Gifts for book lovers
A book lover may already have a long reading queue, a library routine or a preferred digital format. Ask what they want next rather than buying a bestseller because it is familiar. If choosing a title yourself, connect it to an interest or a conversation and check for duplicates. Accessories should fit where they read. A thoughtful paperback can be a stronger gift than an elaborate reading kit that mostly takes up shelf space.
Ideas prepared by WantThis
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How we chose these gifts
These are editorial gift ideas, not hands-on product tests. Planning amounts are spending limits, not retailer offers. Any named product reference price is dated 2 October 2026; check the linked source, delivery, variant and current total before buying.
What makes a good pick
- Record title, author, format and ISBN when an edition matters. Series order and translation can matter too.
- Ask whether they prefer new, second-hand, library or digital books. Do not infer the format from the books on display.
- For digital credit, check the service and country. Generic shopping credit is not the same as a usable audiobook gift.
The ideas
- 1
The next wanted book in an exact edition
Plan £10–£30A good fit for: A reader who can name their next title
Use the wishlist to settle paperback, hardback, translation or illustrated edition. Check whether they have preordered it or borrowed it already. Add a personal note about why you are looking forward to hearing what they think, instead of treating the book as an anonymous object.
Before you buy: Check the ISBN and publication date; preorders may arrive after the gift occasion.
- 2
A Waterstones eGift
Choose a £10–£50 amountA good fit for: Someone whose reading queue changes quickly
Credit gives a reader control when you do not know what they already own. Make it specific by linking the gift to an interest or offering a bookshop trip together. Ask whether they shop at Waterstones before choosing it over another bookshop or a wanted title.
Before you buy: Review electronic delivery and refund terms.
Check product details at Waterstones gift cards (opens in a new tab)
- 3
A book light for their usual reading place
Plan £10–£25A good fit for: Someone who has asked for lighting without a full room lamp
Check whether they read in bed, on journeys or at a desk. Look at clip fit, weight and how the light is powered. A small accessory is useful only when it solves a known problem; many readers already have the light they need.
Before you buy: Ask about brightness and charging preference. Do not choose solely by the number of modes.
- 4
A small notebook for reading notes
Plan £8–£20A good fit for: A reader who records quotations or book-club thoughts
Choose paper, ruling and size that fit their existing note-taking habit. A plain notebook can work better than one with a rigid reading challenge or preprinted rating system. Write a short message on a separate card so they can decide how to use the notebook.
Before you buy: Skip if they keep notes digitally or do not enjoy recording their reading.
Save your favourites
Save your favourite ideas to a free WantThis list. Product picks include their retailer link; for general ideas, add the exact product link later. Price tracking is available for supported products.
Create your free listFAQs
What if I do not know their favourite author?
Ask for a shortlist or choose credit for a bookshop they use. A broad label such as “likes crime” still leaves questions about authors, duplicates and format.
Are decorative book accessories useful?
Some are, but check how the person reads and stores books. A book stand, sleeve or bookends can be a good exact request; an unasked-for accessory may occupy space they would rather use for books.
Spotted a changed price or specification? Tell us which product needs a correction.