15 clever present ideas for book lovers (that aren't a book!)
In theory, if you're buying for a book lover it should be easy to find the perfect present. After all, thousands of books are published every year. But if you're not feeling confident enough to buy them an actual novel (they read so much, it's hard to know what they haven't already got to!), it can be tricky. This Christmas, why not treat them to one of these book-adjacent gift ideas instead?
From board games to literary socks (yes, really!), there's something here for every bibliophile in your life.
Jane Austoe Socks (£9, Chatty Feet)
I love these funny socks decorated with Jane Austen's face - you can get Virginia Woolf, Charlotte Bronte and even Shakespeare too!
Bel Canto: Annotated Edition (£25, Fourth Estate)
This would be a brilliant gift for any writers in your life - or any Ann Patchett fans. The author has been through her best-selling book and made notes (which are often funny) on how she wrote it and the style choices she's made - fascinating stuff!
Personalised Bookrest In Solid Oak (£40, Not On The High Street)
The perfect place to pop ypur book at bedtime so you don't lose your place - and you can have it engraved with a personal message.
£40.00 at notonthehighstreet.com
Murdle board game (£19.99, Goliath)
If someone in your life loves the hugely popular Murdle puzzles, this would make a great present. Like the books, they'll need to use the power of deductive reasoning to correlate suspects, weapons, locations, and, of course, verdicts to catch the killer before anyone else.
Andi Book Print Shirt Dress (£69, Joanie)
Wear your literary heart on your sleeve (and all over the rest of you, too), with this brilliant book-print dress from Joanie. We love the shirtdress shape and three-quarter length sleeves – perfect for Christmas drinks!
Wax Seals Book Embosser (£29.99, Etsy)
If your favourite game as a child was playing pretend libraries, you’ll love this beautiful book embosser that stamps your books with your name and a design of your choice. Choose from six design options and add your name to personalise it. I’ll be embossing all my books with “From the library of Joanne Finney” – I can’t think of a more stylish way of making sure they all return to me!
She Is Too Fond Of Books sweatshirt (£22.95, Etsy)
This is the sweatshirt I’m coveting right now – and will be dropping heavy hints to Santa about. As a massive Little Women fan (I re-read it every year at Christmas), this has been a long-favourite quote of mine, so to see it reflected in the mirror every time I wore this would make me smile. Please, Father Christmas...
Floral Tiles Reading Journal (£29, Papier)
This gorgeous A5 journal is the perfect place to keep a record of the books you’ve read and loved. As well as providing plenty of space to scribble down book reviews, there’s also a wish-list section for books on your to-read list and a tracker to note books you’ve borrowed and lent.
Times I Was Right Notebook (£12.99, WTF Notebooks)
I'd definitely have plenty to put in this witty notebook!
The Library Ceramic Candle (£65, Wonder And Chase)
Scented with amber, pink pepper and pomegranate, this is a gorgeous candle with around a 90 hour burn time.
Women's Prize x Tatty Devine Pen Nib Earrings (£35, Women's Prize)
These stunning earrings are real stand outs and every purchase supports the work of the Women’s Prize Trust, empowering all women to use their voice and tell their story.
Personalised Leather Point Bookmark (£12.50 Not On The High Street)
This leather bookmark, which can be personalised with the recipent's initials or any other message you fancy, would make a great stocking stuffer for a bibliophile.
A Feast Incense Sticks (£35, Perfumer H)
Food writer Nigel Slater has worked with perfume maker Lyn Harris to design this scent which comes as incense sticks, soap and candle. With notes of neroli, cardamom, clove, sandalwood and birch tar, it would make a perfest festive gift.
Subscription to the New Yorker (approx £41, The New Yorker)
Treat them to the gift of great writing, delivered to their door 52 weeks a year.
Membership to the GH VIP Book Club (£149 a year, GH)
For someone who loves books and reading, you couldn't find a better gift than a GH VIP Book Club membership. Not only do you get a free ebook copy of our book club pick every month, you also get an invite to the GH offices to meet the author and put your questions to them, while enjoying a glass of wine!
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