Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED. She's the editor/author of (DON'T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and the editor/author of HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD. Her next book, BODY TALK, will publish in Fall 2020. Follow her on Instagram @heykellyjensen.
Several years ago, I found myself scrolling through the annual deluge of gift posts that make their way across websites this time of year and was struck by “stocking stuffer” guides, including items that cost upwards of $20, $30, $100 a pop. I don’t know what tax bracket those writers were in, but it was not mine—the GIFTS cost that much, not the stocking stuffers. It inspired me to pull together what has become an annual guide to the best gifts for readers under $30. There are a wide variety of options, some of which will make for fun stocking stuffers—looking at you, stickers!—and many of which make for a solid gift-gift.
I’ve organized this guide to the best gifts for readers under $30 by price point. You can look for gifts under $10, under $20, and then under $30. I’ve kept to non-specific gifts for readers. This means they’re not going to highlight a single author or book but rather encompass reading and books more broadly. In other words, these gifts are thoughtful but just generic enough to not offend a book lover because you accidentally bought them something about Jane Austen, and that’s not their jam. Your book club gifts are probably in here, too.
Image courtesy of WyvernWorks3D on EtsyA sleeping dragon? Snugging books? It is indeed the perfect little bookshelf decor. You can choose from a couple of different colors for your sleepy sweet dragon. $8.
Image courtesy of AmpleTaste on EtsyNot only are these mushroom bookmarks cute, they look really sturdy, too. Pick your favorite fungi for $10.
Image courtesy of NVDsignz on Etsy.Keep your hair out of your face as you read with a colorful book hair clip. $8.
Image courtesy of EmilyCromwellDesigns on EtsyTuck a colorful bookish notepad inside a stocking stuffer and your gift recipient will find plenty of uses for it. $8.50.
Image courtesy of Fellenn on EtsyThis is a downloadable embroidery pattern featuring a bookshelf being held by dog bookends. You can make this and gift it or pair it with some thread and gift the book lover in your life their own craft kit. $9, but higher if you purchase with thread and needles.
Image courtesy of ArtsbyBooksnmae on EtsyPerhaps a notepad specifically designed for reviewing books is what’s needed. These have forty pages, so they should keep a reader going for a good chunk of the year. $9.25.
Image courtesy of TurtlesSoup on EtsyBeep beep! Bookworm coming through. This adorably playful sticker would make any book lover’s heart happy. $3.50.
Image courtesy of EarthCuriousArtCoThere are many cute bookmarks and bookish stickers to choose from in this shop, but I’m partial to this dinos in love bookmark. $3.
Under $20
Image courtesy of PocketfulofProsey on EtsySticky notes that look like library due date cards? Count me all the way in. These are practical and nostalgic all at once. $16, with a choice from several colors.
Image courtesy of FritoPaw on EtsyHere’s a fun, unique, and personal idea: customize a pet bookmark! I know how much I’d love seeing my beloved pets’ faces show up inside my book (if the bunny doesn’t chew them first). Starting at $15.
Image courtesy of FlyPaperProducts on Etsy.There are never too many mugs, and there are definitely never too many mugs for book lovers. This one’s bright and colorful. $16.
Image courtesy of ForTheIntroverts on EtsyChoose from a few color options with this cutie rechargeable book lamp. It’s small, making it easily portable and something that won’t keep someone else awake if you’re using it in bed. $16.
Image courtesy of LuminousThreadsLTD on EtsyDepending on which of these embroidered hats you pick, you’ll land just under or just over $20. As of writing, there was a nice sale making all varieties under $20–and not only are these good-looking hats, they send a necessary message. You can choose from several colors as well.
Image courtesy of CancelEmpires on Etsy.While we’re on the topic of supporting libraries, how rad is this pro-library bumper sticker? $14.
Image courtesy of NovellyYours on Etsy.If any time called for the smell of comfort reads, it’s now. Grab this candle or numerous other book-themed scents for $19.
Image courtesy of xoFetti on EtsyBedazzle arms, legs, and foreheads with these fun bookish temporary tattoos. Talk about a fun book club gift, as you could cut out individual tattoos for every person in your club and not spend a ton of money. There are over 40 on a sheet. $13.
Image courtesy of LuckyFeatherGifts on EtsyChoose from among several genres of books to anchor this enamel bookish keychain. Classics? Adventure? Romance? Poetry? Science Fiction? Fantasy? They’ve got ’em. $15.
Image courtesy of HeartCraftedWonders on Etsy.Starting at $15, this customizable ornament would look great with your giftee’s favorite books on the spines.
Image courtesy of Occasionalish on Etsy.Sometimes simple is best, and while this bookish enamel pin is simple, it’s also very pretty. $13.
Image courtesy of OffsideGraphicsCo on EtsyA spiral notebook that looks like a library due date card? Check. A truism about how life is better in bed with a book on top of the card design? Check. $19.
Image courtesy of SbriStudio on EtsyThese customizable leather corner bookmarks look luxe and would definitely be loved by any reader. $13 and you can choose from several colors.
Under $30
Image courtesy of BlooBleeJewelry on EtsyChoose from silver or gold for these fun bookish earrings. $21 for silver and $30 for gold.
Image courtesy of xoxoSugarplum on EtsyThis one comes in at just over $30 mark, and it comes in with the caveat that you won’t get an ink pad. But how fun is this big bow book stamp? Get it customized for $31, and spend a few more bucks to pick up an ink pad with it. Keep an eye on this shop, as there are sometimes sales to bring both the stamp and ink under the $30 budget.
Image courtesy of WerkShoppeStudio on EtsyHow gorgeous is this book puzzle? I love how bright and energetic it is. $26.
Image courtesy of boygirlparty on Etsy.For the youngest bookworms–or the grown bookworms who are expecting a baby in the coming year–this is the perfect little bodysuit. $22.
Image courtesy of bibliodesignco on Etsy.We love a good book tote, and this one has some perfect beachy vibes to it. Not to mention it looks like it can hold a lot of books. $28.
Image courtesy of WoodbyStu on EtsyThis coir doormat in the two smallest sizes comes in under $30 and is perfect for outside a book lover’s home or outside their bedroom or library door inside the house. As of writing, these are deeply discounted, so you may be able to score a bigger size for under the $30 mark, too.
Image courtesy of InfiniteStyleTees on EtsyChoose from a crewneck or hoodie style sweatshirt for the book lover who considers reading their sport of choice. There are many colors to pick from, and sizes go up to 3XL. Note that the 2XL and 3XL hoodies will be a couple of dollars beyond the $30 threshold.
Image courtesy of ChiclyBuilt on Etsy.One of the trendy bookish gifts on Etsy over the last year has been the physical book counter, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Readers can physically track the number of books they’ve read in the year with a little shelf or hanging sign. This particular book counter look like a micro bookshelf, and there are a number of colors and designs to choose from. $25.
Image courtesy of SpecialJoyGifts on EtsySun catchers are always fun, and this bookish twist is one that will add delight to any book lover’s space. These aren’t made of glass but acrylic, so they’re less fragile but no less pretty. Most sizes are between $21 and $25.
Image courtesy of DaveHallPrintmaking on EtsyI can think of no more gorgeous print to put on my wall than this one. Buying a frame for this gem will take you over $30, but it’ll be a gift a reader will cherish for a lifetime. $27.50.
Want even more great gift ideas for the book lover in your life? Check out these goods for audiobook lovers, fun finds for fantasy fans, illuminating bookish neon signs, and cozy bookish cardigans.
English (US) · 