Holiday Gift Guide for Readers

that isn't books

The holiday season is upon us and it's that time to start thinking about what gifts to give our loved ones and what we would like to receive. I put this together as a reader that doesn't like asking for the books I want because I prefer to buy them for myself, but these are some reading essentials that would make amazing gifts. I've sorted them categorically by what kind of reader I think would enjoy each gift.

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The Physical Reader

This is your friend that has hundreds of books laying around their place. They adore shelf trophies and are avid collectors of all things to do with reading. Picking a book that they don't already own would be a hassle, but reading is their personality. Here are some of my suggestions:

• Fidget Gel Pens

  • Comes in different colored inks or strictly black, if that's their thing. The pen clip doubles as a fidget, which is amazing for those who struggle to keep their hands busy while reading.

• Sharpie Clear View Highlighters

  • We've all been there. We over highlighted the text in our book because we couldn't see through the highlighter tip. Boom, problem solved. They are also no bleed and come in several colors.

• Annotation Tabs

  • This set has so many colors they will never run out of color combinations for their favorite book. It would also be so cute to pick these up with a copy of your favorite book to annotate and give as a gift.

• Reading Journal

  • A place to compile their endless reads into one compact, portable trophy. This journal gives them some writing prompts for each book, start and finish date spaces, as well as free space for any additional thoughts or quotes. I also like that it includes a colorable reading tracker and library-card-esque index.

• Floating Wall Shelves

  • For the extra special books that they have to make sure they catch anybody's eye. These shelves are easy to hang and make it look like a stack of books is magically hovering on your wall (and also includes a back cover holder so the effect isn't ruined by a dangling cover).

• Book Embosser

  • This embosser is so cute and comes in a variety of different colors, as well as a fully customizable text and image options. Personally, the cat is my favorite, but maybe that's because I have two that constantly run my life.

• Reading Tracker Bookmark

  • Not one for writing an essay for every book they read? No problem. This bookmark allows them to create their own custom shelf and fill in the names of the books they've finished so far

    
    

The E-Reader

This is your friend that never leaves home without their e-reader. I mean it's Friday night and that puppy is coming to the party with them. Physical book gifts are out, but these accessories would make their day. Or a Kindle Unlimited Subscription so they never run out of options.

• Wireless Kindle Charging Stand

  • This one is compatible with the Kindle Colorsoft and Kindle Paperwhite Signature only, but what a cute way to display the e-reader when it is not in use.

• Bookish Enamel Pins

  • These would make a perfect accessory to their bag or e-reader carrying case that displays their favorite genres. I feel like this variety pack really has everyone covered and is super cute!

• Wooden Book Count Display

  • A fun way to show off how much reading they've been doing without showing their e-reader history (iykyk). This one is customizable with the engraving and name.

• Clear Kindle Glitter Case

  • A clear case is such a fun way to show off their personality because they are highly customizable. Because of the clear back, they will be able to place any stickers inside, customizable inserts, etc. The sky is the limit really.

• Clear Cover Inserts

  • And here are some of the inserts that they can add to the clear case. A variety pack is a good way to give them multiple options that they can change when they feel like it.

• Adhesive Fidget Strips

  • These are perfect to stick to the back of your e-reader so that there is something to mess with while reading, especially if your reader finds themselves needing something to keep their hands busy.

• Mini Photo Printer

  • This is an easy way to be able to create those mini books that went viral on TikTok for a keepsake. Would also make printing personal photos for their clear case very easy and seamless.

The Cozy Reader

This is your friend who has already made plans for the weekend and the plans are being curled up with a good book. This reader is all about comfort, ease, and reading marathons where they may or may not have to talk to anyone for the rest of the day.

• Oversized Blanket Hoodie

  • This is great, especially if they like to read physical books because they don't have to worry about putting their book down to cover their arms. This one is all fleece and no sherpa that gets gross after you wash it one time.

• Reading Chaise

  • I think you win holiday gift giving if you get your reader this chaise as a present. Also, expect them not to move from it for awhile. It is big enough to sit and also to lay down and read. Plus, this one has a built in side pocket for snacks or other necessities.

• Floor Tablet Stand

  • I personally have this model and love it because it is so flexible. I am able to use it for my phone, tablet, and e-reader and the head is adjustable. It is also very customizable because you can change the number of poles in the base to make it the perfect height for wherever it's needed. The goose neck is sturdy, sleek, and doesn't even bob under the weight of my tablet (iPad Pro).

• FrostBuddy ThiccBuddy 40 oz Cup

  • Never worry about your reader going hours without water again because this is the only cup they'll ever need. It has a place to hold chapstick and a carabiner. Not only does it keep water cold with stainless steel and double insulation, it also doubles as insulation for to-go cups of virtually any size. And a pint of ice cream. Endless possibilities.

• Page Turner Remote

  • An essential for any cozy reader so they don't even have to reach up to turn the page on their e-reader anymore. This one is great because it comes with a lanyard, the turner can fit over a case, and the battery life will let you go months between charges with near daily use.

The Audiobook Reader

I don't care what anyone says, listening to an audiobook counts as reading, okay? And if you have an audiobook enthusiast in your life, here are some things you can get to make their experience even better. Or you can also sign them up for Audible on your dime. That works too.

• Portable Speaker

  • This is a must, especially for those who like to listen while cleaning the house. It gets loud enough to be able to hear over the running sink water and they don't have to move their phone cord all around with them. This one is nice because it is so small, but still has great sound quality. Plus, the loop allows you to attach it to a keychain, backpack, or anything else you desire to make sure it comes with you.

• Quality Earbuds

  • These are my personal pick for high quality earbuds. The sound cancellation is so good that I can't even hear any of the airplane noise when I fly. Plus, the smart transparency will pause their book if they start talking to someone else and eliminate the need to scrub back five minutes every time you answer your significant other.

• Puzzle

  • This adorable cat and book puzzle is a perfect activity to do while listening to an audiobook. It keeps their hands busy, but doesn't require them to think so much that they realize they spaced out for ten minutes of their book.

• Sleep Mask with Built-in Headphones

  • A serious game changer for those of us who tend to sleep with their phone under their pillow. I can't stand having my phone further away than that when falling asleep because I can't hear well from the nightstand, but it makes charging impractical. Now I wake up everyday with a fully charged phone and get to hear my book as I fall asleep in perfect surround sound.

• A Book Planter

  • Such a cute way to incorporate their love of books into their home, even when they don't prefer shelf trophies. These are available in a variety of classic books and even have a drainage hole to keep the plant from getting to soggy.

I hope this list can help someone with ideas for what to get their favorite reader for the holidays or helped some fellow readers compile their wishlist. If there are any must have essentials that I am missing, let me know down below and I'll add them to next year's list and my cart!