The Ultimate Book Club Gift Guide: Presents Readers Actually Want

The Gift Exchange Revelation

Every December, our book club does a gift exchange. Over ten years, I've seen gifts that were used daily and gifts that clearly went to regift piles.

Readers seem easy to shop for—just get them a book, right? But that's actually tricky (what if they've read it? Wrong genre? Didn't love it?). The best gifts complement a reading life without risking the book choice problem.

Practical Gifts Readers Use

Reading Lights

A good book light changes everything. Look for:

• Adjustable brightness
• Warm light option (easier on eyes)
• Rechargeable battery
• Clip that works on various book thicknesses

Price range: $15-40

Quality Bookmarks

Readers always need bookmarks. Nice ones include:

• Leather with personalization
• Brass or metal with unique designs
• Handmade from local artisans
• Corner page markers for multiple books

Price range: $8-25

Book Sleeves

Padded fabric covers that protect books in bags. Surprisingly useful. Available in tons of designs.

Price range: $15-25

Page Holder

For one-handed reading (coffee in the other hand). A small luxury that readers don't buy themselves.

Price range: $10-20

Lap Desk / Book Stand

For comfortable reading in bed or on couches. Some hold books at adjustable angles.

Price range: $25-50

Experience Gifts

Bookstore Gift Cards

Yes, gift cards can feel impersonal. But bookstore gift cards? They're permission to browse and buy whatever catches their eye. That's a gift.

Local indie bookstores preferred—supports small business and often includes a cute store-branded card.

Price range: Whatever fits your budget

Subscription Services

• Book of the Month: Curated selections monthly
• Literary magazines: Paris Review, The New Yorker
• Audible subscription: For audiobook lovers

Price range: $15-25/month or annual options

Author Event Tickets

Check local bookstores and venues for upcoming author talks. Tickets plus offer to go together makes it an experience.

Price range: Often free-$30

Library Fine Forgiveness

Funny but practical: offer to pay off their library fines (we all have them).

Price range: Variable

Cozy Reading Accessories

Reading Socks

Soft, fuzzy socks for curling up with a book. Silly but appreciated.

Price range: $8-20

Book-Scented Candles

Yes, this is a genre. Old books, library, bookstore, fresh pages—pick a scent profile.

Price range: $15-35

Tea or Coffee Sampler

Pair with their reading ritual. Consider their caffeine preferences.

Price range: $20-40

Weighted Blanket

For serious cozy readers. Investment gift, but memorable.

Price range: $50-150

Book-Adjacent Items

Tote Bags

Book lovers carry books. Literary-themed totes let them advertise their habits. Canvas, sturdy, cute design.

Price range: $15-30

Journals

For reading logs, notes, or general writing. Look for:

• Quality paper
• Lay-flat binding
• Cover that resonates (literary quotes, book designs)

Price range: $15-40

Book Embosser or Stamp

Personalized "From the library of..." stamp or embosser for marking books. For the reader who lends (and wants books returned).

Price range: $25-60

For the Book Club Specifically

Matching Items

Coordinate with other members for matching:

• Wine glasses with book club name
• Tote bags
• Reading journals
• Ornaments

Book Club in a Box

Some services package a book with discussion questions, themed snacks, and activities. Great for a special meeting.

Price range: $30-60

Host Gift Supplies

For rotating hosts—nice napkins, candles, or serving pieces help elevate hosting without effort.

What to Avoid

Based on years of watching gift reactions:

Books you loved: Unless you KNOW their taste, you're gambling. Even well-intentioned book gifts often miss.

Book-related jewelry: Hit or miss. Very personal.

Bulky items: Giant book sculptures are fun but where do they go?

Anything that says "I didn't think about this": Generic "book lover" mugs from chain stores feel lazy.

The Best Gift I've Received

A book club friend gave me a beautiful reading journal, pre-filled with all the books our club had read together, with her notes about our discussions and inside jokes.

It was personal, thoughtful, and acknowledged our shared history. I cried.

That's the goal: something that shows you know and appreciate the reader in your life.

Gift Budgets

If your exchange has a limit, focus on one quality item rather than several cheap things. A $25 really nice bookmark beats $25 worth of forgettable stuff.

If there's no limit and you're splurging on a book club friend, experiences (event tickets, subscription services, bookstore gift cards) create ongoing joy rather than one-time reactions.

Looking for more ways to connect with your book club? Readfeed helps book clubs track their reading, generate discussions, and build lasting connections. Because the best gift is community.