The Perfect Gifts for Book Lovers
The literary world has inspired designers, artists, and crafters to produce some truly special pieces, perfect for adding that personal touch to gift-giving. Here is a list of the perfect gifts for book lovers, filled with beautifully handcrafted accessories, novelties, and presents guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of your loved ones.
Typographic Map of Literary London
Ever fancied taking your loved one on a tour of London? Bespoke graphic designers Run For The Hills present a typographic map of London with a suitably literary twist, letting you visually trace the steps of your favourite cockney characters such as: James Bond, Sherlock Holmes and the incorrigible Bridget Jones. These maps are available for purchase at runforthehills.bigcartel.com.
Who it’s for: Those who love a twisting plot and an adventurous journey.
Comfort Station’s ‘Sliced Books’ Necklaces
The work of London-based Amy Anderson, these beautiful necklaces – which may be worn closed or fanned to show a glimpse of classical literary works – were first commissioned for Selfridges’ pop-up concept store ‘Words, Words, Words’. See the entire collection on the Comfort Station’s website.
Who it’s for: The perfect present for your literary-obsessed other half on a special occasion.
‘Once Upon A Time’ Bookmark
This British-made, stainless steel bookmark is sure to raise a nostalgic smile. Heather Alstead invites us to ‘let the story unfold’ whilst making sure we never get completely lost in it. Also available in ‘Happily Ever After’ and ‘Dragon’, these thoughtful gifts are suitable for any prince or princess, whatever their fairy-tale. Available from the Heather Alstead Design website.
Who it’s for: The stubborn page-folder
Spineless Classics’ Full Text Novel Posters
Turn someone’s favourite book into a piece of art for them to enjoy with Spineless Classics’ full text posters. From the immortal words of Shakespeare to the chilling dystopia of Orwell’s 1984, these bold and, most importantly, entirely legible prints make a truly personal gift. View the full catalogue on the Spineless Classics website.
Who it’s for: That well-read friend who is increasingly running out of space on their bookshelf.
Leather Book Cufflinks
Society of Little present these charming miniature leather book cufflinks, made from recycled leather and hand-torn Fabriano paper from their jewellery studio in Gloucestershire, England. Available in brown or black genuine leather, they will age as gracefully as their wearer. Discover more and purchase from the Etsy website.
Who it’s for: Your favourite suit-wearer looking for an injection of literary inspiration into their everyday.
Paper Rose Bouquet
‘One may live without bread, not without roses’, explained Jean Richepin and what’s even better than roses? Roses that last a lifetime. This bouquet made of recycled romantic fiction by Bookish has been featured in the likes of Elle and Fabulous and is guaranteed to add something different to this classic romantic gesture. Visit the Bookish website for more information.
Who’s it for: That special valentine, other half, or simply that person whose day you want to make unforgettable.
The Great Gatsby Kindle Fire Cover
F.Scott Fitzgerald’s Great Gatsby is an American classic whose original cover design by Francis Cugat from the 1925 edition has become iconic. Bookish put the ‘book back into e-book’ by adapting it into a cover for the Kindle Fire 7” to make the reading experience as close as possible to the real thing. Find more details on the Bookish website.
Who’s it for: The technophobe who thought they’d never learn to love their e-reader.
Literary Mug Set
Doris & Co, makers of the self-proclaimed ‘perfect mug’, have created a collection of literary espresso mugs using quotations from the likes of T.S Eliot, Philip Larkin and William Blake, adding a familiar poetic reminder to your loved one’s coffee break. Browse the collection on the Doris & Co website.
Who’s it for: The whimsical thinkers who ‘measure out [their lives] in coffee spoons’ (T.S.Eliot).
Literary Quotations Perpetual Calendar
This perpetual calendar is perfect for keeping on top of everything, organising each month in style with hand drawn illustrations and a motivational quotation themed for each month from canonical writers and texts. Exclusively designed and available for The Literary Emporium by Jack Slater.
Who’s it for: The friend who has a quotation for every moment.
Hemingway Bottle Opener Key Ring
This playful gift featuring Ernest Hemingway’s most iconic line – ‘Write drunk. Edit sober’ – will have any aspiring writer smiling with empathy. A quirky multi-purpose present for friends and family, it comes pre-packaged in a glassine envelope ready to give to your nearest and dearest. Read more about this item on The Literary Emporium website.
Who’s it for: The blocked writer looking for some inspiration.
Pride & Prejudice cushion cover
Featuring a page from the much-loved classic by Jane Austen, in which Mr Darcy declares his love for Elizabeth Bennet, this natural cotton cushion cover is the perfect addition to any Austen fan’s comfiest reading perch. Available from The Literary Emporium website.
Who’s it for: The hopeless romantic.
New Baby Print
Mooks Design specialise in personalised stationery, favours and gifts to celebrate those special occasions. Mark the birth of a loved one’s baby with these custom-made Penguin Classic inspired prints. Find and customize one on Notonthehighstreet.com.
Who’s it for: New parents beginning their own story.
Bookshade Lamp
For something a little different channel the Scandinavian design of Beerd Van Stokkum with this bookshade lamp. Ideal as a bedside lamp to keep your page once you’ve finished reading or to make a design statement with your favourite cover. Discover more by visiting The Literary Gift Company website.
Who’s it for: The über stylish book-lover.
Bathtub Caddy
The perfect present for those who need to treat themselves and indulge in their favourite past time. Gone are the soggy pages of attempts past, the Bathtub Caddy has a built-in book support and glass holder to make reading in the bath an absolute breeze. Available to buy from The Literary Gift Company website.
Who’s it for: For those who love reading surrounded by bubbles and good wine.
Stamp
A fun and simple alternative to committing the sin of writing in books, give the gift of a customisable stamp. Mounted on a solid wooden handle, this original and bespoke gift-idea is made with love by The English Stamp Company so they’ll never lose a book again.
Who’s it for: For those who love a personal touch and especially great for kids.