Trying to find a Christmas gift for your bibliophile family member, friend or loved one can be tricky. The first thing that comes to mind is usually a book, but what if they’ve read it before? They’re quite picky, so what if it’s not their genre? Will it sit unread on their bookshelf well into 2020? 

A much easier approach is to give a unique, thoughtful gift that screams ‘bookworm’ without being dangerously specific. If you can help people and the planet at the same time, even better! They’ll get an even warmer feeling when they cosy up with a good read and some bookish paraphernalia.

To get you started, here are 7 ethical gift ideas for book lovers:

A Voucher

A book voucher is a fantastic way to give fussy readers freedom of choice. I can highly recommend Better World Books, an online bookshop which sells new and used books at a good value. Plus for every book the gift recipient buys, they donate one book to someone in need, helping to promote literacy worldwide.

Charity

In the Christmas spirit of giving, a charity gift will pass their love of reading on to others. I think the Reverse Book Tokens from Book Aid International is a fantastic idea! Choose the number of books you would like to send to those in need (it’s only £2 per book) and get a personalised gift certificate to show your loved one the impact made.

Book jewellery

There is some gorgeous book-themed jewellery out there, which would make a unique gift. I’m in love with these origami earrings up-cycled from the pages of old novels…

Interior decor

Bookish vibes help make any space more homely, from a student flat to a grandparent’s bungalow. I got so excited when I saw these living plant bookends from Not on the High Street… and these up-cycled literary prints from Book Lover Gifts…

Clothing

Give them a comfy gift perfect for snuggling up with a good book! Basically, anything from The Literary Emporium is a great choice. All their clothing is produced in WRAP accredited factories, plus the company is based in Somerset so Bristol and Bath Girls can support a local business too!

I love their ‘Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum’ Handmaid’s Tale-inspired sweatshirt. They also have a range of charity T-shirts with 10% of proceeds donated to worthy causes, from Mind to Action Aid.

Tote bags

I was going to put tote bags under ‘clothing’, but let’s be honest, they’re such a bookish staple that they deserve a category all of their own! Penguin Books sell literary tote bags that replicate the cover of your loved one’s favourite book.

I also really like the range from Bookishly, which you can get via Not On The High Street. The empowering feminist slogan tote bags make particularly great gifts for girlfriends!

Stationery

I would be delighted if someone gave me the Book Lover Gifts Reading Journal, which is made from recycled paper... while their cute pencil sets would make ideal gifts for bookish students, teachers or artists. 

I hope this takes some of the stress out of your Christmas shopping!

Written by: Florence Edwards

Photography by CSG Women’s Thermals