20 best stocking stuffers & small gifts for book lovers in 2023

Galatea by Madeline Miller

What better stocking stuffer than a beautiful small hardcover book? I’ve shared some of the best choices in my collection of small hardcover books to give as gifts, but this is one of my favourites…

Written by the bestselling author of Circe and The Song of Achilles, Galatea, is a wonderfully elegant mythological retelling you can read in less than an hour. It’s one of my favourite little hardcovers that makes for an excellent stocking stuffer for bookworms.

Bookshelf tracker bookmark by britishbookart

This cozy bookshelf tracker bookmark from britishbookart (a UK-based store) is one of the most popular stocking stuffers on Etsy this year. Not just a pretty bookmark (although it is really pretty), you can draw your book titles or colour in the spines to fill up the shelves with every book you read.

As the bookmark is double-sided and contains 100 book spines to fill, there’s plenty of room to document books read in 2024 or all-time favourites.

Jane Austen Christmas card by TheMarchesStudio

How about sharing a gorgeous literary Christmas card alongside your bookish gifts? This wonderfully charming Jane Austen-themed Christmas card from TheMarchesStudio on Etsy (ships from the UK) is such a thoughtful small gift for readers. Hand-painted in beautiful watercolour and printed on high-quality Italian cardstock, your favourite reader is sure to adore this.

Bookish pencils with Sherlock Holmes quotes

How about these Sherlock Holmes-inspired pencils from Etsy store LitAndWhimsyShop (US-based) to make notes in books or a reading journal? Each of the six hand-stamped pencils includes an iconic Sherlock phrase from Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic books. For more bookish Etsy gifts, I’ve shared the best gifts for book lovers from Etsy here.

Embroidered book or Kindle sleeve by AvocatoCrafts

How about a book sleeve to keep your recipient’s favourite books safe when travelling? Some of the most beautiful book sleeves I’ve found are by AvocatoCrafts on Etsy (ships from the UK), including this stunning embroidered sleeve for a book or Kindle. Featuring wonderfully detailed floral embroidery and soft padding, it’s a gorgeous way to keep books and Kindles protected while on the go.

Lord of the Rings-inspired tea by SteepedinLore

What better companions than a good book and a cup of tea? One of the best stocking stuffers for book lovers I’ve come across is this delightfully bookish tea from the US-based store SteepedinLoreCo on Etsy.

This “Well Earned Comforts” sample pack is the perfect non-book gift for readers who love The Lord of the Rings, including the blends “Pippin” (chocolate chai) and “Merry” (vanilla rose).

Greek vase brass bookmark by Literary Emporium

You can’t go wrong with a bookmark as a bookish stocking stuffer. I’ve had one of these stunning brass bookmarks for a while now and love it. Each time I open up a book, I can’t help but admire it. Literary Emporium has a few brass bookmarks to choose from, but I especially adore this choice for fans of Greek myth and Madeline Miller.

Desktop bookish calendar with easel by ObviousState

It’s always lovely to receive one good calendar for Christmas (any more than that can become problematic). One of the best 2024 calendars for book lovers is this wonderfully unique choice by Obvious State on Etsy, a shop that dispatches from the US.

Featuring a little easel and a bookish postcard for each month, this petite 2024 literary calendar includes bold interpretations of classic literary lines for 12 months of inspiration.

Kate Spade book canvas tote bag

A stylish bookish tote is one of the best accessories for book lovers and therefore a *perfect* gift. This lovely Kate Spade canvas tote bag with a book stack print is a perfect stocking stuffer for book lovers to use when heading to the library or bookshop.

Pride and Prejudice enamel pin by Literary Emporium

If you’re looking for small book-related gifts for readers, an enamel pin is an excellent choice. One of the most charming pins for readers is this Shakespeare-inspired pin made by Literary Emporium, a UK-based Etsy store. It features the beloved quote from A Midsummer Night’s Dream in which Helena describes Hermia: “And though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Reading Journal: For the Love of Books by Paper Peony Press

How about a pretty reading journal as a stocking stuffer? Paper Peony Press publishes wonderful journals, including this hardcover book journal and planner for book lovers to track, log, and review what they’re reading.

Jane Austen sticker set by TheMarchesStudio

Know someone who loves adding stickers to their laptop, reading journal, or notebooks? These Jane Austen-inspired bookish stickers on Etsy store TheMarchesStudio (ships from the UK) are cute small gifts for the book lovers in your life.

Classic books mug by CrookedQuill

As books go perfectly with hot drinks, bookish mugs can be some of the best stocking fillers. I love this classic books mug by CrookedQuill, a UK-based shop on Etsy, featuring titles including The Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby.

Literary postcards for bibliophiles by Jane Mount

I love sharing literary postcards with friends. This set of 50 bookish postcards features gorgeous illustrations by Jane Mount of a variety of book stacks, evoking memories of classic novels and modern favourites. It’s a wonderful small gift for book lovers, aspiring writers, librarians, and book club friends.

Old books candle by Frostbeard Studio

I first received this gorgeous soy candle from Frostbeard Studio a few years ago and think it’s a delightful stocking present for book lovers. The smell of aged paper and dusty shelves? Yes, please.

The Art of Making Memories: How to Create and Remember Happy Moments by Meik Wiking

Meik Wiking has written some of the most popular gift books of the last few years, including The Little Book of Hygge. This follow-up, The Art of Making Memories, is another heartwarming small hardcover that I think is one of the best small books to give as gifts.