Do you hear what I hear? Sleigh bells in the distance.
Though I am of the belief that autumn is the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, etc. - come at a very close second on my list.
And speaking of lists, have you checked yours twice? Started shopping yet?
If not, you’ve come to the right place.
A girlfriend of mine recently called me “The queen of gift guides” (hi Sam!) and I want you all to know, I do not take that title lightly.
I take gift guides very seriously; they also happen to be my favorite part of my job.
Unfortunately, the number of gift guide assignments that are up for grabs for freelancers is a fraction of those I was assigned as a staff writer.
So, I’m creating my own.
Welcome to The Guerra Gift Guides!
I’m your shopper, Julia Guerra, and from now through Christmas, I will curate one gift guide per week and deliver it straight to your inbox.
I’m kicking things off with a list of gifts for readers, as bookworms hold a place near and dear to my heart. One option is to browse their Goodreads “Want To Read” list and make purchases accordingly, but if you want to think outside their digital bookshelf, ahead are 15 bookish gifts that I think avid readers would love.
A Cozy Blanket To Cuddle Under While They Read
Photo courtesy of Storiarts
Commit to Lit Sherpa Fleece Blanket
$89, storiarts.com
A sherpa fleece blanket covered in quotes? Say less. I’m a sucker for pretty much any home decor item that has writing on it (signs, pillows, blankets, etc.), but what I love most about this blanket from Storiarts is the words aren’t just pretty writing; each quote is a soundbite proclaiming a love of books.
A Book of Cocktails Inspired By The Classics
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Tequila Mockingbird by Tim Federle
$7.39, amazon.com
I was gifted Tequila Mockingbird by a literature professor when I graduated college (with a BA in literature) and found it both clever and fitting. Admittedly, I’ve yet to follow a recipe, but it makes for a very unique addition to a coffee table or bookshelf, and it’s fun to flip through and chuckle at each drink’s lit-inspired name.
A YA Fantasy Series To Ease Them Into The Genre
Photo courtesy of Amazon
The Folk of Air Series by Holly Black Complete Gift Set
$43.53, amazon.com
I did not read fantasy - wouldn’t even entertain the genre - until I read the first sentence of The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. Thank goodness two of the three installments were already published at the time, with the third one on the way and available for preorder because I would have gone through withdrawals. The story sucks you into a world of fairies, magical politics, and a spicy enemies-to-lovers trope. I guarantee it’s the series that wins them over if they aren’t already fans of the genre.
A Musky-Scented Candle To Set The Mood
Photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works
White Barn Coffee & Whisky 3-Wick Candle
$26.50, bathandbodyworks.com
For those of you that don’t know, I’m hard of smelling. I contracted a greedy virus as a kid that stole my sense of smell and never returned it in full. For some reason, however, I can smell some of the candles from Bath and Body Works, and this year I fell in love with the White Barn Coffee & Whisky scent. To me, it tastes like every cup of coffee should, warm and homey, like a hug in a chic container. It’s the perfect candle to burn while reading a good book.
A Tote to Cart Their Library Books Back and Forth
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Kate Spade New York Stack of Classics Canvas Tote Bag
$28, amazon.com
I gifted this tote from Kate Spade to my sister last year. She’s an avid reader but will rarely buy a book over renting it from the library. Practically every trip she makes results in a new stack of to-be-read titles, so rather than have her lug the copies in her arms, she can carry as many as the bag will fit (which is a fair few). But even if the book lover on your list isn’t a library loyalist, it makes for a really cute accessory, anyway.
A Retelling of A Heartwarming Classic
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Meg & Jo (The March Sisters Book 1) by Virginia Kantra
$10.85, amazon.com
If they’re a fan of Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Little Women, I implore you to introduce them to Virginia Kantra’s The March Sisters duet. The two books follow Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy in modern times, and the author’s interpretation of the sisters makes for a sweet read.
An Adorable Bookish Accessory
Photo courtesy of Etsy
PegandAwl Mini Book Necklace
from $38, etsy.com
I received this necklace from PegandAwl as a Christmas gift from my sister years and years ago. I have and still wear it to this day. I love that the copper chain looks vintage and that the miniature book is handmade using reclaimed leather and drawing paper. You can even have the accessory personalized!
A Personalized Bookmark They (Likely) Won’t Lose
Photo courtesy of Etsy
RusticLayneWoodCo Personalized Wooden Bookmark
from $7.99, etsy.com
I can only speak for myself, but I’ve had countless paper bookmarks over the years that have vanished without a trace (they’re probably hanging out with all of my missing socks…). These beautifully crafted bookmarks from the RusticLayneWoodCo shop on Etsy aren’t flimsy, they’re solid, and with personalized carving and fun tassel detail, they’re hard to lose track of. If you’re shopping for a reader, these would make for a great stocking stuffer.
A Guide to Further Enhancing Their Literacy Skills
Photo courtesy of Amazon
How to Read Literature Like A Professor by Thomas C. Foster
$9.50, amazon.com
This one is for the English majors who miss classes like lit theory and engaging in conversations centered around analysis. Foster’s book How to Read Literature Like A Professor is the equivalent of a college course that teaches readers how to uncover the deeper meaning of a text. The best part? They won’t have to take out a loan to soak up this knowledge.
A BTS Memoir for Harry Potter Fans
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
$18.61, amazon.com
They don’t have to be a Slytherin to appreciate the actor who played Draco Malfoy’s memoir. In the book, Tom Felton looks back on his experience playing the franchise’s blonde bully, reflecting on not just the films, but also what it was like to be a son, brother, and friend amidst his fame.
A Miniature Lamp For Late-Night Reading
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Glocusent 16 LED Mini Book Light
$15.29, amazon.com
If they read in bed, gift them this mini book light from Glocusent. It’s programmed with 15 light modes to adapt to every environment, three color options, and five brightness levels. Plus, if they have a partner, I’m sure not having a lamp on at all hours of the night will be much appreciated.
A Special Edition of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice
Photo courtesy of Amazon
Pride and Prejudice with Nineteen Letters from the Characters' Correspondence
$31.49, amazon.com
When I opened this limited edition of Pride and Prejudice last Christmas, I squealed. Austenites will love this hardcopy edition that features nineteen handwritten letters inspired by the characters’ correspondence and drafted by Barbara Heller, who did plenty of thorough research to ensure both the context and penmanship of each letter stayed true to Austen’s vision.
A Journal To Jot Down Their Book Reviews
Photo courtesy of Amazon
A Clockwork Reader Reading Journal by Hannah Azerang
$22.50, amazon.com
Not every reader wants to use an app to track their reading experiences, so if technology isn’t their thing, treat them to this guided reading journal by Booktube OG Hannah Azerang. Each page is riddled with prompts and questions to help them record their thoughts on up to 100 books, and if they’re stuck on what to read next, Azerang offers some guidance, with suggestions like “read a book by your favorite author" and "read the next book in a series you haven't finished” to inspire their next title.
A Reading Challenge Inspired By Rory Gilmore’s Impressive Record
Photo courtesy of Etsy
LittleBanditStudio Rory Gilmore Reading Challenge Colour-In Bookcase
from $8.29, etsy.com
According to the LittleBanditStudio shop owner’s research, Gilmore Girls’ Rory Gilmore read 339 books throughout the series. This cute Colour-In Bookcase is stacked with all of the titles Rory ticked off her list, and serves as a curated to-be-read list for fans of the show.
A Bookish Ornament to Adorn Their Tree
Photo courtesy of Etsy
Fun4AllDesigns Booktrovert Ornament
from $16.99, etsy.com
If you’re still stuck on what to get the reader on your list, you really can’t go wrong with a bookish ornament for anyone decorating a tree this season. I love this play on words, and the soft colors used to inscribe “Booktrovert” on the festive trinket.
In case you missed my byline:
@InStyle
What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers
The Top 3 Workwear Fashion Tips We Learned From Amal Clooney
@INSIDER
https://www.insider.com/guides/style/for-days-clothing-take-back-bag-review
We should try one of the cocktails!