Updated March 2021
Even in this modern digital age, I believe that giving and receiving books as gifts are still as popular as ever. As a book lover, I think they make perfect presents for Mother’s Day, Valentines, Christmas, birthdays or even a just special treat. Or perhaps you think something book-themed might be a better idea?
I’ve included some super bookish crafts, and a selection of books that I think will make super Christmas gifts for the book lovers in your life.
I love making or buying personalised presents. I was very inspired by some arty gifts given to author friends of mine. How about making some wall art like this depicting book images! These were made and given to author @pernillehughes by her partner. What a thoughtful, proud gesture. She told me she also has them on her mobile phone cases.
Do be aware of copyright, and ask permission before using book covers, but I’m sure most authors and publishing companies will be delighted to see their covers turned into wonderful creations especially if you share them on your social media.
If you’re talented in the kitchen or know of a good cake maker, how about something like this wonderful cake creation below? This was presented to author Nicola Gill for the release of her new novel, made by the very talented Penny the Bee. I can highly recommend the book too.
There are plenty of free usage photos available on websites such as Pexels or Unsplash and there are some lovely book themed photos.
Or why not take your own bookstack photos to have printed onto one of the many personalised gift items that photo processing companies produce now – cushions, mugs, calendars, tote bags, jigsaw, even suitcases and reading glass cases.
Or if you fancy a new hobby yourself, how about learning the art of book folding to spell out your own message or paper crafts to make a book bouquet? There are plenty of tutorials online or many Etsy and Marketplace shops sell them.
If you’re thinking of getting really creative, I hope this Christmas bauble might inspire you. It was made by a very clever friend of mine last year and I just love it.
Or if you’re not that arty yourself buy a book themed bauble. John Lewis have had some fabulous ones in recent years and I’m sure there are similar ones available in other stores too. I REALLY love these.
I actually have a memory tree up all year round and keep my favourite baubles on there. I would love the bookstack one.
Sammy at I Dream of Books was recently given these book themed bookends and has kindly allowed me to share her photo. Whilst these ones might not be available, there are plenty of book ends available if you know your book lover likes to display their books artistically.
What about a book subscription box? There are numerous companies out there offering monthly subscription boxes or one off packages that include a book, a nice edible treat, and some book themed accessories.
Or a good old fashioned book voucher. I remember getting those every year as a child, along with an annual.
I hope those suggestions have given you a few ideas but if you’d like to give a book, I can highly recommend all the following.
I have featured a selection that includes something for children, chick lit lovers, travel enthusiasts, music fanatics, and much more. Click on the titles to read the full review or excerpts.
My recommended reads suitable as Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers includes:
MUSIC LOVERS – Dear Mr Pop Star by Derek and Dave Philpot
MUSIC LOVERS – 33 Percent Rockstar
LIFESTYLE – Mods, Scooters and Soul by James Millar
TRAVEL FANS – Turning Left Around the World by DC Moore
BARGAIN HUNTERS – Car Boot Tales by Paul J Rose
SEX – Sex Drive by Stephanie Theobald
POETRY – Beware of the Trolls by Claire Baldry
CHRISTMAS FICTION – A Miracle on Hope Street by Emma Heatherington
CHRISTMAS FICTION – Snowdrops on Rosemary Lane by Ellen Berry
FICTION – Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Sue Shepherd
FICTION – Big Sexy Love by Kirsty Greenwood
FICTION – The Happiness List by Annie Lyons
SELF HELP – Men, Let’s Talk Menopause
CHILDREN’S FICTION – Big Bill the Beltie Bull by Shalla Grey
CHILDREN’S FICTION – The King & The Cockerel by Sarah Morrell
CHILDREN’S FICTION – Not Yet a Yeti
MUSIC LOVERS – Dear Mr Pop Star by Derek and Dave Philpot
A brilliant collection of letters sent to popstars about the lyrics in their songs. Complete with their responses, this book is genius and a must for any music lover.
MUSIC LOVERS – 33 Percent Rockstar
A fabulous journey through a musician’s eyes on his journey from starting to play to touring and everything else in between. Anyone who has a passion for live music will love this one irrespective of your choice of genre.
ALTERNATIVE LIFESTYLES – Mods and Scooterists
If your musical tastes are more swayed towards those of the 60s or 80s sounds loved my mods and scooterists, then check out my selection of books that I think you will love and will bring back lots of happy memories.
TRAVEL FANS – Turning Left Around the World by DC Moore
A lovely trip around the world with David and Helen. Filled with interesting facts and personal experiences, all told with a touch of English humour.
BARGAIN HUNTERS – Car Boot Tales by Paul J Rose
If your loved one enjoys car boot sales then this humourous recollection of buyers and sellers is a must. It would make a great stocking filler or Christmas tree gift. If they are a more serious book lover they might prefer Tales from a Car Boot Sale which is a charity book collection of short stories based on objects found at car boots.
SEX – Sex Drive by Stephanie Theobald
A no holds bar account of a woman’s trip across America in search of the self-fulfillment of her sexuality.
POETRY – Beware of the Trolls by Claire Baldry
This book is full of mostly humourous rhymes about everyday life including school, medicine, and developing technology. Perfect for fiftysomethings.
CHRISTMAS FICTION – A Miracle on Hope Street by Emma Heatherington
A wonderful story of human nature and the effect that the kindness of one person can have on so many people. This was a wonderful Christmas read for 2018. Emma Heatherington has gone on to release another winner for Christmas 2019 – Rewrite The Stars. Both would make perfect gifts for book lovers.
CHRISTMAS FICTION – Snowdrops on Rosemary Lane by Ellen Berry
A heartwarming tale set in Yorkshire of new beginnings from Fiona Gibson’s alter ego, Ellen Berry. In this post you will find more suggestions for cosy heartwarming stories perfect to give as Christmas gifts.
CHRISTMAS FICTION – Christmas at Tiffany’s by Karen Swan
This beautiful story is about friendships that stand up to the test of time would be a perfect gift for a book loving friend. You will also find lots more festive stories that would translate perfectively to a Christmas movie.
FICTION – Can’t Get You Out of My Head by Sue Shepherd
My joint favourite book of 2018. I can’t recommend this highly enough. Read more about this and other heartwarming stories that you won’t be able to put down.
FICTION – Big Sexy Love by Kirsty Greenwood
One of my most favourite books ever. Not just another rom-com, but a tale of true friendship. You can read more about this in my post about the best women’s fiction from the last two decades
FICTION – The Happiness List by Annie Lyons
A perfect book for the new year. A lovely story of friendship and making your own happiness.
SELF HELP – Men, Let’s Talk Menopause
If you are a lady of midlife and want to show your man why your behaviour may be, let’s say … erratic, then this one is a must. It may be insightful for both of you and may open up some dialogue for those who find it difficult to talk about health matters.
CHILDREN’S FICTION – Big Bill the Beltie Bull by Shalla Grey
The equivalent of Hairy McClary but it’s about cows. Beautifully illustrated children’s book from Curly Tale Books.
CHILDREN’S FICTION – The King & The Cockerel by Sarah Morrell
A fun educational rhyming story that teaches children morality and how to apologise when they have done wrong by Blue Falcon Publishing.
CHILDREN’S FICTION – Not Yet a Yeti
A beautiful example of how people (and yetis) can live together and still love one another, even when they are different from each other. The snowy aspect of it makes it perfect for Christmas. Released on Maverick Books.
Who else remembers getting an annual every year with their Christmas stockings as a child? Or giving or receiving The Fireside Book or the latest release from favourite authors over the years?
Do you have any other recommendations for Christmas gifts for book lovers?
You may also like to read some of my other Christmas book reviews:
* Heartwarming Christmas Chick Lit Reads
* Fabulously Festive Women’s Fiction Books for Christmas
* Free Christmas Kindle Reads
Authors’ Twitter @DerekPhilpott @dcmooreauthor @stephotheo @ClaiBal @matadorbooks @emmalou13 @thatsueshepherd @1AnnieLyons @menopause_talk @CurlyTaleBooks @maverickbooks @bluefalconpub
Gifts – @pennythebee @Nicola_J_Gill @pernillehughes
Tea & Cake For The Soul 
That bauble looks so freaking cute!!!
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Ooooh I love the Christmas decorations they’re so cute
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What lovely ideas. There are so many gifts that you can send to do with books which aren’t just books! I love those bookends. x
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