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.
Read Next: 15 Top Stocking Stuffer Gifts For a Person Who Likes Travel
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.
For more bookish ideas, check out my full Travel Books Guide.
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.
Travel Essentials
Here are the websites and services I personally use and recommend.
FLIGHTS: The best deals can be found on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kiwi.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance because you can purchase once you’re already overseas and you can easily extend your policy. For digital nomads, I recommend and personally use Genki.
E-SIM: For travel in Europe, I use an e-sim with GoMobile, which is a provider based in Malta, but you need to be there to set it up.
ACCOMMODATION: I use Booking.com for hotels and Airbnb for apartments. For Colivings, I usually book privately, but Coliving.com is a good place to start.
THINGS TO DO: I use Viator or Get Your Guide for booking day trips, city tours and other activities, though I often check reviews on TripAdvisor too.
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