Our Favorite Birthday Bookish Gifts for the Bibliophile in Your Life
Our Favorite Birthday Bookish Gifts for the Bibliophile in Your Life
If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect gift for the book lover in your life, we’ve got you covered. Whether they devour novels, collect rare editions, or love everything about books (yes, even the bookmarks), we’ve rounded up our favorite birthday bookish gifts that will leave any bibliophile smiling from ear to ear.
At I Was Today Years Old, we believe in giving thoughtful gifts that celebrate people’s passions and bring a little extra joy into their world. And for a book lover, there’s nothing more personal or meaningful than a gift that fuels their literary obsession.
Personalized Leather Bookmark
Why They’ll Love It: A high-quality, personalized leather bookmark is both practical and sentimental. You can get it embossed with their initials, a favorite quote, or a meaningful word that will make each page turn extra special.
Bonus: Leather bookmarks age beautifully over time, adding a touch of character as they’re used.
Bookish Scented Candles
Why They’ll Love It: Imagine curling up with a good book and a candle that smells like fresh paper, old books, or even their favorite literary setting. Bookish candles come in a variety of scents that complement their love for reading—think “Library Books,” “Morning Coffee,” or “Leather Bound.”
Bonus: Many candles come in cute book-inspired jars that can double as decor once the candle is used up.
GSPY Book Lover Candle - $19.99
Book Subscription Box
Why They’ll Love It: Give the gift that keeps on giving with a book subscription box. There are options tailored to every taste—whether they’re into mystery, romance, fantasy, or nonfiction. Plus, subscription boxes often include extra goodies like bookmarks, tote bags, and exclusive author content.
Bonus: Some services offer personalized recommendations based on the reader’s favorite genres.
Literary Tote Bag
Why They’ll Love It: A cute, practical gift that allows them to carry their books and literary essentials with style. A sturdy tote with a funny or clever book-related quote can be a perfect companion to any library visit or bookstore haul.
Bonus: Look for totes made from eco-friendly materials to keep things sustainable.
AUSVKAI Canvas Tote Bag - $12.99
Bookends in Fun Shapes
Why They’ll Love It: Bookends are a functional yet stylish way to keep their book collection neat and organized. From sleek, modern designs to quirky animal-shaped ones, there are endless options to suit every bookshelf aesthetic.
Bonus: Unique bookends can double as eye-catching decor for any reading nook or home library.
Bookish Mugs
Why They’ll Love It: Perfect for sipping tea, coffee, or hot chocolate while diving into their latest read, a bookish mug adds a touch of cozy charm to any reading session. Choose one with a famous quote, an iconic book cover, or even a humorous literary pun.
Bonus: Pair with their favorite tea or coffee blend for an extra special treat.
Book Lover Tumbler - Gifts For Book Lover On Christmas, Birthday - $19.99
Book Journal or Reading Planner
Why They’ll Love It: A book journal or reading planner is the ideal gift for someone who loves to keep track of what they’ve read and plan their next literary adventure. Look for one that has space for notes, reviews, and wishlists to help them stay organized and inspired.
Bonus: Some journals even have challenges or prompts to encourage them to read more diversely.
Reading Journal - 104 Book Reviews, Book Journal for Book Lovers & Readers - $16.99
Custom Bookplates
Why They’ll Love It: These small, personalized labels can be affixed to the inside cover of each of their books to mark their collection as their own. It’s a thoughtful way to add a personal touch to their favorite books.
Bonus: You can design them with a quote, initials, or even a custom illustration that speaks to their love of reading.
Personalized Teacher Stamp | Custom Monogram Self-Inking Wood Handle Stamp - $17.95
A Literary Puzzle
Why They’ll Love It: Combine their love of books with a relaxing puzzle session. A literary-themed puzzle can feature classic book covers, famous authors, or iconic literary scenes. It’s a perfect way to unwind and engage with their love of reading in a new, interactive way.
Bonus: Some puzzles even come with a mini-booklet that provides interesting facts or quotes related to the design.
EuroGraphics (EURHR The Greatest Bookstore in The World 1000Piece) - $17.99
An E-Reader
Why They’ll Love It: For the bibliophile who’s always on the move or loves reading on-the-go, an e-reader like a Kindle can be a game-changer. With thousands of books at their fingertips, they’ll never be without a good read, no matter where life takes them.
Bonus: Some e-readers even have built-in lights, making them perfect for reading at night or on vacation.
All-new Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (16 GB) - £159.99
The Final Word
Whether your gift recipient is a seasoned book collector or just starting their literary journey, there’s a perfect bookish present waiting to be wrapped up with love. The best gifts are those that reflect a person’s passions, and if books are what they love, you can’t go wrong with any of these thoughtful options.
At I Was Today Years Old, we’re all about positivity, good vibes, and celebrating life’s little pleasures—like gifting that perfect bookish treasure. So next time you’re looking for a birthday gift that speaks to a bibliophile’s heart, consider one of these ideas and make their special day even more memorable.
Do you have any favorite bookish gifts? Share with us in the comments below! 📚🎁