Updated May 2024
I love receiving candles as gifts. But, as a candle-loving, book-consuming backpacker, books and candles are sadly not the most practical of gifts for readers who explore both real and fictional worlds.
So, to represent the page travellers there, here are the best literary gifts for book lovers who travel, which are practical, cute and – most importantly – kind to your baggage allowance.
(So, basically, this is all one big hint to friends, family and boyfriend about what they can get me for Christmas and birthdays. Hint. Hint hint! HINT HINT HINT!)
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Techy Book Gifts for a Traveller
1. Kindle
It almost goes without saying that the No. 1 perfect gift for book lovers who travel is an Amazon Kindle. Think of all the backpack space they could save and at the same the unlimited access to all the books they could possibly want to read!
A great option for sunny destinations is the classic Amazon Kindle Paperwhite E-reader. This Kindle is a good choice because unlike a tablet, it has no glare, so you can even use it at the beach. It also has a built-in light feature for nighttime reads.
I personally own an Amazon Kindle Fire, which is more like a tablet. The downside is that I can’t read outside, but the BIG plus is that I can browse the web, watch Netflix, play games and all kinds of other things with it too. Also, I just like being able to say KINDLE FYAAA!
2. Things for the Kindle
Kindle Cases – I love my world map cover on my Kindle, which does a great job of representing my two passions, books and travel, as well as being a practical protective case for my device.
Amazon Gift Vouchers – Of course, what is a Kindle without books? Gift vouchers are a great present for your bookpacking friend, so that they can start downloading their next must-read novel or travel guide.
Amazon Audible: Amazon also have a subscription service for audio books. Even better for long journeys. Plus, the first month is free! (I wrote about how to get audiobooks for free using Audible and other online resources here.)
Learn how to gift Audible memberships and audiobooks here:
3. Noise Cancelling Headphones
All hail the holy grail of travel-related gifts! I get travel sick when I try to read books on long bus journeys, so audio books and podcasts are a go-to for me. And yes, I know that any old headphones will do for that, but after a personal experience this year, I’ve been converted…
I’ve talked a little bit about my fear of flying before (not the best thing for an expat/backpacker), so I was a little freaked out recently when I realised I’d accidentally booked a flight on a propeller plane! Luckily, the kind passenger next to me saw I was freaking out and offered his noise cancelling headphones for takeoff. They worked like a dream! Two birds, one stone.
4. Phone Case
Who can resist a Marauders Map phone case (especially when you solemnly swear you’re up to no good)? Or this thing that looks like an encyclopedia, BUT HAHA IT TRICKED YOU, IT’S REALLY A PHONE CASE.
Wearable Gifts for Literature Lovers
5. Jewellery
This is going to warrant another post in itself, but subtle book-themed jewellery is baggage allowance friendly, cute and a way to (literally) wear your book nerd tendencies on your sleeve.
Necklaces
I love this simple book necklace from WittingCraft. There are also loads of gorgeous literary jewellery options on Etsy, including pieces that can be customised with your favourite book cover.
Earrings
There are also lots of cute literary-inspired earrings on Amazon and Etsy, like the pair above from LittleSomethingsEtc.
Plus, where else to keep your bookish earring collection than in a book-shaped earring storage box?
6. Clothes and Accessories
T-shirts
You know who loves quotes and wears t-shirts? Book lovers! Some of my fave bookish tees on Amazon are this one that says books and beaches (pictured) because that is my life in a nutshell, this one that says the book was better because it always is, and this one that says never underestimate the power of a girl with a book because duh.
Socks
I love this adorable pair (pictured), which quite simply say fuck off, I’m reading.
Scarfs
Scarfs are like my secret travel weapon. Cold? Snuggle up in your scarf. At the beach? Your scarf can also be a… sarong. Hostel pillows too thin? This Pride and Prejudice scarf can be fashioned into a cloud for your head (Literati Club, the company that make this scarf, also have versions with Alice in Wonderland and other famous works of literature).
7. Bags
The general rule is that you can never have too many tote bags. Super-light, easy to pack and the perfect size for carrying a few essentials on a sightseeing trip or down to the beach (or even laundry). I love this Etsy book tote bag by TobeTote (pictured) which can be customized with your favorite book titles.
Practical Gift Ideas for Book Lovers Who Travel
8. Book Holder & Travel Pillow
How cool is this? No only can The Book Seat hold your book upright for those lazy back-tanning days at beach, but it can also be a comfy headrest for a long plane journey. Double-travel-practicalities, Batman!
9. Journals
What could be a more perfect gift for book lovers than gifting them with the power to write the story of their own travels? This way, they can look back on their own memories in years to come. The above travel journal can be found on Amazon, and includes writing prompts and places to stick photos.
There are also many gorgeous travel journals on Etsy, some of which you can even personalise.
10. Bookmarks
Yeah, yeah, yeah, this might sound like a super-boring option and I hate to admit this, but I’m that heartless bitch that folds down the corners of books to keep her place (SUE ME). However, in researching this post I have found that bookmarks have come a long way since the days of cheap plastic and tassels.
I love this printable reading list bookmark by FullHeartsClub on Etsy, which is like a little library card. These custom name and birth flower bookmarks are also gorgeous.
11. Glasses Case
Whether your page traveller needs reading glasses or not, chances are they own a pair of sunglasses and they’re taking them on their next big trip. Glasses cases are not only great for protecting glasses and sunglasses, but they make for great hiding spots for storing valuables. I love this glasses case that looks like a classic from Etsy.
12. Reading Light
This is so genius! If it’s after lights out on a long bus journey or in the hostel dorm, and you want to keep reading without wasting the battery on your phone by switching on the torch function (and then balancing said phone on your shoulder), then this little clip-on reading light is perfect.
13. Watch
Who even owns a watch anymore? Book lovers, that’s who. Just like nothing can replace that new book smell, nothing can replace the reassuring ticking of a second hand. And why would you replace that when watches can look as cute as this travel quote watch by LaluvJewelry?
14. Keyring
Can never find your keys? That’s ok, this super-cute literary-themed keyring has got your back. And it’s even custom made, so you can have the cover of your favourite book on it.
15. Bookweight
This looks a bit silly, but when you think about it, this is a pretty neat invention. How many times have you been laid out at the beach, propped up on your elbows, limbs going numb, trying to find a comfy spot to read? Problem solved!
Note: this product is available on Amazon for a whopping £25 quid, but the Etsy version (linked above) is £18.48. Still a bit steep in my opinion, but this was the cheapest version I could find.
Recommended Read: I’ve committed to making my bathroom and travel toiletry bag a zero waste and plastic free environment and it’s easier than you might think. These toiletries are much better for the planet, perfect for hand luggage (i.e. fewer liquids) and make for fantastic gifts too.
16. Tea
I’m not a tea drinker (the literal kind that is, I’m often partial to the figurative kind), but those who are tell me that they miss a good cuppa on the road. So, why not sip on a warm cup of literary tea? Choose from flavours ranging from Beatrix Potter to Arthur Conan Doyle to William Shakespeare!
Bonus Bookworm Gift: Candle
OK, you caught me! There is a candle on this list! But, after all that travelling, there’s nothing I like more than a long, relaxing bubble bath with fragrant candles. You know, after smelling like sweat, deet and that guy in the bottom bunk’s disgusting hiking boots for six months, I like to get myself clean and smell all nice.
Then, I curl up in bed with my literary-themed throws and pillows, and dive into all my beloved bookshelf favourites that I missed while I was on the road.
I hope this guide of unique gift ideas for book lovers who travel helped you find something for the page traveller in your life, or for yourself, or maybe – just maybe – for me…
HINT.
Looking for more gift ideas? How about the top stocking stuffers for book lovers , how to create a book advent calendar, or the best Christmas book for adults:
Love the book blanket (because who doesn’t love blankets?) and the idea of the map, but it has mostly classics on it and I’m more into very recent fiction.
Not sure the Susan Sontag quote on the watch is really by her, and if it is, it’s probably out of context. How do you feel about literary quotes in general? Should a person only buy a product if they know where the quote is from or do you think that’s an antiquated concept?
I loved everything in this list!!! I haven’t heard of your blog until now and i think is great!
Congrats! =D
You have a great selection of gift ideas. I see a a lot that I would want for myself. I love that extra large scarf and that really sweet watch too many things to count. Thank you for curating a great collection.
Ooooh, the scarves hint is excellent! I *love* big scarves for travelling, they are SO multi-purpose (wrap them around yourself for a cover up/sarong at the pool, use them as a makeshift blanket or folded up as a pillow in an airport, etc.) I have one HUGE plain black scarf (seriously, it’s about the size of a cape) that I have used about a million times over the past 3-4 years… might be time for an upgrade to one of the literary ones you mention 😉
I must say, I’m not sold on the Kindle, I’m just an old-school bookworm that prefers the paper in my hands (and no reliance on batteries or keeping screens pristine and scratch-free!), so I’d be a cheap(er) gift recipient with the bookmarks, book weights, and any compact paperbacks (especially Penguin classics) for Christmas this year 😉 Thanks so much for sharing, awesome list!
Such a great list! I LOVE my Kindle for travelling and that case is awesome! I use a hard back zip up cover which has a pocket for the usb cable, but it’s just boring and black! I’ve asked for Amazon gift cards for Christmas 😀
I loved this post and already picked up a few ideas for my book-lover friends! I especially loved that book weight, so cute 🙂
– http://www.allshethings.com
I strongly suggest people to gift a Kindle to a traveler! Mine has been my best friend all over the world, while I’m waiting in line somewhere, or flying, or at the beach: it’s awesome!
Oh oh oh loving these ideas and an puttting that library blanket on my own wishlist!
I’m definitely going to sneakily share this post with a few people as a hint 😉
Xx, Eleonore
These are awesome suggestions, love that book blanket… might have to gift one to myself! And I completely agree with the Kindle suggestion, it’s the perfect travel companion!
Love this twist on a traditional gift guide! Lots of inspo for book lovers!
Really great variety of gifts! I love book blanket and art prints! I am sure book lovers would be happy with a gift like that!
Love your list of gifts items! It gave me so many ideas for this holiday season.
Oh. my. gosh. That literary map is amazing!! Going on my list too!
Kindle’s are the greatest creation. I always hate myself for reading on one, I much prefer a book, but it definitely saves your back while traveling so you don’t have to lug books around! 😀
There are so many things in this list that I want!! I love to read and my dream too is to have the library of the Beauty and the Beast! I do have alot of books but nothing close to that. I have been considering getting a kindle though because I have some allergies and lots of people told me that perhaps it is because of all the books in my bedroom, although I’m not really sure of that nor I would have courage to get rid of my physical books anyways. Something that I haven’t seen before and now it is crazily in my bucket list is this World Literature Map!! I have this goal of reading one book of each country, and everytime I travel to a new place, I try to buy a book written by a local author
Fantastic list! I love the literary maps and art print. Definitely adding these to my xmas list 🙂
These are such great gift ideas! I love the journals and the artwork. I would totally buy stuff like that! 😀
Will definitely send this list to my friends hahah, it’s all I’ll be needing for Christmas I’m actually the only person I know that keeps a journal with quotes and such
Awesome, these are such great ideas. Loved those book studs so much, how creative it can be. need them for myself for sure!
These look great. I am both a book lover and a traveler. I am old fashioned. Though earlier I was vary of kindle, but now I feel like I should give it a try. It will help me engage in a meaningful way during my travels.
This is a comprehensive list. bookmarked it for a later time 🙂
The book lover than travel actually describes me. I love almost all of these.
These are so great!! I love the literary map blanket, I’ve never seen anything like that, and I love reading books set in the locations I’ve been to – or dream of traveling to. And, of course, I’d put that journal to excellent use! 😀
Omg these are great ideas! I would definitely want the book blanket, the light, glass case and the t shirt because the book is 99% always better!
What a unique and fun list. I see a few things that would make great gifts for people in my life.
I would love to receive any of these!! Such cute ideas, I added a couple to my Christmas wishlist
These are all so cool! I am not much into reading but my sister is and luckily I haven’t finished shopping her Christmas present yet. i am sure to check out the Amazon gift voucher and some of these goodies.
Thanks for sharing.
These are some great gift ideas. I’m still searching for gifts for a few people on my list and will be adding a few of yours as possibilities
I love that Kindle case!!! Might need to get myself one 🙂 Have you seen the new Kindle Oasis? It’s pricey, but it looks AMAZING for travelers since it’s so durable.
Love my kindle! I love reading and resisted the digital book world until this year. So happy I bought one!
I can’t tell you how much I love the book jewelry!
Am not usually a fan of gift guides, but this one is great! I love the glasses case and completely with you on the book weight. What a great invention!
I loved everything in this list!!! I am so happy to have came across your blog.
I. Love. This. List!!! I think my top 5 are: Phone Case, Literary Map, Book Weight, Glasses Case and the Book Mark. My youngest daughter is a serious book reader and these would flip her out! She prefers actual paper books to electronic devices, so I’d stay away from those gifts lol. Very unique and thoughtful for the book lover.
We’re a family of readers and I see several great ideas for my kids and husband. The blanket is very cool. Love the book is better tee.
What can more amazing gift for a travel aprt these, A Travelers all just need books, gifts related to travel.
So this is nice post that give great ideas.