeve to any expensive portable device and the Kindle is no different. This Kindle fabric cover is thin and lightweight and helps keep your screen clear of dust. Its magnetic cover ensures it stays closed. The Kindle fabric cover is also available in four colors including black, blue, red and white.
24. For a charming tea infuser: Fred and Friends Manatea tea infuser
Nothing makes a reading session better than pairing it with a warm cup of your favorite tea. When brewing some of the good stuff there's no cooler way to do it than with this Manatea tea infuser. It's our favorite tea infuser because along with being totally charming, it clings to the edge of any cup, steeps evenly and is very easy to clean.
25. For living out librarian fantasies: Knock Knock Personal Library Kit
Have you ever wanted to stamp out a time card just like a librarian does? This Personal Library Kit helps any reader live out this all-too-common fantasy. It comes with 20 self-adhesive pockets, 20 checkout cards, one date stamp, one black inkpad and a pencil. Use it to check out your own books to friends, or simply live out your dreams of becoming a librarian.
26. For purrfect bookends: Cat Scratch bookends
Nothing puts the cherry on top to any bookshelf like a charming bookend, and they don't come more charming than these. Cat Scratch bookends are made from carbon steel and automotive paint giving them a professional finish. This set comes with two cute bookends that each look like a cat scratching at your book collection.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: 26 best gifts for readers