32 gift ideas for book lovers
From bestselling novels to cozy reading accessories, these are the best gifts for readers.
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Reviewed / Amazon
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Every Christmas Eve, people in Iceland exchange books, pour a mug of cocoa, and spend the night reading by the fire—which, honestly, sounds like my ideal kind of night. The tradition is called Jólabókaflóð (no, I will not be attempting to pronounce that anytime soon, thank you very much), and it roughly translates to “the Christmas book flood,” which, again, sounds like the perfect kind of flood to me.
I love the idea that an entire country celebrates the holidays by giving stories instead of stuff. So this year, I’m taking a cue from Iceland and creating my own little book flood. Below are some of my favorite reads of the year—stories that made me laugh, cry, or do both at the same time—and others that I’ve got tagged on my never-ending to-be-read shelf.
Know a reader in your life but have no clue what to get them? Maybe this is the year to start gifting stories instead of stuff. Here are my favorite gifts for readers—the books, bundles, and bookish treats that make every holiday feel a little more personal.
BookTok finds you can’t go wrong with
These are books everyone’s talking about on BookTok that’ll keep your giftee part of the cultural zeitgeist.
1. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
A feel-good romcom about best friends who might just be soulmates. For lovers of travel, friends-to-lovers romances, and movie tie-ins. (Yep, there’s a movie coming to Netflix in January 2026!)
2. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
A whip-smart fake-dating romance set in the world of science and academia, it’s packed with charm, banter, and—fair warning—a whole lot of spice. Plus, it’s also getting a new movie sometime in ‘26.
3. Wicked by Gregory Maguire
With Wicked: For Good hitting theaters this November, the world’s about to turn pink and green again. Maguire’s beautifully written and morally complex novel digs deep into what it really means to be “wicked.” If you’ve ever rooted for the villain, you’ll devour every page.
4. Alchemised by SenLinYu
We’re living in a world where Harry Potter fanfictions are getting published, and we’re obsessed. Alchemised is a haunting mix of fantasy and emotional drama that explores grief, transformation, and power (based on the original fanfic, Manacled.)
5. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins and Sawyer Robbins
An inspiring and practical look at how to stop controlling others and start living with more peace. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversation long after the wrapping paper’s gone.
Worlds worth getting lost in
From epic kingdoms to deep space missions, these reads will transport your reader anywhere they want to go.
6. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (series box set)
Shameless plug from the editor: This is my favorite series I've read this year! Throne of Glass was a surprising upgrade from Maas’ BookTok-acclaimed A Court of Thorns and Roses series. The characterization, the plot, the tension, the world-building—it’s everything I wanted in a fantasy, and I can’t recommend it enough. And trust me—your giftee will want the complete box set.
7. The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins (series box set)
The Hunger Games is equal parts nostalgic and new again. The latest addition, Sunrise on the Reaping, takes readers back to Panem’s earlier days, exploring the dark origins of the Games. It’s a gift for older fans who grew up with Katniss and a thrilling gateway for a new generation discovering dystopian fiction for the first time.
8. Katabasis by R. F. Kuang
A sharp, layered story about descent, mythology, and the cost of ambition. Kuang’s writing is fierce and intelligent, challenging readers to think as much as they feel.
9. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Arthurian legend meets contemporary fantasy as a young woman uncovers a hidden world of magic, ancestry, and power. It’s bold, moving, and richly imagined.
10. Project Hail Mary / Artemis / The Martian by Andy Weir (box set)
I didn’t think I liked space books until I read Project Hail Mary. Weir does a good job of making technical terms accessible and space journeys comical with his charismatic protagonists and cleverly heartwarming storytelling.
One more chapter (and then another)
Twisty, clever, and impossible to put down—perfect for readers who love mysteries, thrillers, and suspense.
11. Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan
Two masters of emotion and suspense come together in a love story touched by the supernatural. It’s cinematic, heartfelt, and full of surprise.
12. The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown
Art, history, and hidden truths collide in another globe-spanning adventure. Brown delivers the kind of tension and intrigue that keeps pages turning late into the night.
13. The Intruder by Freida McFadden
A couple’s idyllic home becomes a nightmare when a stranger refuses to leave. McFadden’s knack for jaw-dropping twists makes this a must for psychological thriller fans.
14. The Haunting of Paynes Hollow by Kelley Armstrong
In a quiet town full of dark secrets, the past refuses to stay buried. Armstrong blends mystery with a touch of the supernatural to create an eerie, atmospheric read.
15. The Impossible Fortune: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman
The beloved retirement home sleuths are back, solving another delightfully offbeat mystery. Witty, warm, and just suspenseful enough—it’s comfort reading for crime lovers.
Stories that stay with you
Real lives, real lessons, and stories that make you think.
16. Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai
Malala reflects on adulthood, advocacy, and the meaning of courage in a changing world. It’s both deeply personal and profoundly hopeful.
17. We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wombach, and Amanda Doyle
This trio offers raw honesty, humor, and sisterly wisdom in essays about resilience and connection. It feels like a heart-to-heart with friends who’ve seen it all.
18. Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit by Brené Brown
A deep dive into courage, paradox, and leadership in uncertain times. Brown’s insights on vulnerability feel more relevant than ever.
19. Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America by Beth Macy
Macy weaves her experiences as a journalist and daughter into a story about family, place, and persistence. It’s beautifully written and full of heart.
20. Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy by Mary Roach
Only Mary Roach could make science this entertaining. Her latest blends humor, curiosity, and fascinating human detail in every chapter.
Panels, powers, and perfect storytelling
This one’s for the nerds who own it.
21. One World Under Doom by Ryan North and R.B. Silva
With Avengers: Doomsday coming out in 2026, Marvel fans will want to reintroduce themselves to the infamous Doctor Doom.
22. Nightwing Vol. 1: Leaping into the Light by Tom Taylor & Bruno Redondo
Dynamic art and heartfelt storytelling make this one of the standout superhero runs in recent years. A must for comic fans old and new.
23. Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 1 by Gege Akutami
The long-awaited season three of JJK’s anime returns in January, but some of us can’t wait that long for answers. Grab the original manga for the full dose of Akutami’s brilliance—dark humor, breakneck action, and heartbreak that’s weirdly addicting.
Other bookish gifts (that aren’t books)
When you don’t know what kind of books your giftee likes, book-adjacent gifts are the next best thing: thoughtful, cozy, and guaranteed to make any reader smile.
24. Kindle Paperwhite
For the reader who never travels without a book. The newest Paperwhite is waterproof, lightweight, and has an adjustable warm light that makes late-night chapters easy on the eyes.
25. Custom book embosser
Nothing says “serious reader” like a personal library seal. Customize one with their name or initials so they can officially stamp ownership on their growing collection.
26. Lazy reading glasses
For the book lover who takes “horizontal reading” seriously. These prism glasses make for a funny gag gift that’s low-key pretty useful.
27. Neck reading light
Perfect for readers who share a bed (or who read past midnight). It’s flexible, lightweight, and casts the right amount of glow without waking anyone up.
28. Read Banned Books hoodie
Soft, cozy, and a little bit rebellious. This hoodie makes a quiet statement while keeping your favorite reader warm through their next chapter.
29. Kate Spade canvas tote bag
A chic, sturdy tote that can actually handle a stack of hardcovers. Perfect for bookstore runs, library trips, or pretending you didn’t just buy another book.
30. A Day at the Bookstore 1,000-piece puzzle
Because sometimes it’s safer to do a puzzle than walk into a bookstore and accidentally drop $80 on hardcovers. This charming illustrated puzzle gives you all the cozy vibes, no impulse purchases required.
31. Book nook
A miniature world that fits right between your books. Whether it’s a tiny alleyway or a fantasy castle, it turns any bookshelf into pure magic.
32. Reading candle
The perfect pairing for a quiet night in. Readers can light it when they’re ready to smell like “reading time” and radiate the unmistakable aura of someone who does not wish to socialize.
How to gift an Audible book
Audiobooks make incredible gifts—especially for readers who love a good story but never seem to have enough time to sit down with a book. Gifting through Audible only takes a minute, and it feels personal and thoughtful.
- Open the audiobook’s page on Audible.
- Click “Give as a gift.”
- Choose Email delivery or Print a custom card.
- Add your recipient’s name, email, and a short message (you can even schedule delivery).
- Complete checkout, and your gift is ready to go.
How to gift a Kindle book
Kindle books are perfect for last-minute gift givers or friends who prefer to read digitally. You can send one instantly or schedule it for Christmas morning. Best part? Zero wrapping paper required.
- Go to the Kindle book’s Amazon page.
- Click “Buy for others.”
- Enter your recipient’s email or choose “Email to me” to print a gift code.
- Add a personal message and select a delivery date.
- Complete your purchase and Amazon will handle the rest.