Make the holidays a little more special for the book lover in your life with these practical gift ideas for their home library and reading sessions.
It doesn’t take much to make the reader in your life happy this holiday season. Whether it’s a new shelf for their ever-growing collection of books or helpful little accessories for long reading sessions, here are a few practical and thoughtful items that will surely make their festivities brighter.
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Book Shelves
It’s a hefty, unconventional gift, but the avid reader who’s currently focused on building their home library will definitely appreciate a good book shelf. After all, this is someone who probably has stacks of books in their to-be-read piles—collected like good wines—but not nearly enough pretty spaces to place them in.
Of course, you’ll need to actually ask them how much they can accommodate a new shelf, and what sort of shelf would match their space. If you’re searching for some inspiration, start with something understated yet contemporary, with just enough intuitive design to allow for flexible arrangements, just like the Dalton “Chrome” statement piece from Minotti (distributed in the Philippines by Living Innovations).
Bookends
They may be smaller than an entire shelving unit, but bookends are just as indispensable for anyone building a home library. They’re especially useful on open shelves or storage systems, where books can easily tip over—more so if your collection includes a mix of hefty hardbounds and slim paperbacks.
The great thing about book-ends is you can get ones in cute designs that feel personal to your recipient. These Lava Resin Stone Bookends from Crate & Barrel look great on almost any shelf, sleek and stylish without being loud. But those who prefer quirky, fun designs might enjoy the wide array of bookends offered by KARE, which include pairs of animals leaning against your favorite reads.
Portable Reading Light
Print isn’t dead: people are still enjoying physical books, which provide a tactile experience that can’t be beat. But it does come with some caveats, especially for those who like holding their reading sessions at night. Sure they could use a night lamp, but those tend to be more intrusive if they share a room with someone else.
Plus, there are those rare few who can read in moving vehicles, so a small light is a must during evening rides (especially when they’re stuck in Manila traffic). IF sells an assortment of flexible, battery-powered portable reading lights in different designs, available in many Fully Booked branches, that you can clip onto the back of your book anytime and anywhere.
E-Reader
If your giftee doesn’t already own an e-reader, give them an entire library they can slip into their bag (unless they’re devoted print purists, in which case, the next items will suit them better). Kindle and Kobo remain go-to choices, giving readers access to thousands of titles in seconds. And for anyone who struggles with migraines from bright screens, the soft e-ink display and anti-glare features make reading for hours feel wonderfully gentle.
Book Sleeve
It’s just a pouch… right? Well, kind of—but book sleeves are surprisingly indispensable. You can DIY one if you’re crafty, or pick up a ready-made version from brands like Bookaroo (available in select Fully Booked branches). While simple, they’re lifesavers for readers determined to keep their books immaculate. Nothing derails a fastidious book lover faster than discovering folded pages or worn corners from a commute or trip. If you know someone who brings books everywhere but hates seeing them scuffed, this is the ideal holiday gift.
A Custom Ex Libris
It might look like a simple gift, but an “ex libris” is far more charming and flexible than you’d expect, and your favorite bookworm will absolutely adore it. Meaning “from the library of,” it’s a bookplate placed inside the front cover to show who owns the book. That alone gives you countless options for personalizing the design and tailoring it to your giftee’s taste. And you’re not limited to paper bookplates: custom stamps and embossers offer a beautiful, old-world feel. It’s one of those gifts that just never misses.
