01
Antiquarian Bookplates: 55 Bookplates to Personalize Your Library
For the friend or family member who likes to be organised and loves books, this set of 55 bookplates is a must-have. Each bookplate has a literary quote from the likes of Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis and Cicero as well as an accompanying illustration. Bonus points if you also help your friend organise their library, or buy these so you have an excuse to set up your own library.
Buy it here.
02
Little Black Classics Box Set (Penguin Little Black Classics)
For the friend who loves classics or for those who want to explore classic authors, this collection box set from Penguin contains 80 books written by authors like Ovid, Sappho, Austen, Balzac, Wilde and even contains The Dhammapada. Featuring a diverse range of literature, from fiction to history, and poetry to drama, this box set has an assortment of authors from different parts of the globe and from different time periods. Each of these books is also available individually and work well as bookish gifts.
Buy it here.
03
My Bibliofile: A Reading Journal for Book Lovers
For your methodical friend, who keeps their Goodreads shelf constantly updated, this reading journal is perfect to keep track of what they’re reading and add a few notes as they read. Not only does this journal have blank pages, it also includes recommended reading lists, and genre favourites, making sure you never run out of recommendations on what to read next. Our favourite feature is the ‘Reading Trees’ which can be used to create a roadmap as to what you should read next.
Buy it here.
04
Bibliophilia: 100 Literary Postcards
This is a great bookish gift irrespective of whether you still use snail mail or not. This set of 100 literary postcards contains graphic representations of 50 literary quotes from authors like Virginia Wolf, Oscar Wilde, Edgar Allen Poe and Austen. The postcards are largely black and white which add to the boldness of the design, and the quotes are whimsical and different from the kind usually found. You can also use these postcards imaginatively by putting them together and framing them to create some literary wall art. This is one of our favourite bookish gifts.
Buy it here.
05
Mini Folding Book Lamp
You will definitely get some brownie points for picking this bookish gift. This beautiful lamp looks like a closed book but opens up to give out a warm yellow glow. Completely wireless, this portable lamp is chargeable through a hidden USB port and can be converted into a standing lamp very easily. Perfect for the book lover who loves to travel, or for one who cares about the aesthetics of his room.
Buy it here.
06
The Book Lover’s Cup of Tea
For the tea-cum-book lover, this is one of the best bookish gifts available. This book-shaped tea infuser is titled “A Tale of Two Ci-Teas” and can be used in two ways to brew the perfect cup. As a bonus, it also includes a short book on how to make tea, suggestions on pairing teas with books and recipes for cakes, cookies, and sandwiches. This is also perfect for a book club host.
Buy it here.
07
Book-Inspired Scented Candles
Have you ever wondered what 221B Baker Street would smell like? Or maybe you love the smell of a new paperback and want your house smelling like it? Look no further as these book-inspired scented candles will bring “Swami’s Village”, the “Lanes of Meluha” and “221-B Baker Street” alive for you. While the candle inspired by Sherlock Holmes smells of leather, newspaper and a hint of pipe smoke, the “New Paperback” candle has notes of vanillin and wood oil. You’ll definitely find something appropriate for your family and friends.
Buy it here.
08
Gift A Subscription
For the avid reader, a book subscription is a perfect bookish gift. Every month, they’ll receive a surprise in the mail consisting of at least one new book along with a range of bookish gifts. There are a whole range of book subscription services in India to choose from so you can choose one according to your friend’s favourite genre. Incidentally, this is a great gift to get yourself as well.
Choose a subscription from the list here.
09
Book Lovers Stamp
This wood-mounted rubber stamp has space for your name, the year you bought the book and the serial number of the book. Keep track of your 100th or 1000th purchase through this handy stamp which can be used and re-used endlessly. Definitely, buy this if you are looking to (finally) organise and catalogue your library. We love the “Please Return to Owner if Borrowed Or Found” sign which will work well as a reminder to that one friend who keeps borrowing books and forgetting to return them. That in itself makes this one of the best bookish gifts on the market.
Buy it here.
Devanshi has been reading ever since she can remember. What started off as an obsession with Enid Blyton, slowly morphed into a love for mystery and fantasy. Even her choice of career as a lawyer was heavily influenced by the works of Erle Stanley Gardner and John Grisham. After quitting law, and while backpacking around India, she read books on entrepreneurship, taught herself web design and delved into social media marketing. She doesn’t go anywhere without a book.
She is the founding editor of The Curious Reader. Read her articles here.
