Buying for a book lover sounds easy until you realise you have no idea what they’ve already read. The good news: the best gifts for readers often aren’t books at all. They’re the things that make reading more comfortable. Think warm light, something soft to curl up under, and a tidy place for the stack on the bedside table.
This guide is grouped by the kind of reader you’re buying for, with notes on what to check before you buy. We don’t list prices because they change often in the run-up to Christmas, so check the current price at the retailer.
Christmas delivery: retailers publish their own last order dates for Christmas delivery each year. Check them before you leave it late, especially for personalised items, which usually take longer to make.
For the reader who reads in bed
1. A clip-on or neck reading light
A small rechargeable light lets them read without keeping a partner awake. Look for warm or adjustable colour temperature (harsh blue-white light is less restful at night), several brightness levels, and USB-C charging. Neck lights that rest on the shoulders suit people who switch between paperbacks and e-readers.
Look for:rechargeable warm-light book light2. A reading pillow (bed rest)
The upright pillow with arms, sometimes called a “husband pillow”, gives proper back support for sitting up in bed. Check the cover is removable and washable, and look at the dimensions against their bed and headboard.
Look for:reading pillow with arms3. A book stand or page holder
Good for heavy hardbacks, cookbooks and anyone with sore wrists. A thumb page holder is a cheap stocking filler; an adjustable book stand is a bigger present.
Look for:adjustable wooden book standFor the reader who has a favourite chair
4. A chunky throw
A throw is the cosiest gift on the list and suits almost anyone. Wool is warm and breathable, cotton is easy to wash, and fleece or faux fur is soft and usually cheaper. Check the size if they like to wrap up fully rather than just cover their knees.
Look for:chunky knit or wool throw5. A heated throw
A heated throw is a practical present, given what it costs to heat a whole house. Buy from a reputable retailer, check for UK safety marking (UKCA or CE) and an automatic switch-off timer, and read the washing instructions before buying.
Look for:heated throw with auto shut-off6. A warm-white table or floor lamp
Good light makes a chair a reading spot. A lamp that can sit beside or slightly behind the chair, with a warm-white bulb, is ideal. See our guide to choosing a lamp and bulbs for a reading corner.
Look for:adjustable floor reading lamp7. A side table or caddy
Somewhere to put a mug, glasses and the current book. Sofa-arm trays and chair-side caddies with pockets suit small rooms where there’s no space for a table.
Look for:sofa arm tray or chair-side caddyFor the reader with too many books
8. Bookends
Heavy bookends (metal, stone or solid wood) work better than light decorative ones, which tend to slide. Check the weight and the base, especially for hardbacks.
Look for:heavy decorative bookends9. A “from the library of” embosser or stamp
A personalised embosser or ink stamp for marking their books. These are usually made to order, so allow extra time before Christmas.
Look for:personalised library embosser10. Floating or picture-ledge shelves
Shallow ledges let them display covers face-out. They do need drilling, so they’re better for homeowners than renters unless the landlord agrees.
Look for:picture ledge shelvesSmall gifts and stocking fillers
11. Book darts or magnetic bookmarks
Slim metal page markers that clip onto a line of text. They’re small, useful, and leave no mark on the page.
Look for:book darts12. A padded book sleeve
A fabric sleeve protects a paperback in a handbag or rucksack. Pick one that fits the books they usually carry, as hardbacks need a larger size.
Look for:padded book sleeve13. A hot water bottle with a knitted cover
A British winter classic. Rubber hot water bottles carry a date mark (a small “flower” or “daisy wheel” moulded into the neck) showing when they were made. Choose one made to the British Standard BS 1970.
Look for:hot water bottle with knitted cover14. Loose-leaf tea or hot chocolate with a good mug
Pair a favourite drink with a large mug or a lidded travel mug that keeps a drink warm through a long chapter.
Look for:large stoneware mug15. A reading journal
A notebook for logging books, quotes and ratings. Some have prompts, others are blank. If they already track books in an app, a journal may not get used.
Look for:reading journal16. A scented candle, or a flameless one
Candles make a room feel cosy but should never be left unattended. For a bedside, or a home with pets or children, flameless LED candles are a safer swap.
Look for:flameless LED candlesWhen you do want to give a book
17. National Book Tokens
If you don’t know what they’ve read, a National Book Token lets them choose. Tokens can be spent in most UK bookshops, so they suit people who like browsing their local shop.
18. A beautiful edition of a book they already love
Clothbound classics and illustrated editions make lovely presents, even for a reader who already owns a battered paperback copy.
Look for:clothbound classic edition19. A cosy winter read
For seasonal ideas, see our list of classic winter books to curl up with.
Look for:winter reading pick20. A book plus a “night in” bundle
Wrap a paperback with a candle, a tea or hot chocolate, and a pair of warm socks. Building the bundle yourself is often more personal than a pre-made gift box.
How to choose quickly
- Not sure what they’ve read? Skip books. Choose comfort (throw, light, pillow) or a book token.
- Small home or rented? Avoid anything that needs drilling. Freestanding bookends, caddies and lamps are safer bets.
- Personalised items: order early and double-check the spelling.
- Electrical gifts: buy from reputable sellers and look for UK plugs and safety marking.