We all have at least one friend who is passionate about literature and obsessed with their book collection. (I am definitely that person in my friend group.) While these individuals generally make great friends, they can definitely be difficult to shop for. I mean, they already own hard copies --maybe even multiples -- of their favorite books, and chances are, they, like me, are picky readers, so it simply will not do to choose any book at random from new releases table at Barnes & Noble. To make matters worse, if you are reading this, you are probably a broke college student who cannot afford to drop a $1,000 on an antique book collection for your literature loving friend.
Do not give up just yet; there is still hope. I have scoured the Internet for a few gifts that your bookish friend is sure to love. (Trust me; I squealed when I came across these items.) They are all clever, unique and best of all, under $50. (Yes, it is still possible to find affordable holiday gifts in 2015.)
Who doesn't love receiving a pair of socks for the holidays? With winter arriving soon, it is only natural to want to stock up on socks. These $8 a pair Library Card Socks from Out of Print are perfect for your friend who loves to spend Friday nights in bed with a book (totally me). Out of Print also offers an array of other affordable items with book-themed prints,like tote bags, scarves, T-shirts and mugs. Be sure to check out the $25 and under page.
For your friends who love their Pillow Pets -- or for those who are simply infatuated with the darling William Shakespeare, this Shakespeare Plush Toy ($18.99), available on Shop PBS, makes the perfect gift. Shop PBS also carries a few other Shakespeare-themed items; another one of my favorites is this Shakespearean Insult Mug. (You fustilarian!)
These cases from KleverCase on Etsy are the ideal gifts for the people in your life who love the look of vintage books but prefer using eReaders or tablets to do their reading. KleverCase offers a variety of styles and prints for several different models. Best of all, with the exception of the Personalized Kindle Case, all of these cases are under $50.
For all of the jewelry-wearing book lovers in your life, Etsy is the perfect place to find affordable gifts. BOTTELRY on Etsy sells these Tiny Origami Crane Bottle Pendant Necklaces ($15). This is the perfect way to capture someone's favorite book in an accessory that is small enough to be worn every day and with any outfit. Also, DesignsByAnnette offers a bunch of fun, book-themed earrings. I am a huge fan of the "To Kill A Mockingbird" pair ($18) that she currently has up for sale.
Ever wondered what Gatsby's mansion would have smelled like? Well, now you can fool yourself into thinking that your tiny college apartment is more glamorous than it actually is with a Book Lovers' Scented Candle from Frostbeard on Etsy ($18). The Gatsby's Mansion candle, which combines the scents of champagne fizz, ocean mist and daisies, is reminiscent of the mood engendered by the book itself. Frosbeard offers candles in a ton of other book-themed scents as well. (How about a Trashy Romance Novel or Bookstore scent?)
Speaking of book-themed scents, which book lover wouldn't appreciated a book-scented rollerball? This Paperback Pick-Me-Up Refresher, available to purchase for $8 from GrizzlyCandles on Etsy, smells like a good old used book -- the best kind of book there is. The seller describes the scent beautifully: "This isn't an ordinary paperback, or some new edition like the kind you buy from Barnes & Noble. We wanted to create the scent that you get from an old, torn, stuffy book, something you would get from the library." This fragrance sounds like an absolute dream.
You can never go wrong with gifting something from HUMAN. In fact, an entire section of the website is designated to all of their "Book Nerd" themed items. I am crazy about the Books Are Bae print, which is $32 in the baseball tee style shown above.
Happy holidays, my bookish baes!
