*This article contains no affiliate links – Tales from Absurdia is not monetised. All bookish gifts are my own recommendations!*
One of the great things about books’, George W. Bush once said, ‘is that sometimes there are some fantastic pictures’.But what America’s astute [sic] ex-President failed to mention was the merch.
THE MERCH, GEORGE!
I’m talking about bookish gifts. The second best thing to the book itself (sorry movies). Am I right, book lovers?!
From gothic pin badges to chocolate books, I’ve collated seven of the best gifts for book lovers so you don’t have to.
I challenge you to read this without making a purchase!
(Spoilers: I failed whilst writing this blog)
Gothic Literature Enamel Pins
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Gothic aesthetics are the best.
Gothic architecture is striking, beautiful, haunting.
Gothic music is epic.
And Gothic literature, of course, includes some of the most evocative writing of all time.
In celebration of all things gothic, check out this neat little pin set from The Literary Emporium. Not only are they excellent quotes, but they’re awesome designs!
This set of six pins is inspired by Dracula, The Raven, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Jane Eyre.
I believe they’re also available individually but let’s be honest, you’re going to buy them all anyway.
Quirky Bookshelf Prints
I only came across Fox Lane Books recently – they’re a wonderful independent bookshop that can source any book that’s currently in print in the UK.
Not bad.
They also have some of the best bookish gifts on the internet, including these awesome bookshelf prints.
These works of art are based on quirky editions of books, collated into themed sets such as… adventure novels, banned books, black writers, fantasy novels, and many more.
100 Books Bucket List Poster
A bucket list poster with a twist… It’s a giant TBR scratch card!
Struggling with what to read next?
Put this up on your wall for some inspiration. Plus, you get to reveal some lovely bookish art beneath, once you’ve finished reading!
It’s a really simple idea, but something I’ve never come across before.
A perfect gift for a book lover and typical of the sort of awesome homemade products you’ll find on Not on the High Street!
Miniature Chocolate Books
Do you like books? Presumably, yes.
Do you like chocolate? I sincerely hope so.
How about chocolate miniature books?
I’ll say no more.
William Shakespeare’s Star Wars
“I am thy father” 
Or at least, that’s what Darth Vader would have said if Kenneth Branagh had directed The Empire Strikes Back!
In William Shakespeare’s Star Wars, written by Ian Doescher, the immortal words of Darth Vader are resurrected and given a Shakespearean makeover.
It’s a witty series, so if you’re a book lover AND a Star Wars fan, picking at least one of these up is a no brainer.
Let’s be honest, it’s worth it based on this passage between Anakin and Obi-Wan alone… #highground
Anyhow, Waterstones stocks the full range here. You’ll have to ask them whether they accept Republic Credits.
Miniature Book Necklace
How about some book jewellery?
These miniature book necklaces come in two sizes and the cover of your choosing. That’s right – you can choose any cover, whether it’s an English Lit classic, your favourite indie book, or even one of Mary Berry’s cook books!
What would I choose? I’d probably choose the original covers of either The Great Gatsby or The Catcher in the Rye. That being said, there’s a book on my TBR called Captain Jesus (publ. 2021) and the cover is easily one of my favourites of contemporary novels!
The customisation alone makes this easily one of the best gifts for book lovers.
Handmade The Lord of the Rings Bookmarks
Confession time.
I just bought all of these. Every. Single. One.
They are – without a doubt – the coolest bookmarks I’ve ever seen in my life.
If, like me, you’re a The Lord of the Rings fan/nutter/devotee, whether it’s of the books or the excellent films, you’re going to want to check these out.
I love the art style. The slightly faded, watercolour effect gives them an ethereal quality. Very Tolkien-esque. They’re unique and the ‘elvish hair’ is a nice touch.
Alternatively, if you just love The Hobbit (or, you know, Aiden Turner as Kíli – no judging here!), you can buy those too. It would be cool to see a whole set of Thorin’s Company at some point.
Enjoy this list of the 7 best gifts for book lovers? Got any of your own to share? Post them in the comments!
