What do you buy for the book lover with an overflowing bookshelf? Paste has you covered with nine creative gift ideas for bibliophiles. From literary rocks glasses to miniature sci-fi hardcovers, these presents are sure to delight the readers in your life. And with price tags under $20, they won’t break the bank this holiday season.
For even more gift ideas, check out our gift guides with presents over $20 or Star Wars items.
Banned Books Heat Reactive Mug
Out of Print’s charming mugs are perfect for readers, and this one is our absolute favorite. The Banned Books Mug sports crossed out titles of books that have been challenged or banned in the U.S. But when you pour a hot drink into the mug, the censored marks disappear!
Out of Print: $12 (On 11/28, Giving Tuesday, they’re offering 30% off your order and will donate two books to communities in need.)
Tor Books Mini Hardcovers
Sci-fi and fantasy readers will love these new mini editions of six popular books. And at only 4 × 6 inches, they’re the perfect size for stocking stuffers.
Edgedancer by Brandon Sanderson
Amazon: $8.41
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
Amazon: $10.52
From the Two Rivers: The Eye of the World Part 1 by Robert Jordan
Amazon: $14.99
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi
Amazon: $10.52
Six Months, Three Days, Five Others by Charlie Jane Anders
Amazon: $9.33
Wild Cards Volume One edited by George R.R. Martin
Amazon: $12.07
2018 Bibliophilia Mini Calendar
Each month of this calendar features a different design highlighting a literary line, ranging from Jane Austen to Langston Hughes. It also includes a petite wooden easel to display the calendar’s eye-catching images.
Obvious State: $10 (You can use the code HOLIDAY17 to get an additional 20% off.)
Signs of Hope: Messages from Subway Therapy by Matthew “Levee” Chavez
After the 2016 election, Chavez created spaces for people to express themselves and write notes in New York subway tunnels. Thousands of people penned messages, and Signs of Hope features hundreds of these poignant Post-It notes. These small glimpses into other’s lives will tug at your heart, giving your faith in humanity a much needed boost.
Literary Rocks Glass
This is where boozing and reading meet. Check out these 11 oz. rocks glasses inscribed with the first lines of famous books. Hamlet? Treasure Island? Jane Eyre? You got it.
Book Cover Tote Bag
There’s no better way to carry books than in a bookish tote. Out of Print offers 30+ tote designs celebrating classics, including Romeo and Juliet, 1984 and even Nancy Drew.
Out of Print: $18 (On 11/28, Giving Tuesday, they’re offering 30% off your order and will donate two books to communities in need.)
Cinemaps by Andrew DeGraff with essays by A.D. Jameson
DeGraff charts the routes iconic characters traveled with this whimsical “atlas.” From The Princess Bride to The Shining, 35 films get translated into intricate maps in this stunning book.
Book Lovers’ Soy Candle
Frostbeard Studio’s soy candles immerse book lovers in their favorite scents. Enjoy the smell of tattered pages? Pick up an Old Books candle for a whiff of paper and vanilla. Wish you could frolic with Tolkien’s hobbits? You’ll love the hint of clover and pipe tobacco in The Shire candle. From Winterfell to Sherlock’s Study, Frostbeard Studio boasts 17 scented candles sure to delight bibliophiles.
Frostbeard Studio: $6 for 2 oz. candles, $11 for 4 oz. candles or $18 for 8 oz. candles
Gift Card to an Independent Bookstore
With the convenience of online shopping, it’s easy to forget how fun it is to visit a physical bookstore. A trip to an independent bookstore will inspire tons of great ideas, and readers will embrace any excuse to spend an afternoon browsing shelves. Use this directory to find an independent bookstore near you.