Yes, another Christmas post. Why shouldn't I capitalize on the fact that people are constantly "googling" things like "best Christmas gift for_______", or share cultural traditions for one of the best Holidays of the year, oooo I like that idea for another post! It is probably one of the most spectacular holidays, aside from Easter. I mean who doesn't love presents!?! I think the best part is that it is a Holiday where family gets together. It is cozy. Heartwarming. Joyful. Peaceful. Something about this time gives us a sense of love and hope. Most of all, for most we celebrate the birth of Jesus and what he gives us is the promise of eternal life and love. I know, some people reading this may cut me off as they only believe in the secular side of Christmas and that is OK as I respect everyone's beliefs. Now back to the intent of this post. Gifting. We know we ALL struggle with this part of Christmas. We can't deny it. If you are a parent, the pressure to "out do" last year's Christmas is so strong! It is so hard, especially with social media constantly in our faces.
This is why doing this post is so important. Of course I am doing a very specific gift post and it is for those who love books and all things books. Thought, it may appeal to those who are not "bookish", but just want to provide that cozy, warm, Christmas spirit. Who doesn't love sitting by a warm fire, Christmas tree lights a glow, hot cocoa and a Christmas book!?! When life is so hectic, this type of scene just seems right. In some countries, like Iceland they have a tradition where they get a book and chocolate on Christmas Eve. Then they read and eat the chocolate that night. I'll have more on this and other traditions later. Sounds like a pretty neat idea. I do something similar with my kids. You will need to read the next post to find out what I do on Christmas Eve. So check back!
Now back to topic, bookish gifts. What are bookish gifts? Well, they are simply gifts that pertain to books. For example: bookmarks, clothing with catchy phrases about their love for books, book jewelry, fan items for certain books like Harry Potter or Jane Austen novels, and etc. Most of these items are custom made, so think of Etsy. I will say, they do have a lot of items. Something I like to do for someone I know that LOVES books is to make what I call a "book basket". I find a basket then I purchase books and bookish items. I arrange them with tea, hot cocoa, coffee, or if 21 and older, WINE (or favorite alcohol)! If they love sweets then I add in some homemade cookies. Once I can get a picture of this, I will post one, it should be soon, as I am in the middle of making one currently (just waiting on my items).
Let the list begin! I hope you find this as a good starting point. Really, if you can shop local with small businesses, please do so as these items have really become the "in" thing and helping your local neighbors is truly what the spirit of Christmas means. Oh and I should mention that a lot of these make GREAT white elephant gifts.
*Note, you can click on the picture and get sent directly to the site for purchase.
I decided to start with a bookish box already made. This takes the guessing and work out of a book basket. I found this book box on Etsy, and the company TheCustomLibraryCo. You can find them also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/customlibraryco
No bookish gift basket would be complete without a book journal or reading tracker. These are amazing! Keeps everything organized, and makes it easy to let those you love what book to get you next! This is from NovellyYours on Etsy.
This will be a fantastic add for all those book lovers who also love jigsaw puzzles. Uncommon Goods is a great website for other bookish gifts. I have gotten things from them before and I will say, they are a good company. https://www.facebook.com/uncommongoods
These lovely handmade book corner markers are beautiful and functional. I know I lose bookmarks, well let's be honest, my kids usually take them. This is a unique gift made just for books. I am sure if you love books, you have seen ads for these. I am featuring KaiNamCarpentry. They focus on beautiful hairpins, but also these book corner markers. Plus, it is a small item to fill up that space in the basket, or simply to add color.
One of the easiest fillers for a book basket is the bookish clothing. Book fans alike can have custom shirts and sweaters made. Below are cozy socks! The shirt designs are from uscustomizedshirts on Etsy. The socks are from 2troubleboys on Etsy.
Really cute, huh? Besides, who doesn't love to be comfy and cozy.
Now I am going to start putting photos up from one of my favorite online shops that have some the best bookish gifts. Storiarts: https://storiarts.com/. This company is one I have personally purchased gifts from, and they were well received. Their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=storiarts
This is probably one of my favorites, it is a book sleeve. This one is from ANEGAMIstore. I find these to be very useful. If you are like me, I carry a book in my purse and usually the book gets pretty torn up (I prefer paperback); however, this cover will protect the book. It also is great for your Kindle or any e-reader you may possess.
This one is just amazing. It is a crossbody purse. I have one, but it is from the British Designer, Radley of London (https://www.radleylondon.com/), but this one is from Etsy, Wellreadcompany. It is a fun ice breaker if you are at a party. It will definitely get people asking questions and striking up a good conversation. No more awkward office Christmas parties with this hanging on your side!
I get it, this is kind of a given. You cannot give a book or a bookish basket and not have a traditional bookmark. Bookmarks are a dime a dozen. But, these are special ones and those who love books will definitely appreciate the beauty and thought with these bookmarks. These are made by FloralResinTreasures, on Etsy. They are dried flowers in resin and are truly a work of art.
I think that this item is very awesome. I mean even though it is cold out, I know there are ride or die iced coffee fans, but boy are they cold on the hands! This Javasok will help your hands from freezing. They can be used all year round. They even have soks for hot beverages too. So, just stick it in your car so you have it for that drink run. I know that most coffee shops will have the paper covers on the hot drinks, but with supply issues, some places are not able to get them, so this is will have you prepared for just in case, plus they are super cute! https://www.facebook.com/javasoksleeve/
On to my absolute FAVORITE thing to add into a book/bookish basket...... CHOCOLATE! What I love are truffles. You can get any kind that you think the one receiving will love, whether it is the gourmet truffles or simply a box of Russell Stover's, it really doesn't matter because well, chocolate makes everything better. Below, I have my top 3 truffles that are unique and very good. The first set of chocolates are for those who want or need clean, dairy-free and organic chocolates. I know first hand the struggle with sweets when it comes to allergies, so I did research and found Elements Chocolates (https://www.elementstruffles.com/). The next set (the very colorful picture), are Norman Love Confections (https://www.normanloveconfections.com/home/). I have personally bought these for my kids' teachers and they were a huge hit! The last set of chocolate truffles are in my opinion some of the best. I was introduced to these when I lived in San Francisco Bay Area and they are from a master chocolatier, Recchiutti Chocolate Confections (https://www.recchiuti.com/). The flavor profiles created are fantastic and I know they will be loved. I mean you could also get some boozy ones too if you would like, because who doesn't love chocolate and booze!?!
Elements Chocolates Norman Love Recchiutti Chocolates
These are simply suggestions, and a jumping off point to make the best book/bookish gift basket ever! Though, a book lover's basket would not be complete without BOOKS. I did complete a nice Christmas Book List post the other day where you can grab some inspiration from, (https://www.underthewillowtrees.com/post/oh-christmas-books-oh-christmas-books). However, I do know that Christmas novels are not everyone's cup of tea, so you can contact me here, message me on social media, or comment on this post asking for suggestions, and I will be more than happy to offer help to find the perfect book(s) for that special someone. I also know that if you are on a tight schedule and need things NOW, Etsy may not be an option, but buying local or through Amazon works well if you need a gift stat and you can find most of these gifts on Amazon. Keep up with these blog posts because I will be posting my very own book/bookish basket very soon. I simply cannot wait!
*All pictures are from the companies themselves.