Many of us are finding the idea of buying presents more than a little overwhelming. But when you have a good idea of what the recipient is into, that's half the battle over with and you're on the right path towards finding something you know they'll enjoy. Giving well-thought out gifts is one of the loveliest things about special occasions - seeing the joy on someone’s face as they tear off the gift wrap and see something they've been hoping for is always a delight.
It won't come as any surprise to you any of you that at Peppermint Teal, we love to read. Losing yourself in a good book is a wonderful to destress leaving you feeling so much more relaxed and revived. And when you throw tea and cake into the mix - it's one of our favourite methods of self-care - definitely great for the soul! And when you feel like being sociable, there's nothing like being part of a reading group and getting stuck into a riveting discussion about that month's read. Just think - you fave book could lead you to making new friends! So to us, books are so much more than just words on a page. So that's why we created this post specifically with book lovers in mind.
But what do you buy someone who likes to read? Well a book of course! True, anyone who enjoys reading would be grateful to receive a new book to get stuck into as a gift. But what if you feel like getting the bookworm in your life something slightly different..? Even though we know books are very much their thing, book-buying for the avid reader can sometimes be a challenge. How do we know they'll love the book we've bought them? What if they already have it on their bookshelf or have downloaded it onto their Kindle? Perhaps they've already read it before - and worse still hated it! Or maybe just maybe, you don't want to be totally predictable and buy them yet another book especially if you think everyone else will be getting them something to read.
 The smart choice might be to get them a gift that isn't a book but is still related to their love of reading. Some book-themed merchandise maybe? Something they can use while they escape into yet another novel? Or maybe something that'll look fab in their new reading nook. Believe us - there are so many options with regards to buying gifts for reading fanatics. It's not all just books - as great as they are. If you wish to purchase something a little different for them, you just need to use a little imagination and think outside... the book!
So we've come up with ideas for non-book gifts that you could give to a book aficionado and if you're a bit of a bookworm yourself, there's no reason why you shouldn't treat yourself too! For many of the items mentioned here, there are also book-themed versions available if you want to really amp up the literary connection.
1. BOOK VOUCHERS
OK, this isn't the most groundbreaking of gift ideas when it comes to buying a present for a book fan, and a bit of a safe option (this list gets a bit more interesting as we go on - promise!) But if there's one thing that avid readers love more than receiving a new book, it's receiving a voucher so that they can head down to their nearest book shop and purchase a copy of the latest book they've had their eye on. And at least this way you'll know that they're bound to get a book they really, really want!
2. BOOKMARKS
We know, we know - another simple idea! But let's face it book lovers - those who prefer to read printed books anyway - can never have too many bookmarks. Furthermore, book marks are a gift item that's quite reasonably priced so it'll be quite easy on your pocket. And if it's a gift that you're going to post, you can just slip it into a card. You can get a wide variety of bookmarks and not just the type made from card. There's some lovely resin ones; laser cut-out wood or metal; leather; magnetic ones that attach to the corner of a page... If you're a bit crafty, you could always crochet them a pretty and unique bookmark.
3. BOOK SLEEVES
Books are very precious to book aficionados so this one is perfect for someone who loves their printed books. Book sleeves are a type of pouch, usually with a zip that can fit over individual books that keep them safe and limit damage while they're being jostled about among the many other possessions in your bag. Once again, if you're a bit on the crafty side, you could always knit, crochet, or sew a book sleeve, and no doubt the extra effort will be appreciated. If the recipient prefers to read eBooks, then a sleeve for their tablet is another option.
4. TOTE BAG
A book sleeve is ideal for one book, but you'll need something a bit more roomier if you have more than one book. A simple tote bag makes a great book bag for someone who likes to cart a few books around with them. And yes you've guessed it - if you're handy with a needle and thread, you could always sew one up for them! There are also some lovely book-themed tot bags around that the avid reader would just adore!
5. READING JOURNAL/PLANNER
Planners and journals are all the rage these days. There are ones for health and fitness; mindfulness; achieving goals, and there are plenty of journals and planners out there aimed at those who like to read. We reckon it's a must have for bibliophiles. Reading journals or planners are an excellent way to track your reading, remind yourself of your favourite reads, and help you remember what you'd like to read next.
6. PERSONAL LIBRARY KIT
We thought that we knew everything there was to know about book-related products on the market but we had no idea that library kits are actually a thing! Where have we been! Personal library kits are a gift option that's more aimed at the 'generous bookworm' - the reader who likes to loan out their books to others. It's always nice to share... but it's not so nice when what you've loaned out is not returned!
Library kits save book owners from having to remember what they have loaned out and to whom, and whether or not the books were returned. While we know that there's probably an app for this, a library kit is for those who like to keep things a little more 'old school.' Library kits come with items such as a rubber stamp and ink pad; checkout cards; pencils, self-adhesive pockets and anything else that makes you feel like a librarian before everything went high-tech! Come to think of it, these library kits might also make a good gift for a bookworm who actually does work in a library!
7. BEVERAGES
And no we don't mean a can of coke! There is a reason why there are cafes located within many libraries and bookshops nowadays - because books and beverages, especially cosy warming drinks, go together hand in hand! Who wouldn't like to be sipping on something delicious and comforting while they're getting swept away in another great story? So what better gift could you give a bibliophile than a nice selection of teas or maybe even a year-long tea subscription? The book lover who loves tea just as much as they love reading will be spoilt for choice on deciding what brew to have before they settle down to read a good book. And if tea's not their thing, then there's coffee, hot chocolate... or maybe even something stronger! Whiskey anyone?
8. EDIBLE TREATS
As the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe correctly said, it is dull to drink without eating, so perhaps you'd like to give the recipients some edible goodies to go with the beverages! Cakes, cookies and brownies are great to munch on while you're enjoying a hot drink and a good read. Boxes of chocolate or fudge are also a great treat. If you don't want to order something that's ready-made, you could always buy them kits for cakes, scones or muffins for instance, were they can make themselves some freshly-baked goodies for when they're ready to settle down to read. Or if they like baking as much as they enjoy reading, perhaps you can get them some bakeware so that they can whip up some bakes to enjoy while they're reading. If you yourself are a dab-hand at baking, perhaps you can rustle up some book-shaped cakes or cookies, or literary themed cupcakes.
You could also give them edible treats connected to their favourite read or a well-known book. For example Turkish delight (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) mix for currant buns (A Little Princess) hot chocolate or chocolate fondue kits (Chocolat) gift box with ingredients to make a treacle tart (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.) You could also give them a framed piece of kitchen art you've designed yourself featuring the recipe. For more inspiration regarding food, recipes and books, check out The Book Club Cook Book by Judy Gelman and Vicki Levy Krupp.
The possibilities when it come to giving edible goodies as gifts for book-lovers are endless!
9. FOOD/DRINK ACCESSORIES
We've already established how food and drink partner really well with books. But now you'll need something to eat them off and drink them out of! Mugs, china teacups and saucers, teapots or a nice tray to transport edible and drinkable goodies and reading material over to the reading space are gifts that will be very well received.
10. GET COSY!
We always think of reading as such a cosy activity - and at Peppermint Teal, we're big fans of cosy self-care rituals! Does anyone know a book-lover who doesn't enjoy getting all cosy and comfy while getting stuck into a novel? So for the book worm in your life, how about the ultimate in gifts that spell comfort and warmth so that they can get extra comfy while indulging in their favourite pursuit? Fluffy blankets; cosy socks; hot water bottles with wooly covers, shawls and large cushions are all great ideas. One of the advantages of giving such gifts is that they are practical gifts that can be used at anytime and not just for reading, and they'll come in extra handy during the autumn and winter months.
10. CANDLES
While we don't think that reading by candlelight is great for your eyes, but continuing with the cosy theme, we do think that having lit candles while you're reading adds to the ambience - especially if they're beautifully scented with a fragrance that promotes relaxation.
11. OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES
These are gifts that will appeal to those who love to read outdoors. Though if you're going to give these as Christmas presents, chances are they won't be able to use these for a few more months - unless you live in Oz! These gifts are similar to those mentioned under 'cosy' but these will be blankets, rugs and cushions that are outdoor, waterproof, and more portable versions that you can use in your back garden, or take to the park or beach. A sun hat or sunglasses might also be very well received.
12. TICKETS TO A BOOK FAIR
We can't think of a single bibliophile who wouldn't relish the prospect of being surrounded by all things literary. So buying them a ticket to an upcoming book/writers/literary festival will be right , or write (hehe!) up their street! These events are a fantastic way of bringing writers and readers together in certain towns or cities. It's an opportunity to hear readings by authors; talk to writers and publishers; discover new book titles; have books signed; listen to poetry recitals, and even watch acting performances. It's a great occasion for people who really enjoy the creative scene and the written word, and no doubt a lot of fun for those who really enjoy reading.
13. THEATRE /CINEMA TICKETS
An avid reader might like to see the pages of their favourite novel come to life on the stage or on the big screen. So if there is a play or film adaptation of a novel that's just been released, you might want to treat your readaholic friend to tickets... and they can see which version of the literary work they prefer. It'll definitely make for an interesting discussion!
14. READING SUBSCRIPTION BOX
We're looking at ideal gifts for readers that are not books but we have to admit - this one might actually contain a book! But book subscription boxes are such a lovely gift to receive that we just had to include it in this list. Each company will offer different items with their boxes but you can generally find things like bookmarks; candles; edible treats, mugs and so much more. If it's a bit daunting to subscribe for boxes on a monthly basis, a one-off gift box will still be very much appreciated.
15. BOOK THEMED ITEMS
There's a whole host of book-themed and book-shaped gifts out there that book lovers will just die for! Jewelry; t-shirts; sweaters; vases; socks; tree ornaments, even hair accessories. You name it, it's there! There are no end of possibilities when it comes to buying gifts for the bibliophiles in your life.
Hope we've inspired you with some of our ideas!
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GIFs: Wix
Blog graphics: Angel Noire
