With finals approaching and papers, projects, and presentations looming for us English majors, you may also have one thing in the back of your mind that you’ve been avoiding: holiday shopping. How are you supposed to find that perfect gift for your best friend or your significant other? When will you have the time to scope out that must have item you know they’ll love? Maybe your parents have been asking you for your own Christmas list, and you have no idea where to start.
Well, don’t fret. Ditch the generic Barnes and Noble gift cards and stop wondering whether your roommate would rather get a memoir or a sci-fi novel. We’ve gathered nine totally unique gifts for the literature lovers in your life. Order right from your couch (or your desk if you’re procrastinating on that ten page essay).
The one disappointment when receiving a new book is that it just doesn’t have that old-book smell. Fill in the gap with a scented candle that will make their living room feel like a musty library. This fun Etsy shop sells handmade soy candles with a variety of scents perfect for whomever you’re shopping for. Aside from “Old Books,” you can try themes like “Winterfell” or “Trashy Romance Novel.”
Sure, you can buy earrings that remind them of their favorite book (especially when it comes to Harry Potter options), but why not buy earrings of the actual all time classic? No, they’re not too heavy. This Etsy shop hand makes tiny miniature book pendants for jewelry. Pick from old standbys like Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice or create a custom order.
Do you have that one friend who loves reading, but never has time to crack open a book? Do they always complain about their long commutes? Try an audio book. Better yet, try an audio book read by the author! Old Firehouse Books has a handsome collection, especially if you’re a fan of David Sedaris. But don’t worry – you can order online from your favorite local bookseller, too.
Whether they drink their coffee black or prefer herbal teas, every English major has a favorite warm brew to sip while they’re snuggled up with a book. Give them a mug that’ll remind them of their favorite place: the library. If you’re the Pinterest type, maybe you could try filling in that library card with their favorite novels (just make sure it’s a method that’ll stick).
Give your loved one that warm, fuzzy feeling with a thick scarf and familiar words. Silkscreened and hand printed with classics like Wuthering Heights and Alice in Wonderland, these scarves are smart and sharp. They’re great for someone committed to fashion and the written word. If you know they’ll absolutely love the scarf, you can also pick up a pair of matching fingerless gloves. That way, nothing gets in the way of turning pages.
Scarves and earrings are all well and good, but what about the man in your life who loves his literature? These cufflinks give an air of sophistication to any button down. Classic and debonair, these great gifts will make your guy look well read and well dressed. Made from discarded texts and storybooks, you can also rest easy knowing no books were harmed in the making of this present.
We’ve all had that problem when we’ve been wrapped up in a book all day, and there is no longer any comfortable sitting position where we can feasibly hold up said novel. Enter the Peeramid Bookrest. A triangular pillow with a built-in bookmark, just prop this puppy up and place the book in the crease. Viola! Sit in any style you choose without sacrificing comfort or maximum page turning.
You’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, right? Then why get a present with just the front instead of the good stuff inside? These t-shirts have every word of the book printed into fun shapes and patterns. They’ve got hundreds of titles, with everything from Moby Dick to Kill Bill: Volume 1. If your friend might have a soft spot for non-conventional novels, this selection has more than just the classics.
Now, hipster English majors don’t have the monopoly on cool book tattoos! If your friends are the definition of timid bookworms, give them the chance to sport a badass literature tattoo – if only for a couple of days! If you really want to be a hero, try the set of Beowulf tattoos for you and your bud.