14 best gifts for book lovers that aren’t books (2023 edition)
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My book gifts collection is one of my favorite pages on Tolstoy Therapy. But what about the best gifts for book lovers that aren’t books?
After all, you might not know what your loved ones have already read. Or, what they feel like reading next. So why not treat them to something bookish that isn’t a book?
This is my collection of the best gifts for book lovers that aren’t books in 2023, including bookish mugs, bookmarks, stocking stuffers, and more that have been tried and tested (and several photographed by the wonderful Sanne Vliegenthart).
Many of the gift ideas are from the best bookish Etsy stores in the US and UK, while some products are from other independent creators and family-run businesses. Enjoy the gifting season!
The best gifts for book lovers that aren’t books in 2023
Fine china Rivendell mug with Elvish text
From Oscha Slings (UK seller)
If you’re a fan of Tolkien or know someone who is, this Scotland-based shop is perfect. The Middle Earth-inspired mugs, tote bags, and blankets are the best gifts for Lord of the Rings fans you can find.
I have the Rivendell mug and love drinking my morning sencha tea in it (it’s also absolutely capacious enough for a Christmas-sized hot chocolate with marshmallows). The Elvish text is a quote from Bilbo: “Time doesn’t seem to pass here: it just is.”
Women Writers Literary Postcard Set
From Obvious State (US seller)
I love this Emily Dickinson-inspired literary postcard from Obvious State on Etsy. It’s part of a thoughtfully curated set of postcards featuring women writers including Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and Zora Neale Hurston. I think it’s one of the best gifts for bookworms in 2023, especially for avid readers who seem to have read everything already.
Black and gold cotton Circe t-shirt
From Literary Emporium on Etsy (UK seller)
Know a reader who adores modern retellings of Greek Mythology, especially Madeline Miller’s bestselling novels? This 100% cotton t-shirt is the perfect bookish gift for fans of Circe. After treating myself to this literary tee, it’s quickly become my favourite lounging around and reading top.
Pride and Prejudice inspired tea
From SteepedinLoreCo on Etsy (US seller)
How perfect does Pride and Prejudice-inspired tea sound, especially with notes of bergamot and lavender? SteepedinLoreCo is an utterly wonderful Etsy store that blends tea perfectly matched to your favourite books, including Tolkien’s universe (here’s their Winter in the Shire gift pack) and The Stormlight Archive.
The Unwinding Cards by Jackie Morris
Available on Amazon or Bookshop.org US and UK
Jackie Morris illustrates some of the most restful and heartwarming books you can find, especially The Unwinding, her delightful celebration of the magical land between wakefulness and dreaming.
A perfect bookish gift is this gorgeous new collection of postcards featuring the most beautiful artwork from her wonderfully relaxing and inspiring book. When you need to relax simply pick a postcard, ponder the illustration, and let the stunning art soothe your soul.
Still I Rise enamel pin for Maya Angelou fans
From Literary Emporium on Etsy (UK seller)
If you’re stuck for gift ideas, a bookish pin can be a beautiful stocking stuffer or small gift for book lovers. One of my favourites is this “Still I rise” pin, offering inspiration and a sprinkling of feminist courage for any fan of Maya Angelou. Literary Emporium has plenty of bookish pins to browse for the perfect match.
Jane Austen cozy Christmas card
From TheMarchesStudio (UK seller)
This wonderfully cozy Jane Austen-themed Christmas card is one of the best literary Christmas cards for book lovers that I’ve found this year. Created by TheMarchesStudio on Etsy (ships from the UK), each card features beautifully hand-illustrated regency festive traditions printed on high-quality Italian cardstock.
Greek vase brass bookmark for mythology fans
From Literary Emporium on Etsy (UK seller)
One of the most gorgeous gifts for fans of Greek mythology and Madeline Miller is this stunning brass bookmark. It’s so wonderfully unique and would be a perfect bookish stocking stuffer. I’ve been using it for my books this year and admire it every time I open my current read.
Rainy Day Reads candle by Frostbeard Studio
From Frostbeard Studio (US seller)
I’ve received two candles from Frostbeard Studio as gifts in the last couple of years and love them; they’re such thoughtful gifts for book lovers and they smell delightful. Some of my favourites are Rainy Day Reads, Old Books, and Bookshop. You can see the candle in action in this video sneak-peek of my office.
“Just one more page” personalized reading journal
From Martha Brook on Etsy (UK seller)
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect reading journal for a while now. One of the best I’ve found is this beautiful journal by Martha Brook, which you can choose to personalize with initials on the hardcover. It’s both really well-made and has exactly the right reading journal template for me; not too complex, but with enough space to organize my thoughts.
Pemberley book lover candle
From BookishlyUK (UK seller)
This literary candle with a Pride and Prejudice theme is the perfect gift for any Jane Austen fan. With a gorgeous blend of English pear with patchouli, amber, rose, and bergamot, the vegan 100% soy wax candle comes in an amber apothecary style jar you can reuse after approximately 50 hours of burn time.
The Shire tote bag for Tolkien fans
From Oscha Slings (UK seller)
Okay, just one more Lord of the Rings-themed gift idea. This gorgeous tote bag with a screen print of The Shire is another perfect gift for classic literature lovers to carry around on errands, trips to the bookshop, and any other occasion really.
With large gussets, it’s wonderfully spacious. And that stunning illustration. The bag is handcrafted in a small workshop near Edinburgh and supports rewilding projects with every sale.
Set of literary notebooks
From Obvious State on Etsy (US seller)
This Etsy store has some of the best literary postcards and notebooks I’ve come across. Treat the readers in your life to a set of literary-themed notebooks for moody dark academia vibes and bookish inspiration.
Hermia ‘Little But Fierce’ Keyring
From Literary Emporium on Etsy (UK seller)
One of the best small bookish gifts or stocking stuffers is this quirky keyring from Literary Emporium. I have my own and love the daily reminder to inspire courage and feistiness.
For more of the best bookish gift ideas for 2023, you might also like…