Our Ultimate Bookish Gift Guide Is Back. Here’s Everything to Buy for the Reader in Your Life

The Dogs of Venice by Steven Rowley

After his five-year marriage suddenly ends, Paul spends a long-awaited romantic getaway in Italy alone. There, he comes across a small dog, who continues to pop up throughout his travels and becomes a welcome opportunity for learning how to thrive on his own. If you love any sort of dog-centered tale (no pun intended) or want a cozy, heartwarming read, pick this one up…along with a box of tissues.

Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai

While Malala Yousafzai is famous for her activism work, her second memoir gives readers an inspiring, inside look at trying to find her place in the world after being thrust into the public eye. She talks about navigating anxiety, attending university, dating, and meeting her husband. It’s a perfect gift, whether they love a coming-of-age story or books about powerful women. We’re reading this one ASAP.

Wine Pairing for the People by Cha McCoy

Cha McCoy is a sommelier and former owner of The Communion Wine Boutique in Syracuse, New York. In this debut guidebook, she provides a first-of-its-kind wine pairing guide with global cuisines from Africa, Asia, and beyond. We love this one for the wine-obsessed friend, the go-to host in your life, or the person who already seems to have every cookbook out there.

Brimstone by Callie Hart

We mean it when we say that it wouldn’t be winter without a romantasy book. This is the second in Callie Hart’s Fae & Alchemy series, picking up with badass protagonist Saeris Fane newly crowned as queen of the Blood Court. Buy both books in the series for your shadow daddy-loving friend.

Release date: November 18, 2025

Yours for the Season by Uzma Jalaluddin

In this classic fake dating story from Mindy’s Book Studio, Tom, a chef, and Sameera, a high-powered attorney, agree to date for the sake of their careers. But when Samira’s Muslim parents insist on meeting Tom’s not-Muslim family over the holidays in rural Alaska, things take a dramatic turn. If you’re looking for an entertaining, Hallmark-esque story in book form, pick this one up.

Release date: December 1, 2025

Remember Love by Cleo Wade

Just in time for the holidays, Cleo Wade’s Remember Love is out in a stunningly giftable paperback edition. In her latest release, the poet (who’s been deemed the “Millennial Oprah”) discusses how to love yourself in times when you feel lost. The chapters are short, and the balance of prose and poetry feels like heartwarming affirmations. We read this in one sitting, but it’s also perfect for reading slowly — and if you read a chapter or two every morning, it’ll feel like starting your day with a literary hug.

Release date: December 2, 2025

We honestly can’t think of a better holiday gift for the bookworm in your life. This cozy stack of books ornament is made of porcelain (chic), and you can choose to personalize one of the spines with the name of your choice. If they don’t have a Christmas tree, they can still hang it from a car mirror, doorknob, hook…trust us, they’ll find a place for it. ($41.95+, Lenox)

When in doubt, take Oprah’s lead. This journal is specifically geared toward readers — it’s a space where you can log the books you’ve read and reflect on the emotions and ideas they inspired. The journal itself is a beautiful linen-bound hardcover that looks nice on a bedside table. This is a major step up from Goodreads. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

If they’re loyal to their e-reader, they need a Strapsicle. The X-shaped bands stretch across the back of the reader, providing a comfortable, ergonomic hold. That way, they can read for hours on end without their hand getting tired or slipping. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

No reading session is complete without a mood-setting candle. This one pays homage to our beloved public libraries, with a crisp paper and linen fragrance that works for any season. Could also serve as a reminder to return their books in a timely manner. ($48, Literie)

Truthfully, they’ll love these gorgeous, illustrated editions of classic novels even if they never crack them open. (But we hope they do.) These Rifle Paper Co. hardcovers are illustrated by the brand’s co-founder, Anna Bond, in her signature whimsical, floral-accented style. Choose from eight beloved titles, like The Wizard of Oz, Pride and Prejudice, and Little Women. ($17+, Rifle Paper Co.)

Lands’ End’s iconic canvas tote just so happens to be the perfect size, shape, and weight to accommodate a lot of books. We like the open top, which makes it easy to reach inside for your wallet, and the outer slip pocket for your phone. It also comes in some very cute colors, like papaya and lime green. They’ll grab it for every bookstore-and-coffee jaunt. ($39.95, Lands’ End)