Buying for someone who already has a stack of unread paperbacks and a wishlist longer than your shopping list? Good — readers are easy to delight if you pick the right kind of thing. Below is a round-up that mixes tactile, small‑business charm with practical accessibility and a few serious tech picks for people who live in their reading nooks.
Small, cozy pleasures that feel personal
Start small. Tiny, thoughtful gifts land big: embroidered bookmarks, book‑tracker bookmarks, and illustrated stickers are cheap, easy to ship, and instantly adored. Independent makers on Etsy and shops like Bookish Queen and Out of Print turn everyday reading accoutrements into heirlooms — embroidered sweatshirts, themed tote bags, or a floral book stamp for labeling a home library.
If you want a single item that looks and feels special, consider a Rifle Paper Co. edition of a classic (Pride and Prejudice, anyone?) or a handcrafted reading ornament for a desk. Practical and pretty: a set of wooden coasters, a book‑shaped vase, or a plush fleece blanket with literary prints — all the things that make a quiet afternoon feel curated.
For gifting that also gives back, Conscious Step socks donate to literacy programs; it’s a tiny gift with a nice echo.
Comfort and accessibility — gifts that actually help
A lot of readers aren’t just chasing aesthetics; they want comfort. Ergonomics matter: adjustable book stands, washable reading pillows, and neck reading lights reduce strain and extend the hours someone can read without pain. Small technical choices — a rechargeable flicker lamp or a wooden clip book light — make late‑night reading less of a clumsy endurance sport.
If the person you’re shopping for borrows lots of books, a personalized library stamp or embosser (a stylish, long‑lasting way to mark one’s collection) is a lovely, low‑cost upgrade to their routines.
For the techy reader: eReaders, tablets and the rest
Tech gifts can be practical and transformative. There’s a device for every kind of reader:
- The basic Kindle remains a pocketable option for people who want simplicity and long battery life — perfect when you’re trying to free up shelf space. Check latest price.
- If your giftee needs Android flexibility — apps, audiobooks, and more — the Onyx/Boox line (like the Go 6) brings that openness to an eInk device.
- For color and library compatibility, Kobo’s Libra Colour hits a sweet spot (and plays nicely with local lending services via Libby/OverDrive).
- For writers or readers who annotate and sketch, the ReMarkable Paper Pro is essentially paper in a screen, with a focus on notes and longform reading.
- Format first: Do they prefer paper, screen, or audio? Match the gift to that habit.
- Space and lifestyle: Small apartment? Consider hidden floating shelves, compact eReaders, or multipurpose items like a bathtub caddy that also holds an eReader.
- Accessibility: If they mention eye strain or chronic pain, prioritize stands, adjustable lighting, and lightweight devices.
- Support craft: Small shops offer personalized touches that big retailers don’t — stamps, embroidered gear, and handmade ornaments add real personality.
Beyond dedicated readers, sometimes a capable laptop or tablet is the best present for someone who reads across formats. If you’re thinking bigger, deals on the MacBook Air remain worth watching — especially around sales — and are a strong pick for someone who wants a lightweight machine that also handles ebooks and PDFs. See recent MacBook Air deals if you want to pair a device with accessories or apps. If you gift a device, add a subscription (an audiobook or Book of the Month box) so they have something new to open.
Audiobooks and podcasts are part of modern reading life too. New playback features — like auto‑generated chapters and improved episode links — are making spoken‑word navigation smoother, which matters for long listens and for people who rely on audio for accessibility; Apple’s recent player improvements are a good example of this shift [/news/apple-podcasts-auto-chapters-links].
Little splurges and stocking stuffers with personality
If you want to go whimsical: a Lego Twilight set for hands‑on fans, bookish whiskey glasses for someone who pairs literature with a neat dram, or a neck lamp for afternoon knitting while listening to an audiobook. Novelty items — a dragon bag charm, a Pemberley cap, or a matcha‑green Kindle for the aesthete — make excellent stocking stuffers that also say you know their tastes.
Subscription boxes such as Book of the Month and curated tea sets or puzzle maps of literary worlds are perfect for people who like receiving surprises. They extend the gift across months and create reasons to keep reading.
How to choose
A quick checklist to stop second‑guessing:
Pick one useful thing and one playful thing and you’ve probably outshone the plain book voucher. And if you’re still stuck, a cozy reading blanket and a reminder to schedule a shared coffee-and‑book date is a present both practical and pleasantly undemanding.