Last-minute gifts for the book-lover in your life

We all have an avid reader in our lives, whether they're a romantasy-lover with a decorated e-reader or someone who loves a good classic with an old-fashioned bookmark tucked inside. And if you're still on the hunt for the right gift for the just-one-more-chapter enthusiast on your list, we have a bunch of last-minute ideas they'll be sure to love. From DIY options to something a little more fancy you can grab at your local bookstore, all of these presents are perfect for a cosy season of reading ahead. 

DIY gifts 

A fabric bookmark

Check on the physical book readers in your life. Believe it or not, sometimes they resort to using an old receipt, an unsolicited business card or, even worse, folding the corners of their pages because they've lost or torn the many bookmarks they've acquired over the years. 

Sewing expert Sara SJ Kim has a helpful tutorial for creating a fabric bookmark from scraps you have lying around from your last project or even old clothes you've been meaning to get rid of. Repurpose them into the (unbreakable) bookmark of a reader's dreams.

A book sleeve

A true reader knows that sometimes the best way to get some reading done is to have a book with them at all times. And, whether they're commuting to work, sitting in a waiting room or suffering from a depleted social battery mid-holiday party, they can always rely on their emotional support book to get them through. But they'll need to avoid the perils of taking it to go.

A DIY book sleeve, like the one below from Savannah, will help keep e-readers and books (especially ones borrowed from the library!) safe from the outside world.

Cosy reading socks

Whether it's about turning on the right lighting, burning a perfectly on-theme scented candle or putting on their comfiest clothes, setting the scene can be a big part of a reader's process. 

If you know your giftee likes to get cosy before they start making a dent in their page count, consider a pair of reading socks. They're typically thicker and softer than standard socks to keep book-lovers toasty. Purchase a pair or knit some yourself — they're sure to be a welcome addition to their next night in.

A painted mug

During the colder months, it's rare to catch a reader enjoying their book without a warm beverage by their side. And while there's an abundance of cute mugs at bookstores, home goods stores and even your local coffee shop, why not go the sentimental route and paint a personalized mug for your giftee? 

Use a mug-painting kit, like Vancouver-based creator Arisha Ladhani does in the video below, or pick up a couple kits and plan a painting night as your present.

Their next read

Used books

Thrift stores and second-hand bookstores are full of unique finds for when you're on a budget or you simply want to add a book to a more elaborate gift. And if you'd like to get them a classic title, or even a bestseller, these shops will often have different editions at a range of price points. 

You can also pull from your own library. What could be more meaningful than gifting a personal copy of a book you love? Bonus points for annotating and highlighting your favourite lines so your giftee will fall in love with it just as much as you did. 

In case you need help getting started, take some inspo from Canadian creator Désirée in the video below. She encourages flagging, colour coding and even jotting down some of your own inner monologue. 

A boxed set

Whether your giftee wants to start a new series they saw on BookTok or appreciates collecting books, a boxed set may be the way to go. Plus, buying a complete series often costs less than buying each one individually. The options range from basic paperbacks to lavish hardcovers with limited-edition designs, so no matter your budget or their go-to genre, there's an option out there for you. 

Digital subscriptions

A digital reading subscription is a great gift — even at the very last minute — for anyone who would appreciate another avenue into reading. Perhaps your giftee doesn't love the cost or weight of physical books, and would benefit from the accessibility of e-books. Or if they're someone who struggles to focus on the written page, maybe they'd love giving audiobooks a listen. Know they love a great short-form read? A digital magazine subscription might be their thing. 

Reading accessories 

A book light

If your loved one shares a bedroom with someone but likes to read into the wee hours of the night, or if they're a frequent traveller, a book light might make a great gift. 

While there are lots to choose from, look for one that will clip onto a book or e-reader if it isn't backlit. They'll also definitely appreciate a model that features adjustable lighting and is rechargeable so they don't need to rely on batteries. 

Book labels

This gift will help any book-lover personalize their collection. A customizable stamp or set of stickers with phrases like "from the library of" or "this book belongs to" allows the giftee to add their own name or message. Depending on the text, these can also be perfect for someone who loves stationery — they can use them on other writing materials, too.

Want to make more of an investment? A customized embosser will give their titles an elegant touch. In the video below, Mary Skinner shows how easy it is to use one to make old favourites feel like they're "officially" part of her library. Just keep in mind that custom items may not arrive ahead of the official holidays, even with express shipping.

A reading journal

Yes, there are apps like Goodreads and StoryGraph that track reading the same way music apps track listening habits. But if your friend is more visual or artistic, they may enjoy physically documenting their own journey in a reading journal. 

"It's kind of like a scrapbook," creator Maxwell says in the video below, where he shares unique ways to use the journal, like for keeping TBR (to be read) and DNF (did not finish) lists, and, most importantly, tracking thoughts and feelings about everything you read. 

This gift might not provide stats at the end of the year, but it will be a physical memento of their reading journey, and can even be shared with a loved one who appreciates books as much as they do!