21+ Unique Literary Gifts for Book Lovers Who Travel

Reading on the Beach - Books and Travel
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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 out 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!)

Unique Gifts for Book Lovers

Literary Gifts for Book Lovers Who Travel

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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 – exploring both real and fictional worlds – 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.

Subscriptions: If your book nerdy loved one has a Kindle Fire or similar, then you can always bestow upon them a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription, so that they can keep up to date with film and TV on the road, or some great literary adaptation to watch on long journeys.

(Note: You can only gift someone a subscription of Amazon Prime in the US).

Amazon Audible: Amazon also have a subscription for audio books. Even better for long journeys. Plus, the first month is free!

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 once upon a time necklace (pictured). 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 (like the pair above) and Etsy. Plus,where else to keep your bookish earring collection than in a book-shaped earring storage box?

Other – But, wait, there’s more wearable bookish goodness to come! Like this sweet charm bracelet, There are plenty of adorable travel- and book-themed accessories on Amazon, Etsy and other places out there to choose from.

6. Clothes and Accessories

T-shirts – You know who loves quotes and wears t-shirts? Book lovers! Some of my fave cheeky tees on Amazon are this one that says coffee & books & dogs & naps (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 pair with a list of banned book titles printed all over, this cute pair that say ‘sup nerd and 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 (pictured) can be fashioned into a cloud for your head (Literati Club, the company that make this scarf, also have versions with Peter Pan, 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 one (pictured) with The Little Prince design, as well as anything with a cheeky quote on, such as I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie.

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 Always Take the Scenic Route journal can be found on Amazon, and includes stickers and different lists to track your route, your spending and more.

I also love this travel journal that has a travel quote on every page, as well as the many gorgeous travel journals that can be found 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 old map and quote bookmark (pictured), as well as this set with inspirational quotes, as well as bookmarks with classic quotes, such as I Read Past My Bedtime (Shhh! I actually do!) and Drink Good Coffee & Read Good Books. Etsy also has a load of adorable, creative bookmark options.

11. Glasses Case

Classic book reading glasses case from Etsy

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 (pictured) 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 is a great little saver.

13. Watch

Travel quote watch from Etsy

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 one with an apt travel quote?

14. Keyring

Custom made book keychain keyring from Etsy

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

Book weight for reading from Etsy

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.

16. Toiletries

Soap with old book smell from Etsy

Excuse me, does this shower gel also come in musty old bookstores and libraries? YOU BET IT DOES! Book-themed toiletries might be one of my favourite things I’ve ever found on Etsy. I literally (literary-ly) can’t choose between all the delicious bookish options.

I want soaps in flavours such as old books and rainy day reading. Oh, and a Pride and Prejudice lavender bath bomb set too. Proof that you can find anything on the internet these days.

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. 

17. Tea

Arthur Conan Doyle literary tea from Etsy

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!

Not-So-Practical Creative Gifts for Book Lovers

So, at some point your travelling book nerd friend is going to come home, right? Right?! OK, if not forever, then at least for a short visit. Well, here’s exactly what they would love to have in their house (read: what I would love to have in my dream house in my Beauty and the Beast -style library):

18. Literary Maps

Literary world map for bookworms from Etsy

This is my favourite thing I have ever seen. There is also this American literary map with books by each state. SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY.

19. Art Prints

Not All Those Who Wonder Are Lost - Map Print with Quote

If I don’t include something with the classic J. R. R. Tolkien quote Not all those who wander are lost“, have I even made a gift guide for bookworms who travel?

20. Scrapbook


Similar to the journal gift idea, a scrapbook is a great gift for book lovers who travel because they can create their own story to look back over in years to come. A great addition to any bibliophile’s bookshelf.

Personalised travel scrapbook with word map from Etsy

Also, I love this one on Etsy where you can personalise the front cover!

21. Literary Quote Calendar

Literary quotes printable calendar

Help your bookworm friend get their daily dose of bookspiration with this literary quote calendar, where they can mark off the days until their next big travel adventure! I also love the look of The Book Lover’s Page-A-Day Calendar, available on Amazon. 2019, maybe?

Bonus Bookworm Gift: Candle

Always Harry Potter literary book candle from Etsy

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.

On Etsy, I’ve found candles that smell like olde books, fandom candles from PretAGreek (everything from Little Mermaid to Lady MacBeth) and my personal favourite, these soy candles inspired by books, by Quacker Candle (anyone want to buy me Dracarys, or Christmas Carol, or Always?)

Literary Gifts for Bookworms who Love to Travel

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.

36 thoughts on “21+ Unique Literary Gifts for Book Lovers Who Travel

  1. 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?

  2. 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.

  3. 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!

  4. 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 😀

  5. 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!

  6. 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!

  7. 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! 😀

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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.

  11. 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! 😀

  12. 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!

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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!

  16. 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.

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