Books, Nooks and Bibliotherapy Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
Posted by Bijal Shah on
Listen to the podcast episode here.
It’s that time of the year when we are thinking of gifts for friends and family, and I thought it might be helpful to suggest some bookish and bibliotherapeutic gifts that might be received with delight and gratitude by our loved ones!
Hi! I’m Bijal Shah, your host, and today we’re diving into a world of gift ideas for book lovers. That’s right—we’re talking about the best gifts for book lovers!
Whether your favourite bibliophile loves classics, thrillers, romance, or fantasy novels, I’ve got a treasure trove of ideas to help you find the perfect present. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s turn the page on this gift-giving conundrum!
The Obvious Choice
Let’s start with the most obvious gift for book lovers: books! But… don’t just grab a bestseller off the shelf. Personalisation is key. Here are three tips to make sure your book gift lands perfectly:
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Pay attention to their favourite genres or authors, style of writing. Do they rave about historical fiction or devour thrillers? Knowing their preferences can narrow down your choices.
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Special edition books or signed copies. Think outside the box with special editions or signed copies. A gorgeous leather-bound classic or a first edition of their favourite novel could make their year.
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Subscriptions to services like Book of the Month or Audible. These options let them pick their own stories, and they keep giving all year long!
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Something curated for therapeutic purposes or personal interest. Lastly, something for their wellbeing or selfcare might be helpful, such as a Personalised Book Therapy Book Prescription, perhaps? These is essentially a curated list of book recommendations tailored to an individual’s needs and interests. It’s like a literary prescription for the soul! We can help here if you’d like us to curate a special book list for your loved one, or simply gift the personalised book prescription to the giftee and let them get in touch when ready and we can curate something really special for them – either for therapeutic purposes or for personal interest.
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Giftcards. If you’re really stuck, a gift card to their favourite local bookstore is a win-win. You support small businesses, and they get to choose their next adventure.
Cosy Accessories for Reading Nooks
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Reading lights. A portable book light is perfect for night owls who like to read into the wee hours. Look for adjustable, rechargeable ones for maximum convenience. I got my kids the other day and they love it! They love to snuggle under the bed covers and read.
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Comfort items. Think soft blankets, fluffy pillows, or even a lap desk to keep their tea or coffee close by.
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Candles. Many book lovers adore candles that evoke the scent of old libraries, fresh parchment, or even settings from famous novels. Look for bookish candle brands of which they are a few across the UK and the US.
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Bookshelves. And if you want to go the extra mile, a beautiful bookshelf—even a small one—can help them store and display their collection with pride.
Quirky Bookish Gifts
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Book-themed apparel. From T-shirts with witty literary quotes to socks with library card designs, there’s no shortage of options to wear their love for books on their sleeve… literally.
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Bookmarks with personality. Magnetic bookmarks, handmade leather ones, or quirky designs like miniature ladders or paperclip animals make great small gifts.
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Bookish board games. Ever heard of "Literary Charades" or "Ex Libris"? These games are perfect for readers who also love a little friendly competition.
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Book-inspired art. Prints of famous book covers, literary maps, or framed quotes can add a personal touch to their home decor.
Tools for Tech-Savvy Readers
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E-readers. If your book lover hasn’t embraced e-books yet, a Kindle Paperwhite or Kobo could be a game-changer. They’re lightweight, easy on the eyes, and perfect for travel.
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Tablet stands or holders. These make reading on devices much more comfortable, especially for long sessions.
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Apps and software. Consider gifting a premium subscription to reading-focused apps like Scribd or Libby, which offer access to a massive library of e-books and audiobooks.
Bibliotherapy Gifts
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Bibliotherapy Sessions. Here at Book Therapy, I offer bibliotherapy sessions for individuals and couples. A 50-minute bibliotherapy consultation is designed to examine their reading life including reading habits, goals, interests, and personal needs. The price of the session also includes unlimited email or text support for two weeks following the session.
They'll be introduced to books that explore feelings they've never quite understood before - or books that bring new meaning, hope, perspective on an existing situation - or simply books that focus on a niche that they've been hoping to explore for a while but never had the time.
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Online bibliotherapy courses. Gift an enrolment in one of Book Therapy’s courses, such as their "Bibliotherapy, Literature, and Mental Health" course, the "Children’s Bibliotherapy Skills" course, or the "Indian Rasa Theory & Bibliotherapy" course, which explores emotional engagement with literature. For those who love a unique mix of physical and mental engagement, our online "Books and Tennis" course could be a delightful surprise.
These gifts aren’t just about enjoying books; they’re about deepening a connection with literature and its power to heal, inspire, and transform. And there you have it—a curated list of gifts to delight the book lovers in your life. From thoughtful book selections to cosy accessories, quirky keepsakes, and even bibliotherapy-inspired presents, there’s something for every type of reader. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, so even the simplest gift can make a big impression if it’s chosen with care.