What do you get for the Bookish B* that has it all? This shopping guide spotlights 9 gifts for the book lover in your life.
Bookish B*s aren’t just any nerds–we’re book nerds. We’re passionate about what we read, devour stories like no one’s business, and critically analyze everything–almost to a fault. And when it comes down to gifts, sure, you can get your Valentine a card, candy, and roses just like the rest of them, but Bookish B*s read romance books. I’m not saying our standards are high, but they’re not the average kind.
I guess what I’m saying is: don’t overthink your gift this Valentine’s day. Your valentine’s day gift to your Bookish B* should be something from the heart, not an obligation to fulfill. You don’t need to drop much money on a date or a gift to impress your lover–and you shouldn’t. If you do, there’s probably something there you need to address. But that’s a topic for another day. Today’s topic is: you can’t go wrong with bookish gifts for your Bookish B*.
If you need ideas to show your Bookish B* you adore them this Valentine’s Day, here are 9 V-day gift ideas to get you started.
Bookish Gifts
Source: Fall for Design
1. Personalized Stamps
Personalized stamps are a sure way to show your Bookish Bae you care about their book collection (or obsession). With this best-selling custom book stamp, they’ll love personalizing their collection, lending out books without wondering if that book on their friends’ shelf belongs to them (or not), and passing it down as a family heirloom.
Source: O2Club, etsy.com
2. Book Rest.
It’s not something you need, but it’s so unexpectedly convenient, it’s damn near a must-have for all book lovers. This wooden book rest props up and keeps books open, leaving the reader’s hands free to do anything else while they speed read through their favorite books. Check out this Wooden Book Rest from Bookshop.org.
Source: valfre.com
3. Stylish Bookends.
Likely the most underrated book accessory, bookends are an absolute necessity when collecting books by the dozen. Stylish bookends like this Sirena Book End from Valfre or this personalized option on Etsy will bring a smile to your Bookish B*s gorgeous face. The only thing left for you to do here is to build a shelf in case they haven’t got one to place these decorative furnishings.
Source: urbanoutfitters.com
4. Reading Lamp.
This gift idea is for the night owls, the readers who stay up late just to read “one more chapter.” With a book-reading lamp, your bookish boo can stay up late reading all night long without keeping the bedroom lamp on while you try to snooze. This compact book-reading lamp, in my opinion, is a gift for you both.
5. Tote Bag from their Favorite Bookstore.
If they’re a Bookish B, they’re probably a tote bag B, too. Honestly, who isn’t a tote bag girlie now? If you’re not a tote bag girlie, you should get on the sustainability train like the rest of us and get familiar with reusable bags. Like the Feminist, Bookish, and Unapologetic Tote Bag from Cafe Con Libros in Brooklyn, NY. This cute bookstore offers different tote bags with phrases and sayings that will make your heart melt.
Source: Lisa Angel
6. A Custom Bookmark.
This gift is sure to have your lover thinking of you always. Imagine, every time they pick up the current book they’re reading, they’ll see the custom bookmark you personalized for them. Equally thoughtful and romantic, this custom bookmark will show the Bookish B in your life exactly how much you mean to them.
Experiences
7. Picnic at the Park.
This is exactly what it means: plan a cute picnic at your local park. Picnics don’t have to be expensive, either. It just needs to be thoughtful and sincere. I know this goes without saying, but please check the weather before you plan your picnic.
What to pack for your picnic:
- Blanket to sit on
- Blanket(s) to use (wink-wink)
- Small pillows for comfort
- Bag/cooler/basket full of your lover’s favorite snacks & foods
- Water to stay hydrated between make-out seshes
Source: San Diego’s Best Burritos to Eat With a View By Ellen Wright
8. Burritos on the Beach.
My partner and I love going to our favorite breakfast place, ordering their famous breakfast burrito, and eating it on the beach. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm breakfast burrito, un cafecito, and watching the waves crash on a cold morning.
To plan this date for you and your honey, you’ll need to find a beach and find the closest locally-owned restaurant that sells breakfast burritos (or bagels if you’re on the east coast). Bring a blanket for both of you to sit on and an extra blanket if it’s below 60 degrees. You get bonus points for ordering your burritos ahead of time and bringing extra snacks so no one gets hangry.
9. Bookstore (or Library) Date.
Bookstore dates are another thing my partner and I love doing. We’ll spend hours flipping through graphic novels, learning new things by opening random books and reading poems to each other. Planning a bookstore date is top-tier for your bookish bae, hands down.
Start by choosing a bookstore you know your bookish babe wants to visit or loves to frequent. Once you know where you’re going, pick a few other places in the area to visit while you’re out on your date. Pick up some coffee or tea nearby, go to the bookstore to work up an appetite, and then eat lunch/dinner in the same vicinity. Since this is a date, you get all the points if you buy your honey more books to add to their collection.
You Don’t Need to Spend A Lot to Mean A Lot
So, there you have it. Gifts for your Bookish B* don’t have to be expensive or all-out to be meaningful and thoughtful. You can gift your Bookish B* bookish gifts or experience gifts, and that will always be good enough for us.
For additional gift ideas, visit bookshop.org/shop/Librebookshop.
xoxo, the bookish b*
the bookish b* 