8 Bookish Ornaments for a Literary Christmas Tree

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As a digital nomad, I sadly don’t have a Christmas tree. But that doesn’t mean a girl can’t dream! Because if I did, it would be filled with bookish ornaments and little travel tokens.

And I’ve seen so many cute Christmas book ornaments this year, that I had to share.

So, whether you’re decorating a Christmas tree, a bookshelf, or just looking to add literary flair to your home, here are some bookish ornament ideas to discover.

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1. Miniature Book Ornaments

One of the most popular styles of bookish ornaments is miniature books. These tiny replicas of classic novels or popular series bring a delightful charm to any space.

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Whether you’re a fan of Pride and Prejudice or Harry Potter, there’s likely a tiny version of your favorite book available. These can be hung on a tree or even displayed on a small shelf as part of a literary nook.

You can also find DIY kits that allow you to make your own miniature books, which is a fun and creative way to personalize your ornaments. They’re also a great gift idea for fellow book lovers.

2. Book Stack Ornaments

For those who can’t pick just one favorite, book stack ornaments are a great option.

These ornaments typically feature a stack of books, with the spines showing off the titles of beloved classics.

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Some are customizable, allowing you to choose which titles appear. This makes them a wonderful gift to celebrate a favorite genre, author, or series, from Jane Austen to Stephen King.

3. Quotes and Literary Characters

Nothing captures the spirit of reading like the words themselves.

Ornaments featuring famous literary quotes add an elegant and thoughtful touch to holiday décor. Whether it’s a inspiring line from a book like The Alchemist or a quote from a Christmassy book like A Christmas Carol, these ornaments spark conversation and bring warmth to a space.

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4. Library and Bookshop-Inspired Ornaments

Another unique idea is ornaments designed to look like quaint libraries or bookstores. These intricately detailed ornaments often capture the cosiness of a classic bookshop, making them a perfect addition to your holiday setup.

Whether it’s a tiny building with shelves lined with books or a miniature library ladder, these pieces evoke the magic of places where stories come to life.

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5. Vintage and Antique-Inspired Ornaments

For fans of vintage and antique aesthetics, look for ornaments that have a weathered, old-world charm. These might feature antique book covers, quill pens, or even a feather bookmark encased in glass.

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These pieces can bring a sense of history and timelessness to your holiday decorations, blending the love of literature with the elegance of antique design.

6. DIY Book Page Ornaments

For a crafty touch, consider making your own ornaments from old book pages.

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Whether you create paper stars, wreaths, or baubles from the pages of a well-loved (or well-worn) book, these ornaments can be a great way to upcycle books that are too damaged to read.

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Simply roll, fold, or cut the pages into desired shapes and hang them with ribbon for a handmade touch. This is also an eco-friendly way to bring a literary theme to your decor.

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7. Personalized Book Ornaments

If you want to take things a step further, personalized bookish ornaments are a great option. Many online shops and artisans offer custom-made ornaments where you can have your name, your favorite book title, or even your favorite literary quote engraved or printed.

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These personalized touches make ornaments feel even more special, whether for your tree or as a thoughtful gift.

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8. Year in Books Ornaments

Finally, I’m seeing a really cool humble-brag trend in bookish ornaments, which is the Year in Books ornament. These personalised ornaments celebrate all the books you’ve read this year.

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If you start a tradition of creating one of these ornaments every year, you’ll soon fill up your tree with all the amazing books you’ve read over the years. Such a cool idea!

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Where to Find Bookish Ornaments

  • Etsy: This marketplace is a haven for book lovers looking for unique, handmade ornaments. You can find everything from personalized book stacks to intricate miniature book replicas.
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  • Bookstores: Many independent and larger bookstores carry a selection of literary-themed ornaments, especially during the holiday season.
  • DIY Projects: For those who enjoy crafting, DIY bookish ornaments are a fun project that allows for endless creativity.
Image Credit: Zlyly via Etsy

More Bookish Christmas Decorations

Whether you’re decking the halls for the holidays or simply adding some literary flair to your everyday decor, these ornaments are a cool way to show off your passion for books. They also make wonderful gifts for anyone who loves the magic of reading.

Read next: for more festive ideas, check out these bookish advent calendars, stocking stuffers for book lovers or gift ideas for literary travellers. I also have guides on how to gift Audible and Kindle books.

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