It shouldn’t surprise you to know that I LOVE giving gifts. After all, I do run a business that includes handwrapping 60 books every month. Honestly though, the thrill of finding the perfect gift for a friend, and the shared joy as they receive it? It’s hard to beat those warm fuzzy feelings.
I am also incredibly thankful that my life is full of book-ish friends, but whoa it’s sometimes hard to find gifts for them! Buying an actual book is way too tricky - have they already read it? Is it the sort of book they’d rather just borrow from the library? Do they actually secretly hate my taste in books? I’ve basically given up on that line of giving.
Instead, here are a few of my favourite alternative gifts for Australian bookworms, featuring some of my favourite Australian small businesses. Christmas is just around the corner, but these would also be perfect gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or just to let a book-loving friend know how much you appreciate them.
Studio Nikulinsky Notebook - from $7.50
I adore the native Australian flora and fauna illustrations at Studio Nikulinsky, and I’ve been eyeing off their notebooks in particular to give to all of my friends this Christmas (shhh!).
Spark and Sparrow Candle - from $7.95
I have a small collection of Spark and Sparrow candles and they’re all so creative and smell amazing! Madi has many bookish options so there’s something to suit all book lovers.
NovelTea Book Club Subscription - from $19/month
Of course I think that a NovelTea Book Club gift subscription would make the perfect gift for any book lover. There are options for a new (Classic) or secondhand (Minimalist) book, and you can also choose between tea or coffee!
Kit Cronk Mug - from $20
Kit has my absolute favourite bookish mug designs. From the hilarious to the poignant to the absolute truths of bookworm life, you’ll definitely find something perfect for the book lover in your life.
Trim and Thread Book Sleeve - from $30
All of the products at Trim & Thread are hand sewn and such wonderful quality. I ordered a custom pouch earlier this year, but I also love Melissa’s beautiful book sleeves - protect your books in style!
Red Parka Cushion Cover - from $40
I love Jennifer Cossin’s collective nouns books and her illustrations are beautiful! What better way to celebrate and display her artwork than one of the stunning cushion covers from Red Parka.
Upcycled Book Club Handbag - from $62
I discovered these bags while browsing Etsy one day and I am weirdly obsessed with them. I love Leanne’s creativity and the idea of giving old books a completely new life!
And a little bonus extra suggestion, because I’m so excited to be launching these very soon:
NovelTea Classic Box - From $69
A premium option from the NovelTea Book Club, these boxes are one-off, limited edition boxes created around a hardcover Clothbound Classic, a box of tea and a curated selection of high quality items.
I hope this helps you the next time you’re searching for the perfect gift for a beloved bookworm. Or maybe it’s given you a few ideas of hints to drop for Christmas this year…
Happy gifting!