15 gifts for the book lovers in your life

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Woman looking at a table of books with a Christmas tree in the background
Holiday shopping made easy with gift ideas for the book lovers in your life. Photo via Little Professor Bookshop on Facebook

Looking for the perfect gift for the book lovers on your shopping list? Whether you’re buying a novel for the friend who’s always reading or a coffee mug to cozy up with, we reached out to Birmingham bookstores for their recommendations. Here are 15 gift ideas from bookstores and local authors.

1. Coffee Table Books from Little Professor

Coffee table covered in Birmingham coffee table books and plants
Gotta love a book that functions as home decor too. Photo via Little Professor on Facebook

Is there anything better than a book that’s filled with beautiful words and photos? Grab a coffee table book that will remind your friend of you every time they flip through the pages—or kick their feet up to watch TV.

2. Down in the Ham Coloring Books

Three Down in the Ham coloring books
Whether you color inside or outside the lines, you’ll love coloring the Magic City. Photo via Down in the Ham on Facebook

Need a gift for a friend who loves art as much as they enjoy reading—or for the new Birmingham transplant? The Down in the Ham coloring books will top your list with iconic Birmingham illustrations.

3. Cheer Candle from Great Bear Wax Co

Great Bear Wax Company Cheer candle surrounded by Christmas lights
Is there anything cozier than a great book and candle? Photo via Great Bear Wax Company

The best reading setup always involves burning a comforting candle. Great Bear Wax Company is a Birmingham-based candlemaker with cozy smells ranging from whiskey lemon to Cheer with notes of balsam fir and cedar.

4. “The Favorite Daughter” by Patti Callahan Henry

The Favorite Daughter novel in front of bookcase - gifts for book lovers
The Favorite Daughter might be your next favorite book. Photo via Patti Callahan Henry on Facebook

We love spotlighting our local authors, and Patti Callahan Henry is always on our list. Check out any of her 15 novels, from historical fiction works like “Becoming Mrs. Lewis” to southern contemporary novel “The Favorite Daughter”.

5. Piper & Leaf Teas are Great Gifts for Book Lovers

Piper and Leaf subscription box with tea bags and mason jar
I may give up my coffee-loving ways for this tea subscription box. Photo via Piper & Leaf Tea Co. on Facebook

A book lover’s wish list isn’t complete without a warm mug of a comforting drink. Order a bag of loose leaf tea in a Christmas flavor or send a tea subscription for the gift that keeps on giving. Place your orders before December 14th to make sure they arrive in time.

6. “You Are An Artist” by Sarah Urist Green

You Are An Artist book on a bookshelf; novel with red and yellow squares on cover
We could all use a bit of creativity. Photo via Thank You Books on Facebook

We reached out to Thank You Books for their recommendations for amazing gifts, and they didn’t disappoint. Their list includes “You Are An Artist” by Sarah Urist Green, “World of Wonders” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, and “Ernestine’s Milky Way” by Kerry Madden-Lunsford and Emily Sutton.

No matter who you’re shopping for, these books will be sure to make their day.

7. Bookmarks from Night Owl Paper Goods Will Make Great Gifts for Book Lovers

Wooden bookmarks with phrases "Speed Reader", "I Love Books" and "I Heart Reading Books"
These bookmarks will make your never-ending to-be-read list more enjoyable. Photo via Night Owl Paper Goods on Facebook

Every book lover knows the importance of a good bookmark… even if they constantly dog-ear pages. Help them keep their place with these locally made wooden bookmarks with adorable prints. Use code BHAMLOCAL for 20% off your order.

8. Poetry Anthology from Desert Island Supply Co.

Poetry anthology on top of a colorful carpet - gift ideas for book lovers
Supporting local nonprofits and checking off items for friends on your list? Sign me up. Photo via Desert Island Supply Co. on Facebook

Desert Island Supply Co. is a creative writing and arts center that offers free workshops and classes for Woodlawn students. Every year, they publish anthologies of their writers—grab the most recent collection or browse their other options.

9. 2020 Bestselling Novels from Burdock Book Collective

The Vanishing Half held in front of bushes
Make reading a priority in 2021 with a 2020 bestseller. Photo via Burdock Book Collective

One bright spot of 2020? The amazing books to come out this year. Grab a book like “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett for yourself and a friend to read throughout the holidays.

10. LP Membership from Little Professor

Coffee cup with latte art and "Little Professor" on the cup
Caffeine and good deals? Yes please. Photo via Little Professor Bookshop on Facebook

Are you having trouble finding gifts for the friend you never know what to get? The LP Annual Membership is the perfect option, giving members 40% off of bestsellers and 20% off of all other purchases. If that isn’t enough, the membership also comes with deals on their new coffee cart, so your friends can stay caffeinated and well-read.

Want to give your friends some recommendations along with the membership? We reached out to The Little Professor and some of their favorite offerings include “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy and “Breath: the New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor.

11. Tote Bags from Thank You Books

Tote bag with Thank You Books logo and tote bag with cascading "Thank You Birmingham for Reading" - gift ideas for book lovers
Thank you Birmingham for reading and thank you Thank You Books for providing the best gift ideas. Photo via Thank You Books

All these books call for a tote bag to bring them along. Pick up a tote bag from Thank You Books and fill it with your recommendation for a gift anyone would love.

12. Alabama Booksmith Gift Card for the Friend Who’s Hard to Shop For

Stack of novels on a table at the Alabama Booksmith
What’s better than a book? A signed book, duh. Photo via Alabama Booksmith on Facebook

Looking for a gift your friend will remember but not sure about their taste in books? Consider a gift card to Alabama Booksmith, a local bookshop where every single book is signed.

Every time your recipient sees their favorite author’s autograph, they’ll think of you.

13. Coffee Mugs from Trove Design Shop Make Perfect Gifts for Book Lovers

Ceramic white mugs with black speckles
Perfect gifts for readers and coffee lovers alike. Photo via Trove Design Shop on Facebook

A necessary part of any reader’s life is a cozy coffee mug for their coffee or tea. Support local and make your recipient’s kitchen a lot more beautiful with locally made mugs by Civil Stoneware.

14. “The Elf Series” by Local Author Martha Underwood

Martha Underwood holding up four books with the titles "Ethan's Elf", "Emma's Elf", "Parker's Elf", and "Paiyton's Elf"
Add these books to your children’s nighttime reading routine. Photo via Martha Underwood

Looking for books that children will love? Look no further than “The Elf Series”, new books by local author Martha Underwood all about managing emotions along with the excitement of Christmas.

15. Church Street Gift Card for the Friend Who Loves Coffee and Books

Stack of novels and breakup cookies
If a breakup cookie isn’t part of your Christmas gift plans, it’s not too late to see the light. Photo via Church Street Coffee and Books on Facebook

Where can you go wrong with a gift from Church Street Coffee and Books? Choose a book you know your friend will love or a gift card so they can pick up an amazing breakup cookie or “Go to Church Street or the Devil Will Get You” t-shirt.

Want your favorite Birmingham business to be featured in guides like this? Send them this form so we can support local and share the amazing small businesses our city has to offer!

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Cecilia Wood
Cecilia Wood
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