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The 32 Best Gifts for Book Lovers (That Aren't Books)

The avid readers in your life will absolutely love these unique gift ideas.

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best gifts for book lovers

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If you have a bookworm in your life to shop for, your first thought might be to buy them a book. This can be tricky if you don't know what's already in their library or even what genres they like. You could get them a gift card for an audiobook service to let them choose their own adventure. You could also get them one of these gifts for book lovers, including things like a comfy reading pillow or an adjustable book stand. Other great gift ideas for readers include book lights, clever bookmarks and unique bookends and shelving options to properly display their collection. There's also bookish apparel such as totes, hats and sweatshirts so they can proudly announce their favorite pastime to the world. Time to shop!

For the Friend Whose Books You Always Borrow

"Library of" Personal Embosser

"Library of" Personal Embosser

Lending out their books just became a lot more official, thanks to this chic embosser from Williams Sonoma. The personalized stamp reads "library of" with their name, and features a simple book stack design.

Home is where the books are, and this cleverly designed book light is the perfect reminder of that fact. There are three light settings: yellow light, white light and warm white light, so you can read comfortably at any time of day. The warm light is ideal for reading before bed, and you can simply close the book to turn off the light when you start getting sleepy.

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A reading challenge and fun wall decor in one — what more could you want? This bestselling bucket list poster has the titles of 100 classic reads, which you can scratch off with a coin to reveal images as you complete them.

RELATED: The Best Gifts Under $20

Embrace all the cozy vibes with a library candle from Paddywax. This one is decorated with a very apt quote by Jane Austen, and customers can't get over how good it smells.

"This is such a unique scent and I've been a huge fan of the library candle line for years! I highly recommend this scent if you're looking for an experience and not just a fragrance," writes one 5-star reviewer.

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I know I said no books, but this literary-inspired cocktail recipe book is an easy exception. The updated 10th anniversary edition includes even more cleverly titled drink recipes, plus a few snacks to soak up the booze and even bonus drinking games. Your English major friends will get a kick out of mixing up "One Hundred Beers of Solitude," "Infinite Zest," "Lord of the Mai-Tais" and so many more.

Another calming pastime that many readers enjoy? Crafting. This DIY kit includes everything you need to create an adorable mini bookstore, which can be set between the books on your shelf. With the addition of two AAA batteries (not included), it even lights up to cast a cozy glow.

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Focusing on reading on the train during your commute, on a noisy plane or in a crowded cafe can be difficult. Decrease distractions with an affordable pair of noise-canceling headphones. The Soundcore by Anker Space One Noise Cancelling Headphones, which come in at just under $100, are the Good Housekeeping Institute's pick for the best value noise-canceling headphones in 2024.

Wherever you like to read, you can keep all the essentials within reach with this stylish acacia wood book holder. There's a built-in spot for reading glasses and a cup holder for coffee, tea or wine. Easily distracted by your phone while reading? Store it in the triangular opening to hide it from view.

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With postcards this cute, you'll be tempted to keep a few for yourself. Illustrated by Bibliophile artist Jane Mount, the set of 50 postcards are decorated with her recognizable themed book stacks, as well as authors' writing rooms, beautiful libraries, famous writers' pets and more quirky literary drawings.

Over 14k Five-Star Ratings on Amazon

Amber Book Light

Amber Book Light

Sometimes the best gift is the one your recipient really needs. Affordable and practical, this amber book light is intended to reduce eye strain when reading before bed or while traveling. It's adjustable, rechargeable with an included USB cable and has three brightness levels. No wonder the product has over 14,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

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For those who live in a small space (or who've filled up their bookshelf and need a place for the overflow), a rolling cart does the trick. This one features a removable tabletop, so you can display your bookish knickknacks or set down your mug while reading without sacrificing space.

RELATED: Ways to Style Your Bookshelf Like a Designer

Who ever said books can't double as decor? Floating bookshelves create a cool look on your walls and are another great way to save space when a standard bookshelf won't cut it.

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The ultimate setup for reading in bed, this versatile lap desk even has adjustable arms to hold book pages down so you can read hands-free. The stand works just as well for an e-reader or laptop.

"This was a great buy! I love to read in bed or use my iPad and this is perfect. It is sturdy and stable, with a variety of settings to adjust the angle of the table. I love that there is a cup holder included and some space for sundry items. It is perfect and well made," writes one five-star reviewer on Amazon.

Keep 'em cozy with a tried-and-true gift: a wearable blanket. This one size fits all sherpa throw has a hood and comes in five different color options. It also has over 2,000 reviews on L.L. Bean's site with an average rating of 4.7/5 stars.

RELATED: Best Cozy Gifts to Keep Them Warm All Year Long

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The fantasy reader in your life can relax and get creative with this "magical coloring book" from bestselling author Johanna Basford. Inside, find the secret key hidden within every coloring page to unlock the next room full of delightful details.

Designed to help you read more comfortably and better support your back, this pillow can be adjusted and used in different positions. The cover is removable and machine washable as well.

"This has been the best solution for reading ... and just overall relaxing. The oval shape and detachable pieces make the pillow super versatile and easy to move around," writes one 5-star reviewer on Amazon.

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A favorite among Good Housekeeping's testers and celebrities alike, the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug makes an especially great gift for readers around the holidays and cold winter months. It keeps coffee and tea heated to your preferred temperature, so go ahead and get caught up in that chapter — your drink will still be nice and warm when you do remember to take a sip.

Remember the old school library check out system? Give the gift of nostalgia with this at-home library kit. The set comes with self-adhesive pockets, checkout cards, a date stamp, ink pad and pencil: everything that's needed to get a personal library up and running.

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Every book lover needs decor that reflects their favorite hobby. While I'm partial to the Anne of Green Gables design, these ceramic book-shaped vases come in a number of different titles, including Pride and Prejudice and Through the Looking Glass.

Not just for cookbooks, these adorable cutting board-shaped bookends will add personality — and stability — to any collection.

RELATED: Best Baking Cookbooks of 2024

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Jamie Kravitz
News & SEO Editor

Jamie (she/her) is the news and SEO editor at Good Housekeeping. She oversees GH's digital news strategy, assigning and editing celebrity and entertainment news content. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she was the digital editor at Woman's Day. She has over 7 years of professional experience writing and editing lifestyle content for the Rachael Ray Show, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Insider, Elite Daily and more. She holds a BFA in Writing, Literature and Publishing from Emerson College and lives in Brooklyn with her cats Lumos, Linus and Milo.

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