Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers That Aren’t Books: Brilliant Ideas for Readers in 2026

Buying Christmas presents for someone who loves reading sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just buy them a book! Except they might already own it, have read it or have a copy waiting on their Kindle.

As someone who loves a good crime novel or psychological thriller, I know how difficult it can be for other people to keep up with what I’ve read. My list of books I want to read certainly doesn’t seem to get any shorter!

Luckily, there are plenty of Christmas gifts for book lovers that aren’t books, from clever reading accessories to cosy treats and personalised presents. Whether you’re buying for somebody who reads in bed every night, a Kindle enthusiast or a friend who always has their nose in a novel, here are some lovely ideas for 2026.

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Practical Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers

Thinking Gifts Flexilight Book Light

If you know somebody who enjoys reading in bed, the Flexilight book light from Thinking Gifts could be a brilliant little Christmas present.

What I particularly like about these is that they’re slim enough to double as a bookmark, so you don’t need to keep track of a separate reading light. They bend to direct the light onto the page and come in lots of different designs, including flowers, animals and colourful patterns.

They’re particularly useful for somebody who enjoys reading while their partner is asleep, or for taking on holiday when you don’t want to disturb anyone.

The classic version is an affordable stocking filler, while the rechargeable versions are worth considering if you’ve got a slightly bigger budget.

Thinking Gifts Rose Book Couch

If you’ve ever tried reading a heavy hardback in bed, you’ll know that holding it comfortably isn’t always easy. Especially when you’re determined to finish one more chapter and your arms have other ideas!

The Book Couch from Thinking Gifts is a soft support designed to hold books, tablets and e-readers while you’re sitting on the sofa or relaxing in bed.

I particularly like the rose-patterned design as a gift because it’s a little more decorative than an ordinary tablet stand. It’s the sort of present that could be useful for somebody who enjoys long reading sessions.

It’s also worth considering for someone who finds holding a book uncomfortable, although I’d check that the size and angle suit their needs.

A Kindle or E-Reader Stand

For someone who reads mainly on a Kindle, a stand can be surprisingly useful.

It’s particularly handy if they like reading while eating breakfast, sitting at a desk or relaxing on the sofa. Rather than holding their Kindle all the time, they can prop it up at a comfortable angle.

There are simple folding stands that are easy to pack for holidays and softer cushion-style supports for reading in bed.

I’d check the size of their device before buying, especially if they use a larger Kindle or tablet.

Cosy Christmas Gifts for Readers

Bedsure Hooded Blanket

I think a cosy blanket and a good book are a pretty perfect combination, especially when it’s cold and miserable outside.

A Bedsure hooded blanket could be a lovely present for somebody who spends their evenings curled up reading on the sofa.

The hooded design is particularly nice if they’re always cold, and it’s something they can use for watching television or working from home too.

I’d choose a colour that suits their home and check the size before ordering. Nobody wants a cosy blanket that barely covers their knees!

A Reading Mug

I know mugs aren’t the most original present, but I think a nice one can be lovely for someone who enjoys a hot drink while reading.

You could choose a mug with a funny reading-related message, their name or a photograph of their pet.

Vistaprint personalised mugs are worth considering if you want something a little more personal.

You could even add a few sachets of their favourite hot chocolate or some nice tea bags to make a small reading-themed gift.

A Reading Night Treat Box

If you’re buying for someone who already has everything they need for reading, why not put together a little treat box?

I’d include their favourite chocolate, a nice drink and perhaps some popcorn. The Christmas flavours from Popcorn Shed, including chocolate orange and Christmas pudding, could be particularly nice.

It’s a lovely inexpensive present for somebody who enjoys a quiet evening at home.

You could even add a handwritten note telling them to cancel their plans and enjoy a guilt-free evening with their book. Although if they’re anything like me, they probably won’t need much encouragement!

Unusual Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers

Personalised Bookmarks

Bookmarks are one of those little presents that can be really lovely when you choose something that suits the person.

You could buy a personalised wooden bookmark, a metal bookmark engraved with their name or something funny featuring a favourite quote about reading.

Thinking Gifts also has some fun bookmark designs if you’re looking for something a bit different.

I particularly like bookmarks as stocking fillers because they’re inexpensive, easy to post and useful for somebody who always has several books on the go.

Pen Heaven Writing Gift Set for Tolkien Fans

If you’re buying for someone who loves The Lord of the Rings, writing or beautiful stationery, I think this combination from Pen Heaven would make a gorgeous Christmas present. The Moleskine Lord of the Rings notebook set includes three large, lined notebooks featuring artwork inspired by Middle-earth, perfect for jotting down ideas, keeping a journal or planning their next adventure.

Pair them with the Leuchtturm1917 Drehgriffel Monocle Mandarin ballpoint pen for a lovely finishing touch. The pen can even be engraved to make it more personal. A thoughtful gift for someone who appreciates putting pen to paper!

A Personalised Book Embosser

If you’re buying for somebody who has a huge collection of books, a personalised book embosser could be a brilliant present.

These create a raised impression on a page, often with wording such as “From the library of…” followed by the person’s name.

I think they’re particularly nice for someone who loves collecting beautiful editions of books or has shelves full of favourites they intend to keep.

It’s worth checking that the recipient would actually want to mark their books, though. Some book lovers adore personalising their collection, while others wouldn’t dream of putting anything on a page!

A Book Sleeve

If your friend carries a paperback everywhere, a padded book sleeve could be really useful.

They’re designed to help protect books from getting bent or damaged in a handbag or backpack. I think they’re particularly nice for somebody who likes keeping their books looking pristine.

There are lots of different patterns available, from floral designs to funny reading-related prints, so you can choose something that matches their personality.

I’d check the measurements before buying, particularly if they tend to read large hardbacks.

Christmas Gifts for Kindle Lovers

A Personalised Kindle Case

If somebody does most of their reading on a Kindle, a personalised case could be a lovely present.

You could choose a design featuring their name, initials or a favourite colour. There are also plenty of funny reading-related designs for people who enjoy a bit of humour.

The important thing is checking which Kindle model they own. Cases aren’t always interchangeable, and it would be a shame to buy a lovely one that doesn’t fit.

A Kindle Remote Page Turner

For somebody who loves reading in bed, a remote page turner could be an interesting gift.

These accessories allow readers to turn pages without having to reach for the screen each time, although compatibility varies depending on the device and design.

I can imagine one being particularly useful for someone who likes keeping their hands tucked under a blanket while reading.

I’d check the exact Kindle model and how the accessory attaches before buying, rather than assuming every remote works with every e-reader.

An E-Book Gift Card

I know this article is about gifts that aren’t books, but an e-book gift card is a useful option if you really don’t know what to buy!

It means the recipient can choose their own reading material without you having to guess what they’ve already read.

Just make sure the gift card works with the platform they use. Someone who reads on a Kobo won’t necessarily be able to use a Kindle-specific gift card.

Personalised Christmas Gifts for Readers

A Reading Journal

If you know somebody who enjoys keeping track of the books they’ve read, a reading journal could be a lovely present.

I think it’s nice to have somewhere to record favourite characters, memorable stories and books you’d recommend to other people.

Some journals include reading challenges and rating pages, while others are more like simple notebooks.

I’d choose one that suits how the person reads. Someone who gets through several books a week might appreciate plenty of space, while an occasional reader might prefer something smaller.

A Personalised Library Print

For someone who’s proud of their bookshelves, a personalised print featuring their name and a little library-themed design could be lovely.

You could choose something that says “From the library of…” or a funny quote about buying more books than you have time to read.

I think this would be particularly nice for somebody who has a dedicated reading corner or a home library.

You don’t need to spend a fortune either. A simple print in an inexpensive frame can make a lovely present.

Christmas Gifts for Book Club Members

A Book Club Notebook

If your friend belongs to a book club, a notebook for keeping track of their reading could be really useful.

I know how easy it is to finish a book, move on to the next one and then struggle to remember exactly what happened when it’s time to discuss it!

A notebook gives them somewhere to jot down their thoughts, favourite characters and anything they want to bring up at the next meeting.

It’s a nice inexpensive present, especially if you choose a design connected to their favourite genre.

A Book-Themed Tote Bag

For somebody who regularly visits the library, bookshops or book club, a sturdy tote bag could be a great present.

There are lots of lovely designs featuring reading-related quotes, illustrations and funny messages.

I think a tote bag is particularly useful for someone who always seems to come home from the library with more books than they intended!

I’d look for one with strong handles and enough room for several books, rather than choosing purely on the design.

A Bookshop Gift Voucher

If you’re completely stuck, a bookshop voucher is a lovely option.

I know it’s technically going to be spent on books, but it gives the recipient the pleasure of choosing something themselves.

For someone who enjoys browsing bookshops, the experience of spending an afternoon choosing their next read can be part of the present.

You could choose a voucher for their favourite independent bookshop or a larger retailer such as Waterstones.

Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers Under £10

You don’t need a big budget to find something lovely for somebody who enjoys reading.

A Flexilight Classic, bookmark, reading-themed notebook or a small treat for their next reading evening could all make good stocking fillers.

I particularly like the idea of pairing a bookmark with a favourite chocolate bar, or buying a little book light for somebody who always reads in bed.

If you’re looking for more inexpensive ideas, have a look at my Christmas gifts under £10 and Secret Santa gift ideas.

What Is the Best Christmas Gift for a Book Lover?

I think it depends on how they enjoy reading.

For somebody who reads in bed, I’d choose a Flexilight or a soft book holder.

For a Kindle enthusiast, a stand or personalised case could be really useful.

If they love collecting books, a personalised embosser or library print might be more their thing.

And for someone who enjoys a cosy evening with a good thriller, a blanket and a little box of treats could be perfect.

The nicest thing about buying a gift for a reader is that you don’t actually have to choose a book. You can give them something that makes enjoying their favourite hobby even better.

If you’re still Christmas shopping, have a look at my Christmas guide, Christmas gifts for friends and Christmas gift ideas for women for more inspiration.

If you’re a book lover, what would you most like to receive for Christmas that isn’t another book? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments!

Jen x

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