One of the comments I received on yesterday’s post on bookmarks was from someone who had never received a gift bookmark. I suppose it takes a bibliophile to recognize the things that bibliophiles like. But here are some hints in case you have a bibliophile in your life:
1. Of course, there is the humble bookmark. Something that is artistic or literary, and durable makes for a nice gift that reminds someone of you every time they read!
2. Many readers keep some form of book journal–a record of the books they’ve read.
3. Book weights come in handy for holding the book open while you are reading. Similarly, there are book holders and book stands that serve the same function.
4. In the same vein are various forms of lap desks or pillows to prop your book on in bed. Many of these accommodate iPads and e-readers as well as regular books.
5. Booklights are nice particularly if you are traveling or don’t want to keep someone awake you are sharing a room with. Just make sure to buy something durable with a long-lasting light bulb for which replacements can be found.
6. Things to hold or protect your books are helpful. This can range from a protective cover or case for an e-reader or tablet to messenger bags or totes to carry your books to the library (or beach).
7. Bookplates are a nice gift to friends who lend books so that the lendees can at least be reminded whose book it is (lendees sometimes genuinely forget!). Not sure this actually helps in getting your books back. But someone, I believe C. S. Lewis, commented that our library in eternity will be the books we’ve lent and were not returned! There are also journals or library cards one can use to keep track of borrowed books if you are inclined to keep track of such things.
8. A nice set of bookends is always a great gift–don’t buy something gaudy or ugly though!
9. There are all sorts of novelty gifts from t-shirts to, believe it or not, Jane Austen air fresheners! I still treasure the t-shirt my son bought me many years ago saying, “So many books, so little time!”
10. Finally, booklovers never mind a gift card to a bookstore. If you can find one for an indie store near the booklover, even better!
Of course, you may decide that your booklover really needs something far more practical than books, like socks or other clothing items. They may not thank you as effusively, but, if you keep them from looking like they’ve been out on the streets too long, that is also a good thing!
I’ve never shopped at either of these sites but Gone Reading and Levenger provided inspiration for this article and might for you. For my book loving friends, what have I missed? What was the best non-book, book lovers gift you received?