World Book Day is here this Thursday, when people around the globe celebrate everything there is to love about reading - and what better time to get yourself a book-themed gift?
Whether you want to treat yourself this World Book Day or get a gift for that special book lover in your life, there are plenty of quirky and personal presents out there that are perfect for bibliophiles. If you fancy a new read you can get Kindle Books for as little as £1, or become acquainted with the literary greats with beautiful clothbound editions of classic novels.
For the bookworms out there who already have a to-be-read pile as tall as a house, you could encourage yourself to get through those unread books with pretty bookmarks, a personalised reading spot cushion, or a book lovers' mug - or show off your love of reading to the world with a special scarf, bag or pair of socks. Here are some of the best book-themed gifts from Amazon, Waterstones and Not On The High Street.
READ MORE: Ultimate list of over 100 brilliant books every child should read for World Book Day
80 Kindle Books for £1 each - Amazon
If you're a bit strapped for cash this World Book Day, you can't get much cheaper than a book for £1 - and Amazon has 80 of them to choose from. The retail giant's huge selection of £1 Kindle Books refreshes on the 14th of every month, and the current collection includes a huge range of titles across crime, mystery, romance, sci-fi and fantasy to suit all reading tastes.
Little Clothbound Classics from £7 - Amazon
These beautiful-looking little books would be a credit to anyone's bookshelf, with covers including bold reds and sunshine yellows and featuring florals and nature designs. And the tales within Penguin's collection of Little Clothbound Classics are just as intriguing with picks including Passing - Nella Larsen's book of short stories - at the bottom end of the scale for £7.17; Edgar Allan Poe's The Masque of the Red Death and other classics by authors such as Truman Capote, Oscar Wilde and Jane Austen.
Old Bookshop scented candle, £14.99 - Amazon
There's something about the smell of dusty old books that really appeals to bookworms and now here's the chance to create that aroma at home, taking you back to that traditional shelf-filled world of 'dusty tomes and leatherbound books' - presumably without any of the foistiness. This Old Bookshop Scented Candle is hand-made from 100% pure ' eco soy wax' and is vegan and cruelty free. Hopefully that aroma will really appeal as the candle's burn time is 90 hours.
Shh! I'm Reading socks, £8.99 - Amazon
If you just want to cosy up with a book and not be disturbed then not only will these Fluffy Socks add to your comfort levels but, once you put your feet up, they will also help project the right message. On the sole of one sock is 'Shhh' and the other says 'I'm reading'. They're described as perfect bed socks too. They're also machine-washable and anti-slip.
Book Covers scarf, £17.99 - Amazon
Described as ideal literary gifts for book lovers, these hand-made scarves will offer plenty to absorb the attention if conversation dries up. Even if your favourite topic to talk about isn't books, there's plenty fun to be had in picking out the huge mass of book covers - from The Iliad to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - depicted on these Literary Scarves.
Dried Flower Book Page Holder, £6.19 - Amazon
Here's a novel idea. This Book Page Holder actually looks like a fashion accessory, featuring dried flowers in transparent resin, and it can be worn as a thumb ring, enabling you to hold your book comfortably while each side of the holder presses down on the pages to keep them open, making for what's described as a 'convenient and thoughtful reading experience'.
Personal Library Kit, £13.40 - Amazon
If you have loaned out books and failed to get them back then a Personal Library Kit could be for you. Working pretty much as a traditional library loan system, it includes calalogue check-out cards, bookplates, a date stamp and an ink pad so you can keep a tally of who you've shared your novels with. And you could even issue fines if their return is overdue.
Book-Themed Purse, from £55 - Amazon
Those who truly love books often feel lost without one so this Book-Themed Purse - or bag as we know it - will feel the part. And it's just what it says: a bag that looks like a book. It doubles as a handbag and cross-over body bag and is inspired by classic hardbacks, with plenty of titles to choose from, ranging from Bram Stoker's Dracula to Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own. Made from faux leather and book-binding board, they include inspirational quotes and their inner compartment opens to look like the pages of a book.
Book Fan, from £4.26 - Amazon
With an authentic book cover feel, this Book Fan opens up to reveal vintage reproduction book pages including period illustrations. Described as the ideal gift for lovers of old books, it is also finished with gold filigree detail to give it an added touch of luxury.
Book-themed jigsaw puzzle from £14.99 - Waterstones
The World of Shakespeare is captured here in a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle showing London as it was in The Bard's day, with its taverns, summer fetes and colourful characters, including a cast of actors seen rehaearsing at the Globe for A Midsummer Night's Dream. Other characters are seen wandering the streets, including the type who may well have inspired the playwright's work.
Bucket List bookmark, £8.99 - Waterstones
The Bucket List Bookmark could be an ideal gift for any book lover looking for some reading recommendations. Ths is a list of classic tales, such as The Handmaid's Tale; Jane Eyre and Of Mice And Men, etched onto a copper bookmark.
Books Tote Bag, £19.99 - Waterstones
Guaranteed to add an eye-catching look to any outfit, this Books Tote Bag shows shelves of colourful books and looks a decent enough size to carry quite a few of them too.
Book Club Kit, £9.99 - Waterstones
Another Book Club Kit, this one in a tin, the gift idea promises to be a great way to share a love of books. Inside the tin are conversation prompt cards, an hourglass timer, die and book chart - as well as literary cocktail recipes to help ensure all that chat about reading flows smoothly.
Letterbox Book Lover's Gift Box, £14.95 - Not On The High Street
Imagine getting a gift of book love through your letterbox. This is an idea brimming with literary treasures, it says, and the Book Lover's Letterbox Gift Box includes bookmarks, postcards and notebooks with quotes such as 'she is too fond of books and it has turned her brain' from Louise May Alcott Literary. Plus there's a mini dried flower posy and a 'Wuthering Brights Literary Seed Packet' containing 2.5g of British wildflower seeds. Blooming lovely.
Personalised Book Locket, £26 - Not On The High Street
A unique item of jewellery, this Personalised Book Locket takes the form of a mini book complete with miniature details and a personalised message, folded and hidden inside to look like the pages of a real book. Made from brass, the locket even has space inside for two tiny photographs.
Book Lover Mug, £15 - Not On The High Street
This Book Lover Mug is not only practical but can be personalised with a name or nickname to feature alongside words including picks such as 'So many books, so little time' and 'Just one more chapter'.
Surprise Books Subscription, from £56.97 - Not On The High Street
How about a Books Subscription for a mix of four surprise books which could help a book-lover explore his or her adventurous side? This mystery box buy spans genres to include at least one non-fiction book alongside a variety of fiction. Chosen for the buyer is four of the 'very best undiscovered' books from leading publishers, all of which have proved popular around the world. And no-one will ever get the same box twice.
Reading Spot cushion, £30 - Not On The High Street
Inviting you to cuddle up for a good read, this Personalised Reading Spot cushion is made from hard-wearing natural canvas for maximum hugging potential. It can be personalised with a name for extra home comfort.
Book Lovers Print, £19 - Not On The High Street
This Personalised Book Lovers Print is a contemporary print for book lovers which will add plenty colour and interest to the wall. Showing a stack of books, customers can also choose to write their own list of their titles or add quotes which they would like featured on the print.
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