Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

Buying a book for the book-lover in your life can be risky, especially if you’re unsure of their taste in genre or don’t know of their favorite author. 

Or, maybe you do know what books they like, but they already own it. 

As an avid reader and obsessive bibliophile, I’ve compiled a few book-related gift ideas (that aren’t books) for the special bookworm in your life. 

custom book embosser

This could just be a personal wishlist item, but I think this gift is so cute and unique. 

This one is perfect for the person who has an enormous collection of books or loans their books out to their friends. Not only is this an adorable and elegant way for them to customize their books, and it helps to keep track of them, too.

bookshelf book nook

I have seen so many different ways that people have customized their own little book nook, and I think that it’s adorable.

There are various ones on Etsy that you could gift, but there’s also DIY sets that are available at shops such as Uncommon Goods. 

Book flower vase

Flowers are nice, but flowers in a book vase are even better.

There are the popular, clear and acrylic vases, but there are also ceramic ones that resemble famous classics, such as these on Amazon.

No matter which style vase you chose to purchase, both are fairly convenient as they could serve various uses. 

Your friend can store whatever they please in the vases or keep it out as decoration.

tote bag

If they’re a book lover, chances are they’re a tote bag girlie as well.

A tote bag, such as the infamous Shakespeare and Company one, is a perfect gift for a reader on the go and would be a staple item (I know it is for me). 

There are so many different styles of tote bags out there. Whether you’re looking for one with a sweet saying, a book quote or just a cool print, there’s something for everyone. 

bookbinding kit

One of my favorite ideas yet, this bookbinding set is such an uncommon, yet neat, gift to give. 

This is definitely for the more crafty individual, but I honestly feel that any book lover would love to get this. 

This set includes all the tools needed to make their own book, journal or sketchbook. They could even bind one of their favorite stories with a personalized cover!

annotated book

I know this list is supposed to be gifts other than books, but hear me out. If you do happen to know at least one of your loved one’s favorite books, this gift idea would make their whole year. 

Purchasing one of their favorite books, reading it yourself and annotating it with your notes and commentary is such a personalized and loving gift. 

Not only do they get to reread their favorite book with your notes in the margins, but them knowing that you took your time to read something they care passionately about is a greater gift than any. 

Who knows, it just may turn you into a bibliophile as well! 

At the end of the day, book lovers aren’t very hard to please. If you’re stressing last minute, a Barnes and Noble gift card would also leave them ecstatic. 

Whatever route you decide to go, I’m sure your friend will love their gift.

A third-year student at Penn State studying English with a passion for Journalism. When she is not writing, she is making Pinterest boards, painting, curled up with a good book or listening to Taylor Swift!