I live in a world of books — I have books on my bookshelf, books on my side table and books in my closet. 

The thing about book lovers is not only do they have a healthy stack of books at all times, but they tend to cultivate lengthy “to be read” lists that will, literally, take them years to read.

This holiday season, I’ve curated what I think are the best nonbook gifts you can give to your most beloved bibliophile.

Okay — I admit — there are a few book recommendations on this guide, but only because how could I not include book recommendations on a gift guide about books? It would be sacrilegious!

For the ambiance

A good story has the ability to transport its reader to a magical fantasy world where anything can happen. So, how can you elevate this experience for your favorite bibliophile?

First, let’s spark some excitement with a festive mug. I recently purchased the Anthropology monogram bistro tile mug for my best friend. This mug is under $15 — the perfect personalized gift that doesn’t break the bank.

Now, let’s fill our mug with some holiday cheer. Uncommon Goods sells delicious tea blends inspired by classic novels. Why watch “Pride and Prejudice” when you can drink it, too?

You can further ensnare your bibliophile’s senses with a candle inspired by their favorite book. Literary candles are the perfect gift for a loved one who would jump at the chance to live in the world of their favorite novel.

Finally, I think we need a special treat to top off our cup full of cheer and novelesque atmosphere!

The Book Lover’s Cookbook includes several witty recipes inspired by classic novels — take a bite out of “Little Women” with “Jo’s Best Omelette!” This cookbook is on Amazon for less than $15, so not only is it an excellent choice for smaller budgets, but if you are a last-minute-shopper, Amazon Prime will be your best friend.

For the book lover’s closet

A universal truth about book lovers is that they will make sure you know they read.

As though the excessive stack of books wasn’t obvious enough, bibliophiles enjoy making themselves known with accessories short of screaming, “I read! Did I not make it clear?”

I know this because I am said book lover. Here are some accessories I would personally love to insufferably adorn myself in.

Storiarts sells beautiful tote bags inspired by classic novels. While more expensive for the college budget, these book totes are locally made with domestic-sourced fabric and stand on their own, which makes them durable and functional.

Whether it be book shopping or simply on-the-go, your bibliophile can carry around numerous novels at a time — because that is totally practical!

However, a single tote bag is not enough to alert the public your bibliophile is, in fact, a book lover. Let’s finish the look with a controversial crewneck!

An I’m With the Banned Sweatshirt is a clever gift for a clever friend. This crewneck is from an Etsy seller, so you can support a small business while supporting your bibliophile who supports the freedom to read. All this support is putting me in the holiday mood!

For the Potterheads

I am a Potterhead through and through, and I would love nothing more than a bookshelf-worthy box set this holiday season.

The complete Harry Potter series is available on Amazon for $55, which is a great price for seven books that also display nicely on your bookshelf.

If you are looking to splurge on your Potterhead’s favorite book from the entire series, take a look at the MinaLima Edition from Barnes & Noble.

The covers of these special edition books remind me of the illuminations in ancient manuscripts — the traversing wizarding world of Harry Potter just got that much more whimsical and magical!

Finally, while wandering around the Harry Potter section of Barnes & Noble — as one does, right? — I found the most genius trinket to ever exist. Both functional and decorative, I’m sure your beloved Potterhead will equally appreciate a Golden Snitch clip booklight.

For the bookshelf

I told you, it seems sacrilegious to exclude book recommendations from a gift guide about book lovers. So, here I am, recommending books!

If your bibliophile adores a feel-good story, the Puffin in Bloom Collection couldn’t be more perfect. This box set includes “Little Women,” “Anne of Green Gables,” “Heidi,” and “A Little Princess” with cover designs by Rifle Paper.

I received this collection as a gift, and the novels rank amongst my favorites. Also, the set looks beautiful on a bookshelf, which makes it a worthwhile purchase.

If your bibliophile is a snob for esteemed literature, I recommend “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store.” Including themes like community, marginalization and survival, it is no wonder why this novel is the Barnes & Noble “2023 Book of the Year.”

“All the Light We Cannot See,” a gripping historical fiction set during WWII, is the perfect novel for the book lover who prefers reading the book before watching the adaptation.

Maybe you are looking for something more gritty? “The Silent Patient” is a psychological thriller with plot twists that physically made my jaw drop. 

Or maybe you’re on the hunt for crime? “No Strangers Here” is a moody murder mystery for the bibliophile with a penchant for darker, twisted plotlines.

You can find all these books at Barnes & Noble or on Amazon, but if you are looking to have a secondhand holiday, my favorite online stores for buying thrifted books are eBay and SecondSale.

Happy holidays, from one book lover to the next!