a very bookish gift guide
also, why is wrapping books so damn difficult?
There’s a decent chance you aren’t seeing this right now because you’re drowning in Black Friday promotions. Or you have (hopefully) turned off notifications for the holiday week. But if you’ve made it this far… hello, my lovelies! 📚
As mentioned last week, I love this time of year. Crispy Autumn walks. Friendsgivings galore. And, of course, gift guides!
I pride myself on gift giving, and this week, I wanted to share some of my favorite bookish ideas. This Substack isn’t big enough to have any sponsored content, so rest assured, these are all gifts I 100% endorse. I have given or received every item on this list. I also did my best to keep this affordable, with most options being less than 50$.
Enjoy!
A perfect stocking stuffer
Years ago, I received a personalized library stamp, and it’s one of my favorite things I own. Whenever I finish a book, I “stamp” it before putting it back on my shelf. My friends always comment on the cursive label when I lend them my books.
Etsy has some really fun versions right now. I recommend this stamp for a fantasy lover, and this is a really great affordable option.
I’ve given this present to at least three people, and it’s always a hit!
For a history nerd
Paul gave me this coffee table book a few years ago, and I absolutely cherish it. It’s a library-bound collection of New York Times front pages from every year since your birth, personalized with your name and birthdate on the cover. The company will also fill out the book with other important moments (mine has Germany’s invasion of Poland and Obama’s election).
Opening with an in-depth history of The New York Times, this book makes the perfect gift for any social studies/journalism geek.
For a gadget lover
Okay, y’all know I was a reluctant Kindle adopter, but I fully changed my tune last year after a backpacking trip where I had to pack VERY lightly. In addition to being great for travel, the Kindle’s library feature has saved me a ton of $$, and you can read next to your partner without waking them up! Also, it’s perfect for beach reading (my favorite) because there’s no glare.
The new, technicolor version just launched, and it’s gorgeous. I fantasize about the matcha color (above).
For us sleepy girls
I am a firm believer in “sleep accoutrements” (a term my friend Katherine aptly coined), and reading in bed next to a candle remains the best way to wind down. I have a specific “reading candle” just for this purpose.
My friends and I stayed in an Airbnb a few years ago with the St. Al candle from Boy Smells, and I never got over it. It’s woodsy without being smoky — sweet, but still subtle. The BEST.
For journal collectors
Papier is my favorite stationary company, and their personalized journals and planners make affordable but really special presents. As a type-A Virgo who is obsessed with organization, I fully endorse the quality of their products. The paper is thick and creamy (no bleeding!) and they have tons of options to choose from (lined, non-lined, spiral, flat, etc). Scratches my brain soooo nicely.
When I moved to Berlin, I treated myself to their monogrammed leather notebook. I love how it has an accordion folder in the back to store treasures.
FYI, they are having big sales this week!
For friends with kids
I love these illustrated books for young readers, especially their editions about famous women. At just 15$, it would be cute to buy a few and gift a mini collection!
(I think my brain is broken because I literally cried over the Simone Biles book?)
For Barnes and Noble special collection lovers
The Folio Society, an employee-owned, independent publisher based in London, makes the most beautiful hand-crafted books. Each one is meticulously constructed and feels like a piece of art.
I bought Paul a Cormac McCarthy book (his favorite author) a few years ago, and it’s one of the most special books we own. Currently, I am drooling over their version of Song of Achilles.
Order soon, because they can take a little while to arrive.
📚 On my shelf
While traveling this weekend, I finished Sharp Objects and Dark Places by Gillian Flynn and relished them both. It’s fun to return to back catalogue books like these, and wow, were they were scary! Gillian Flynn writes about journalists in a non-annoying way, and I genuinely had to sleep with the lights on. Her books are so popular for good reason.
I just started Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and so far, it’s not at all what I was expecting! I love the whimsical tone, and am excited to keep going.
Johanna Basford makes the most gorgeous adult coloring books, and I’m dying to get my hands on this new drop.
📚 Links and Things
I never tire of gift guides, so have to plug some more!
This lovely and detailed gift guide from Big Salad.
I am also a huge fan of non-physical holiday gifts. Love this list from
Marginalia for feel-good inspiration.
Netflix’s A Man On the Inside is so sweet and perfect. I finished it in one day! I recommend this interview with the show’s creator, Michael Shur.
NYT dropped their 100 most important books of 2024!
And this week’s Just Trust Me
Happy reading! 💛
XOX
Alli
i am a HUGE ishiguro fan