Shopping for someone who loves reading but has absolutely no room left on their bookshelves? We’ve got you covered. From bookish accessories and thoughtful surprises to experiences they’ll remember, here are some lovely gift ideas for the book lover who insists they definitely don’t have enough books.
The book lover dilemma: too many books, not enough shelves
We all know one.
Their bedside table is disappearing beneath a mountain of unread books. Their bookshelves are double-stacked. There’s probably a book in their handbag, one in the car and another three waiting patiently on their Kindle.
And yet, if you ask them what they want for Christmas, their answer is probably another book.
Buying gifts for book lovers should be easy, right? After all, you just need to find a book they haven’t read.
Except there’s a small problem. They’ve either already read it, already own it, have it on their never-ending TBR list or have very particular opinions about which editions they’re willing to display.
So, what do you buy someone whose favourite hobby is collecting more books than they can physically read?
Don’t worry. We’ve put together some ideas that go beyond another trip to the bookshop.
1. A blind date with a book
Let’s start with one of our favourites.
If you’re buying for someone who loves reading, a blind date with a book is a lovely way to give them something a little different.
Instead of choosing a book based on its cover or title, you give them a beautifully wrapped mystery book with clues about the story waiting inside.
They might discover a new favourite author, fall in love with a completely unexpected genre or find a story they would never have picked up themselves.
It’s more than just giving someone another book. It’s giving them the excitement of a surprise, the anticipation of unwrapping something and the chance to discover their next literary obsession.
And let’s be honest, even someone with 47 unread books on their bedside table can make room for one more mystery.
At The Blind Date Club, we think the experience is just as important as the book itself. That’s why our blind dates are designed to make discovering a new story feel like opening a little present.
Perfect for: The adventurous reader, the romance lover and anyone who loves a surprise.
2. Bookmarks they’ll actually want to use
A book lover can never have too many bookmarks. Well, that’s what we tell ourselves anyway.
From magnetic bookmarks to beautifully designed page markers, they’re a lovely little gift that adds something special to an everyday reading habit.
Magnetic bookmarks are particularly handy because they fold over the page and stay in place, meaning no more losing your spot when you throw your book into your bag.
You could choose a design inspired by their favourite book, series or genre, or put together a little collection of different styles.
For someone who loves romantasy, perhaps something magical and a little whimsical. For a romance reader, something inspired by their favourite fictional world. And for the person who loves a cowboy romance? Well, you can probably guess what they’ll want.
They’re also a great little addition to a bigger bookish gift.
Perfect for: The reader who loves their accessories almost as much as their books.
3. A bookish gift box
Sometimes the best gifts aren’t just one thing. They’re a whole experience.
A bookish gift box is a lovely way to bring together lots of little treats that a reader can enjoy during their next cosy reading session.
Think of a beautifully presented box filled with:
- A mystery book or a bookish surprise.
- A magnetic bookmark or bookmark set.
- Their favourite chocolate or sweet treats.
- A face mask for a little self-care.
- A cosy scrunchie or other little accessory.
- A hot chocolate sachet for those chilly reading evenings.
You could even add a little note encouraging them to put their phone away, get comfortable and enjoy some uninterrupted reading time.
It’s the perfect gift for someone who deserves a little pampering, and it feels much more personal than simply buying a generic gift hamper.
The best part? You can tailor the box to the person you’re buying for, whether they’re a cosy romance reader, a fantasy fanatic or someone who just loves a little bit of everything.
Perfect for: Birthdays, Christmas, best friends and anyone who deserves a little treat.
4. Kindle accessories for the digital book lover
Not every book lover reads physical books. Some prefer their Kindle, and if that’s the case, there are plenty of lovely accessories to make their reading experience even better.
A few ideas include:
- Decorative Kindle inserts to give their device a personal touch.
- Kindle grips to make holding their device more comfortable.
- Protective sleeves and cases.
- Little reading stands for hands-free reading.
- Screen cleaning kits.
- Cute accessories inspired by their favourite genres.
Kindle inserts are particularly fun because they allow readers to change the look of their device without buying an entirely new case.
You could choose something romantic, seasonal, magical or inspired by their favourite reading aesthetic.
And if they happen to be a Kindle reader who also loves physical bookmarks, why not combine the two?
Perfect for: The reader who has embraced the digital bookshelf.
5. A book subscription or reading experience
If you’re worried about buying a book they’ve already read, why not give them an experience instead?
There are lots of ways to make reading feel like something to look forward to.
You could consider:
- A book subscription box.
- A bookshop gift voucher.
- A membership to a local book club.
- Tickets to a literary event or author signing.
- A book-themed afternoon out.
- A reading challenge or journal to document their next adventures.
The lovely thing about these gifts is that they give the recipient something to enjoy beyond the moment they unwrap their present.
Sometimes the best gift isn’t the thing itself. It’s the memories and experiences that come with it.
Perfect for: The reader who loves discovering new authors and being part of a bookish community.
6. Personalised bookish gifts
If you want something that feels a little more thoughtful, personalised gifts are always a lovely option.
There are so many ways to make a present feel like it was chosen specifically for someone.
A few ideas include:
- A personalised book embosser.
- A custom book stamp.
- A tote bag with a funny reading quote.
- A personalised book sleeve.
- A reading journal with their name on it.
- A custom bookmark featuring their favourite book or series.
You could even create a little bundle based on their favourite fictional characters or romantic tropes.
It’s those little details that make a gift feel special, especially when someone has clearly put some thought into choosing it.
Perfect for: The reader who loves unique gifts and little personal touches.
7. A little something for their reading routine
Sometimes the simplest gifts are the ones people use every single day.
Think about the little things that make their reading time more enjoyable.
A beautiful reading light, a cosy blanket, a lovely mug, a new pair of fluffy socks or a candle for their reading corner can all make wonderful gifts.
You could even put together a little reading-night bundle with:
- A cosy pair of socks.
- A favourite hot chocolate.
- A beautiful mug.
- A bookish bookmark.
- Some sweet treats.
- A handwritten note.
It’s not necessarily about giving them more things to read. It’s about making the time they spend reading feel even more enjoyable.
Perfect for: The cosy reader who loves a little evening ritual.
8. A gift card, because sometimes it’s best to let them choose!
We know, we know. A gift card might not feel like the most exciting present.
But hear us out.
For someone who has very specific reading preferences, a gift card can actually be one of the most thoughtful options.
It lets them choose the exact book they’ve been waiting for, treat themselves to a special edition or finally buy that book they’ve had saved on their wishlist for months.
You could make it feel more personal by pairing the gift card with a little bookmark, some chocolates or a handwritten note.
That way, they’re still getting something to unwrap while having the freedom to choose their own literary adventure.
Perfect for: The reader who is impossible to buy books for!
So, what do you buy the book lover who has everything?
Our advice? Don’t worry too much about adding another book to their already overflowing shelves.
Think about the experience of reading instead.
The little accessories they use every day, the treats they enjoy while turning the pages, the excitement of discovering a mystery story or the cosy evenings they spend getting lost in another world.
A thoughtful bookish gift doesn’t have to be another hardback wrapped in pretty paper.
It could be a collection of little things that make their favourite hobby even more special.
And if you’re still stuck, we might know somewhere that can help.
A little something from The Blind Date Club
At The Blind Date Club, we’re a little bit obsessed with making reading feel like an experience.
From mystery book dates and magnetic bookmarks to bookish accessories and thoughtful gift boxes, we’ve created a collection for people who believe there’s nothing better than getting lost in a good story.
Whether you’re shopping for your book-loving best friend, your sister, your partner or treating yourself (we won’t tell!), we’d love to help you find something they’ll adore.
Because really, you can never have too many books, too many bookmarks or too many reasons to get excited about your next reading adventure.
Happy gifting, book lovers. ❤️
Love, The Blind Date Club