What to give the book lover on your list? We've set out to solve this mystery with a list of popular book subscription boxes and intriguing book-inspired gifts ideas. From best sellers to guilty pleasures, there's a book subscription box for every genre and every reader. To find the right monthly book club subscription for gifting, consider these tips: First, look for boxes that ship books in their preferred genre. There are lots of options for new releases and YA (young adult) and even romance, but it's harder to find good subscriptions for non-fiction. Second, consider their reading speed, and if subscriptions will allow them to skip a month or add on extra books. Finally, decide if you want to keep the focus on the text or look for boxes that send extra goodies, too. If you're more interested in celebrating their reading habit with a one-time gift, consider one of these practical and creative book-inspired finds. We've curated a list of bookish gifts they're sure to love that goes beyond a bookshelf, bookmarks, and bookends (but we still love those, too!).
Popular Book Subscription Boxes
If you’re thinking of giving the gift of a good book subscription box, look no further than our favorite monthly book subscriptions spanning various literary genres and age ranges.
1. Book of the Month
Image via our review.
Genres: Book of the Month has the widest selection of all the book clubs on this list, and includes new releases, fiction, young adult, non-fiction, and more.
The Cost: $14.99 per month (less with 3-, 6-, and 12-month subscriptions). Subscribe here!
About the Box: Book of the Month does it again! A recurring favorite among our community of readers, this monthly book subscription works like this: the BOTM team selects 5 new hardcover books for subscribers to choose from. You pick which title you’d like to receive on the first of the month (or let Book of the Month choose for you), and if you're not ready for a new title yet, you can choose to skip the month. Alternatively, if you’re tearing through books, you can add up to 2 additional books to your order for $9.99 each! You can browse each month's selections before you sign up; they include new and early releases, Oprah's book club selections, Young Adult picks, and more: you can browse from a huge library of selections to make your monthly choice, including thrillers and nonfiction, too.
Read our Book of the Month reviews to learn more. Ships to the U.S. for free.
2. Boxwalla Book Box
Image via Boxwalla Book Box.
Genres: Classics and new releases, curated around compelling worldly themes.
The Cost: $29.95 every other month. Subscribe here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code ExploreBoxwalla25 for 25% of all orders over $250 on limited boxes and Retail Shop items
CODE: ExploreBoxwalla25
About the Box: Our readers adore the curation of the Boxwalla Book Box. Featuring compelling, unique literature, each bi-monthly shipment includes a mix of both classic and new authors and titles. This subscription is a beautiful way to read your way through all the finest niches literature has to offer, as well as familiarizing yourself with names that have remained relevant through the ages.
Check out our Boxwalla Book reviews to learn more. Ships to the U.S. for free. Ships worldwide.
3. Coffee & A Classic
Image via Coffee & A Classic.
Genres: Classic literature, classic non-fiction, and children's classics
The Cost: Starts at $41.99 per month. Subscribe here!
About the Box: This subscription is just as cozy as it sounds! Coffee & A Classic sends a monthly pairing of a great book and something to drink, plus an on-theme extra or two. Note that coffee isn't your only option—you can choose from single-serve tea or hot chocolate (with a "surprise me" option!), too. And you can also customize your book genre between Classic Literature, Classic Non-Fiction, or Children's Classics. One last choice to make is between the Starter subscription ($41.99/month) or the Standard ($51.99/month)!
Read our Coffee & A Classic reviews to learn more. Ships to the U.S. for free.
4. OwlCrate
Image via our review.
Genres: Young Adult
The Cost: $29.99 per month + shipping. Sign up for the waitlist here!
About the Box: OwlCrate may be a YA book subscription, but adults love it, too! With your monthly membership you'll receive a box featuring a new young adult title, accompanied by bookish items such as pins, accessories, small home goods, and other treats relevant to the theme. It's a whole literary experience designed to surprise and delight!
Read our OwlCrate reviews to learn more. Ships worldwide.
5. Once Upon A Book Club
Image via Once Upon a Book Club.
Genres: Varies; past books have included mystery, historical fiction, contemporary fiction, and magical realism. They also offer a Young Adult box that features fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, mystery, and more.
The Cost: $34.99 a month + shipping. Subscribe here!
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 10% off your first box!
CODE: ADDICTION10
About the Box: If you think opening a literary subscription box each month is fun, just wait 'til you see what Once Upon a Book Club has in store! This sub sends a new book each month, paired with small gifts and surprises to coordinate with pages. Open each gift as you read and get ready to feel fully immersed in the story. This unique take on a monthly book club is great for readers young and old, and makes an exciting gift subscription, too!
Read our Once Upon A Book Club reviews to learn more! Ships worldwide.
6. Amazon Prime Book Box
Image from our review.
Genres: Children's, from birth to age 12
The Cost: $16 for your first box, renews at $19.99 every 1, 2, or 3 months. Subscribe here!
About the Box: Prime Book Box is a children’s subscription box exclusively for Amazon Prime members. They send books tailored to your child’s age to help families inspire a love for reading. The options are baby-2, ages 3-5, ages 6-8, and ages 9-12, and the offerings are as such: babies to age 2 receive four board books chosen from a curated selection of eight books. Kids ages 2-12 receive two hardcover books chosen from a curated selection of four books.
Check out our Amazon Prime Book Box reviews to learn more. Ships free with Prime 2-day shipping.
7. Once Upon a BookCase
Image via Once Upon a BookCase Cratejoy.
Genres: Classics
The Cost: $26 per month + shipping. Subscribe here!
About the Box: Already have a full bookshelf or love reading on your Kindle e-reader? Once Upon a BookCase is for book lovers, but it leaves the reading list to you and sends you fun bookish goodies instead! Each box comes with a novel-inspired phone case (choose your phone's size) and a small literary gift such as a bookmark, notepad, or print, and an accessory. What a great way to flaunt your love for literature!
Check out our Once Upon a BookCase reviews to learn more. Ships worldwide.
8. Peace & Pages Box
Image via Peace & Pages Cratejoy.
Genres: Adult or YA options, with a focus on books that have received great reviews.
The Cost: Starts at $22.99 per box (monthly or bi-monthly). Currently sold out -- Sign up for notifications here!
About the Box: "Relax with a good book," seems like a common enough idea, but are you really unwinding when you read? Peace & Pages promotes a chilled-out reading experience by sending calming self-care items from small businesses, alongside a book that received great reviews. The Basic Box sends the book plus two items, and the Deluxe Box includes the book plus four items. You can also choose to receive YA books, or, if you already have a stack of reads to get through, you can sign up for "Just the Peace, Please" to get the goodies without the book.
Check out our Peace & Pages reviews to learn more. Ships to the U.S. only.
There are so many book subscriptions to choose from, we couldn't include all of them here! For more ideas to fill their bookends and bookshelves, check out the Best Subscription Boxes As Chosen by Our Readers and all our Book Subscription Box reviews. Not looking for a subscription? Read on for a special selection of one-and-done unique gifts for the book lover in your life.
Great Gifts for Book Fans
9. Noble Objects Scented Book Soy Candle
Image via Noble Objects.
The Cost: Starting at $29
If you know your book lover's favorite novel, surprise them with a Noble Objects Scented Book Soy Candle available in an array of book themes and scents, including holiday editions. Clearly a labor of love by the Noble Objects cofounders, each 8 oz candle delights with a first-edition book-cover label and thoughtful corresponding fragrance. This lit gift is made of 100% premium soy wax, natural oils, and a woven-cotton wick for a cleaner burn. They're hand-poured in Venice, CA, and offer a 45-hour burn time—perfect, since "that's how long it would take you to read 1,500 pages of literature." The site contains a library section, so you can read classics online, download a PDF, or invite your best bookworm to enjoy hours of relaxing and reading. Selections include F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, and many more best sellers.
10. Oldendesigns Library Card Christmas Ornament
Image via Etsy.
The Cost: $15 or $17 (with your custom date added)
Could there be a merrier Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for the book lover in your life? Ho-ho-ho no! The vintage-inspired Oldendesigns Library Card Christmas Ornament is a perfect gift for librarians and avid readers alike. The soft pillow design is the same size as a library card and available in classic book title themes including Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are, and so many other bookish best sellers. You can also order the ornaments from Oldendesigns in limited-edition Christmas book themes ($20 each).
11. Book Lover's Scrabble
Image via Amazon.
The Cost: From $68
Book nerds and word geeks won't want to miss the Book Lover's Scrabble edition. It's a throwback to the classic version, with the nicer wood tile racks and tiles (instead of plastic), plus a mini tote bag to store the tiles. To add a novel spin for book fans, this Scrabble lets players earn bonus points for using an author's name, book title, or literary character. Plot Twist cards add unexpected suspense and drama to the game as they're drawn. It makes a great gift for a book club friend, avid reader, and board gamer in the family.
12. Pottery Barn Mercer Bathtub Caddy
Image via Pottery Barn.
The Cost: $71
The Pottery Barn Mercer Bathtub Caddy takes your favorite book lover's self-care routine to the next level of luxe. She'll love the modern chic look and polished-nickel finish. The adjustable (and removable) book rack holds her book in place for easier bath-time reading. There's also room for soap, a washcloth, a glass of vino, and bath & body essentials. It measures 23.5" W x 8" D x 7.5" H and expands up to 34.5” wide to fit your tub. We can't think of a better excuse to find time to escape with the latest good book (and, shhh...nobody needs to know if you're eyeing it for yourself).
13. Galison Book Club Puzzle
Image via Amazon.
The Cost: $16.99
What do you do when you're listening to an audiobook? A Book Club Puzzle, of course! This Galison 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle features a colorful illustration by Carolyn Suzuki and a few punny surprises. The level of difficulty is not too hard, and not too easy—it's just right for an entertaining activity at home, with your family, or book club. The box includes a helpful insert with the full puzzle image for your reference.
14. Knock Knock Original Personal Library Kit
Image via Amazon.
The Cost: $18.98
Maybe you've wanted to be a librarian since childhood, or maybe you're just a generous book lender! The Knock Knock Original Personal Library Kit lets you channel your inner librarian with an old-fashioned analog book card system for your personal library. The high-quality kit—think self-adhesive pockets, checkout cards, a date stamp, and an ink pad—is a nice way to keep track of your books and who borrows them (late fees optional). It makes a great retro gift for kids who love to read, sharable libraries, book club groups, professors and teachers, and other bookworms in your life.
15. 100 Books Scratch-Off Poster
Image via Uncommon Goods.
The Cost: $15
Now you can share a visual bucket list of great reads with the 100 Books Scratch-Off Poster. You use a coin to scratch off each title and reveal the literary artwork underneath. It covers classics like Moby Dick and Wuthering Heights, as well as modern series like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter. It makes a unique interactive activity for the book nerd or teen who loves to read. It measures 23.2" H x 16.5" W and comes rolled in a tube for easy gifting.
16. 2troubleboys Women's Book Socks
Image via Etsy.
The Cost: $12.95
For a little gift that's a big hit, 2troubleboys Women's Book Socks is a no-fail option. Replete with a compelling message that'll really resonate with any reader, they'll make a cozy gift for those moms, sisters, and daughters who love to read. And don't forget your book club Secret Santa. They're available in one size, fitting women's shoe sizes 4 to 10. For gift-giving, request the gift wrap. She'll love the tissue-paper wrapping and jute twine bow.
17. First-Edition Book Cover Art Print
Image via Uncommon Goods.
The Cost: $65
Thrill the bibliophile with an incredibly lifelike First-Edition Book Cover Art Print in a beautiful shadow-box frame. Each cover has been carefully photographed to show the original marks and wear, then recreated to highlight every detail of the design. They're made by designer and photographer Mister Arthurious in his New York City studio. You can choose from over 40 classic book covers including Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, Mark Twain's Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and many other classic old books that'll make the best gift for book lovers. The frame measures 16.25" H x 12.25" W.
18. Authored Adornments Book Gift Set
Image via Etsy.
The Cost: $49
Here's evidence a perfect book gift box does exist. Great care is taken with each high-quality Authored Adornments Book Gift Set featuring a curated book—you pick the genre! The shop owners "have an undying love for books and the worlds they hold within them." Their designs are meant to share some of the magic living within their favorite books. Each set includes 4 Handcrafted Caramels by The Caramel Rabbit, 1 Metal Bookmark stating, "If this isn't nice, I don't know what is"; 1 Vintage Teacup (curated by Authored Adornments from within California); 6 Teaspoons of Loose-Leaf Organic Earl Grey Tea or Hot Chocolate (your choice); one 2 oz Hand-Poured Vanilla Chamomile Candle; and 1 Book chosen for you (in your choice of genre). The owners source used books that have minimal wear and are ready to be enjoyed by a new reader. This is a gorgeous gift bundle to send to the family member and book lover in your life, especially if you can't see them in person. It arrives well-packaged with a personalized note for your gift recipient. No doubt they'll enjoy unboxing every little detail of their surprise book gift.
19. Chronicle Books I'd Rather Be Reading Blank Notecards
Image via Amazon.
The Cost: $15.92
Found: Irresistible bookish charm for the lit lovers on your list. This set of 20 postcard-style Chronicle Books I'd Rather Be Reading Blank Notecards is a joyful mix of literary quotes, a stack of books, and colorful book-inspired images. Your recipient will enjoy practicing the lost art of the handwritten note for thank yous, birthdays, or just saying hello. The cards were designed by Guinevere de la Mare, a San Francisco-based writer, author, book lover, and founder of Silent Book Club.
20. Personalized Book Quote Throw Pillow
Image via Zazzle.
The Cost: $29.50
For your bibliophile who can't get enough of books, the Personalized Book Quote Throw Pillow says it all. Pick their favorite book title and quote to make it personal, plus choose the cover style—zipperless, polyester, cotton, or outdoor. This throw pillow is 16" W x 16" H and the perfect piece of home decor for their reading pleasure.
21. Out of Print Kids' Book Cover Tee
Image via Out of Print.
The Cost: $16
Let kiddos show off their love of reading with the Out of Print Kids' Book Cover T-Shirt. It's available in a range of classic kid's book titles and in unisex sizes from 2 years to 14/16. Your little book lover will like the soft 100% cotton and distressed look.
22. StampBoss Art Custom Embosser
Image via Etsy.
The Cost: Embosser from $39.60; Inking Stamp from $36; Embosser and Inking Stamp Combo $81
From the Family Library of...This Book Belongs to...Ex Libris...Please Return to... If you're searching for the ultimate gift for your bookworm bestie, check out the StampBoss Art Custom Embosser. She'll be obsessed with the sharp, high-quality embossing results and unique personalization.
Looking for more subscription ideas for your favorite reader?
- If they love to read in the morning over coffee, you might consider a Coffee or Tea Subscription to elevate their routine.
- Candles go well with relaxing and reading! See our list of The Best Gifts for Candle Lovers.
- Check our complete list of Book Subscription Box reviews.
That's it for our Best Gifts For Book Lovers & Avid Readers! Did your favorite literary subscription or book-inspired discovery make the list? Share your ideas for lit gifts and book subscriptions with us.
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