Book Lovers Actually *Don't* Want More Books This Year. Shop 26 Gifts They'll Truly Love Instead
Take it from someone who read 200 books this year.
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As someone who reads close to 200 books a year, I'm about to say something a little controversial here: I don't really want to receive books as gifts–and I rarely give them. Sure, the thought of people buying me books sounds lovely ~in theory~, but the stack of unread titles in my apartment is already toppling, and I'm rather strict about the books I want to add to my shelves. Instead, I suggest giving the book-lover in your life some cute reading accessories, book-related merch, or cozy gear that'll take their reading set-up to the next level to my Christmas list.
Whether you're a fellow reader looking for wishlist inspo or are looking for a unique gift for a book lover that's sure to dazzle, you've come to the right place. I've rounded up everything from BookTok approved accessories that are actually useful (I refuse to remember my life without the gooseneck holder and Bluetooth clicker duo for my Kindle) to little luxuries to upgrade their reading life. Not only do I use most of these things on the daily, but I've given plenty of them as gifts already, so I know they're bound to please any reader on your list.
Ahead, shop my master list of gifts for book lovers that aren't books—and keep scrolling to find one Cosmo-approved exception to the rule.
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Out of the approximately gazillion titles I read in a given year, a vast majority of them are via my trusty Kindle. It's safe to say this device has changed my life—so whether a certain book lover on your list has been itching for an upgrade, or they're finally ready to join Team E-Reader, you can't go wrong with the Kindle Paperwhite. It fits in nearly every purse I own, has tons of adjustable brightness settings, and is waterproof (I stand in the pool reading mine for hours all summer long). And did I mention this bad boy can hold thousands of books?
This embroidered crewneck is honestly the crème de la crème of bookish merch. (And to anyone reading this who wants to get me a present, THIS is at the top of my holiday wishlist.) Not only is Lingua Franca a women-led company that makes products from sustainable materials, but its products are made to order, which means you can choose your own thread color for a custom look.
Odds are, any bookworm you're shopping for has been coveting this gooseneck holder after seeing it go viral on BookTok. It can clip to a table, your desk, or even your bed's headboard to hold your Kindle for hands-free reading—just remember to add a Bluetooth page-turner to the gift (my pick is right below!)—for a blissful hands-free reading experience.
Call me lazy, but once winter strikes in NYC, my favorite place to be is nestled in bed with my Kindle suspended over my face. If you're thinking "How are you supposed to turn the page?," I've gotcha. This set includes two parts: A Bluetooth sensor that clips onto your Kindle, and a clicker that changes the page for you. If you need me, I'll be reading in bed with this duo.
Back in my (much) younger days, my parents would always threaten that I'd only get socks for Christmas if I misbehaved. Flash forward a decade or two later, and I'd gladly gift and receive a pair of cozy socks. Trust, the rainbow detailing on this pair will look so cute sticking out of your coziest pair of slippers.
As someone who can often be caught using everything from price tags to Post-It notes to (gasp!) occasionally dog-earring the pages of my books, I'm 99% positive a custom bookmark would change my entire life. Not only are Leatherology's luxe options easy to personalize, but they come in two styles: A traditional tasseled book design and a pretty tabbed version that clips over the page of your current read.
I keep track of my reading via a (very nerdy) Google spreadsheet, but I'm tempted to switch to paper thanks to this embroidered beauty. With space to review 50 books, as well as sections designed to log the titles you've lent out, your TBR, and any literary musings you might have, it's the perfect companion for anyone who likes to track their reading life. Bonus points for the classic lit references on the cover.
In need of a stocking stuffer to add to the other gear you're gifting? Look no further than this clip-on reading light. Not only is it super compact (It's so small, it can slip right into a pocket, making it ideal for travel), but it has five brightness levels, three different color modes, and up to 80 hours of reading time. I love how the light can rotate, so you can easily avoid shadows.
Hear me out on this one: My TBR stack is constantly toppling over in my room. To organize my unread titles in a way that fit nicely with my home aesthetic, I snagged a cart like this one, and I get compliments on every time I post it on my Instagram Story. Trust me, it just looks so much better than the piles I used to have!
As someone who has suffered through my fair share of painful book club meetings, I'm rushing to gift this deck of cards to my fellow attendees. Instead of having to come up with your own questions, these cards have 60 thought-provoking prompts to guide your club through an conversation that feels a little more fun (and a lot less like an AP English class). Plus, this set includes questions for fantasy novels, rom-coms, and thrillers alike.
Ornaments are one of my favorite things to gift. In my (possibly delusional) head, I feel like the recipient is reminded of our friendship every year when they go to hang it on their tree. Your favorite book lover will adore this needlepoint stunner depicting a tiny bookstore scene.
Leave it to Papier, one of my favorite stationary brands, to drop a line of merch that's perfect for highlighting gorgeous quotes and tabbing meaningful pages in their favorite titles. If I were you, here's what I'd gift: These cute cloud-shaped tabs, a set of these colorful and compact highlighters, a pack of bright pens for note-taking and underlining, and this adorable pencil case to hold it all.
While it's hard for me to resist a seasonal candle of any kind, a bookish one is a good bet for year-round gifting. With notes of paper and linen, it's the perfect option for them to stow on their bookshelf. And I'm always obsessed with gear that emphasizes the importance of local libraries!
When I'm not reading, I'm indulging in one of my other "grandma hobbies," which means this bookish vase is truly the best of both worlds for me. Complete with an eye-catching pink-and-green color scheme, cheeky details reading "National Bestseller" and "A Real Tear Jerker," and a spacious design that can hold flowers, pens, or spare bookmarks, it's a piece that'll make a statement on their bookshelf.
Looking for an advent calendar worthy of your bookworm bestie? I've long loved Jane Mount's bookish artwork (She also makes custom spine drawings featuring your favorite titles, if you're looking for a splurge-worthy gift!). I was stoked to find that she's released an advent calendar this year: It includes 24 tiny books, a mini shelf to store 'em on, and a keepsake journal that's perfect for tracking everything you'll read in 2026.
Want to take their library to the next level? Snag them a personalized embosser—a gift that they'll truly treasure for years to come. It's the perfect present for someone who frequently loans out their favorite titles to ensure they'll always find their way back. I was given one of these a few years ago, and adding the stamp to the books on my shelf is such a rewarding ritual once I finish a new title!
We all know that person who is utterly obsessed with Fourth Wing—and will do anything to get their hands on any sort of merch associated with it. This year, I'm eyeing coloring books based on popular series to gift the major bookworms in my life. Whether they're into Fourth Wing, A Court of Thorns and Roses, or even Bridgerton (because it was a book series first, DUH), there's bound to be an option for their series of choice. Don't forget to toss in a pack of markers or colored pencils to round out the gift!
While I quite literally have hundreds of novels floating around my apartment, I'm also hopelessly devoted to collecting coffee table books. Although I don't quite have the space to display them all right now, I'm longing for the day when I can show them off in their full glory. Should you be someone who has the space of my dreams (or if you're shopping for them), scoop up this acrylic book stand, which puts the prettiest pages front and center.
Complete with 50 recipes inspired by the work of some of the world's most talented women writers, this book pulls inspo from both classic authors (Think Agatha Christie and Mary Shelley) to modern writers like Sally Rooney (Anyone up for a Normal People reread?). Pair this with a bottle of their favorite spirit or a set of cute cocktail glasses for a gift that's sure to please.
As far as I'm concerned. the Venn diagram of readers and coffee lovers is a circle. If you're shopping for someone who is obsessed with trying new brew, you can't go wrong with gifting a Craft Coffee subscription. Recipients will take a quiz about their coffee preferences, then get matched with the beans that are right for them. Plus, gift subscriptions range from $30-$300.
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