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It is hard to believe that the Winter holiday season is upon us once again! This year, the holidays will likely look a little different for many of us as we spend time locally, figure out how to get our relatives who live across the country on Zoom, and plan gift shopping and shipping ahead of time.
One of the things I always struggle with each holiday shopping season no matter the circumstances, is what to buy for my bookish friends and relatives. Books would be the obvious answer but it can be tricky unless they are the goldilocks bookish zone; where your reading tastes match so you have a good idea of what they might like but not too much to the point where they have already read everything that you would likely give them. If this sounds familiar, this list is for you! Below are some fail-safe stocking stuffers and small gifts for the readers in your life.
Bookmarks
It is a truth universally acknowledged that when a reader is in need of a bookmark they will not find one and will use a random crumpled scrap of paper instead. Or is that just me? In any case one can never have too many bookmarks! Bookmarks are the perfect size for stocking stuffing and can be as fancy or DIY as your budget allows. Like many items on this list you can also go the extra mile and personalize or customize for the intended recipient.
Bookplates or library cards
For the reader who is building their home library and likes a little nostalgia, bookplates or library cards are the way to go. Most bookstores and online retailers will sell a variety of bookplates and/or library cards with various themes or designs and are the perfect way to make personalize your book collection.
Book sleeves
Book sleeves are one of my favorite bookish accessories. Book sleeves are especially great for the reader on the go and who always has a book with them in their purse or bag but don’t want to scuff their books. Library books? Books borrowed from a friend? Into to book sleeve they go. They also come in a wide array of patterns and designs and for all book sizes and are incredibly fun to collect.
Book stamps or embossers
If your bookish gift recipient likes to take personalization to the next level, a book stamp or embossers is the way to go. Like book plates they are small enough to be stocking stuffers but add an extra level of bookish sophistication for when you’re feeling fancy.
Clip on reading light
Nothing evokes childhood late night reading sessions like sneaking in some extra reading time with a flashlight beneath the covers. Clip on reading lights provide all of the nostalgia without the hassle. There are a variety of models, some with built in timers, or additional functions but ultimately, if you are looking for the ultimate throwback bookish accessory, a clip-on reading light is a must.
Sticky notes or tabs
For the stationary-inclined reader, or the reader who likes to keep their books pristine but wants to remember their favorite passages, sticky notes or tabs are the perfect stocking stuffer. There are tons of different colors, sizes, and designs perfect for any occasion.
Book themed candles, socks, and tea
While not strictly bookish, candles and socks are the perfect stocking stuffer for the reader who enjoys a cozy night in with a book. And really who doesn’t love that? There are plenty of book themed candles and socks available and for the tea drinkers in your life there are a variety of book themed tea blends as well for the tea drinkers.
Bookish enamel pins
Although also not exclusively bookish either, there are plenty of book-themed cute enamel pins that make the perfect accessory for your bookish fiend to add flair to their tote bag , beanie or just to display your love of reading
Thumb book page holder
This is the accessory that busy readers who are always running around with a book in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other didn’t know they needed. Thumb book page holders (also sometimes called page keepers) are basically handheld wedges that help prop your book open at your current page. They come in all different colors, sizes, and materials.
Gift card to your favorite local indie bookstore
You can’t go wrong with a gift card to a bookstore, especially for that bookish friend you know has read basically everything. Like many other local, small businesses, bookstores have been heavily affected this year, so why not help out your local independent bookstore out and make your bookish friend happy with a gift card? it’s a bookish win-win!
Whether we are celebrating with our loved ones this year in person or from afar, these stocking stuffers are the perfect small gifts for your bookish friends and families. You can find many of these items at your local bookstores, or a variety of online retailers like Etsy or Red Bubble but remember to shop early and local if you can!
