Books

15 Valentine's Day Gifts For Readers That Aren't More Books

by Melissa Ragsdale
Naturally Heartfelt/Etsy; Obvious State

It’s February already, and Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Which — yikes! — means you probably need to buy a Valentine's Day gift that shows your special someone just how much you care about them. I know: It’s a lot of pressure. But don’t worry, because I’m here to help you find the perfect present for your book-loving Valentine.

Sure, cynics will tell you that Valentine’s Day was invented by greeting card companies to sell stock, and the holiday can be a little kitschy. But it's also a really beautiful celebration of love. And it can be the perfect time to show that special someone that you really care.

After all, aren’t books an enormous part of who we are? My favorite books are the building blocks of what makes me who I am. Whenever someone gives me a bookish gift, I know that they care about my interests. And if they give me a gift that’s related to one of my favorite books — well is anything more swoon-worthy than that?

There are so many options for literary Valentine’s Day presents. Whether you’re going for sweet or sexy, you’ve come to the right place. Bookish jewelry, literary lingerie, and unique reading accessories--there’s something for everyone here. Here are 15 Cupid-approved Valentine’s gifts that will make any book-lover's heart swell:

Stay Gold Necklace

Your Valentine can keep you close to their heart with this beautiful necklace inspired by The Outsiders.

The Outsiders "Stay Gold" Necklace, $30, Out of Print

Letters To My Love

These 12 fold-and-mail style letters give you prompts to help you write meaningful messages. Fill them out and give them to your partner to read later.

Letters to My Love, $15, Chronicle Books

DIY Library Kit

This fun library kit is the perfect addition to any bibliophiles collection. Plus, it looks great on any bookshelf!

DIY Library Kit, $16, Anthropologie

Golden Snitch Bracelet

This gorgeous bracelet will set every Potterhead's heart a-flutter. Show your Valentine that they're a catch (and you're a keeper.)

Harry Potter Golden Snitch Pull Chain Bracelet, $68, Alex and Ani

Literary Print Gift Set

Obvious State makes the most beautiful literary art prints. Give your Valentine one that celebrates their favorite author, or (if you can't choose) give them this lovely set of three.

Literary Print Gift Set, $10, Obvious State

"Stop All the Clocks" Necklace

This necklace features a few lines from W.H. Auden's famous poem "Funeral Blues." Sure, it's a little sad, but it's also a reminder of how life-changing love can be.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,
My working week and my Sunday rest,
My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song

W.H. Auden Necklace, $65, Poets Shop

A Special Edition of Their Favorite Book

Pro-tip: you can search the rare books collection at Strand Bookstore to find your S.O. something truly unique, and exactly perfect for them.

Percy Shelley Mug

Obvious State

You can never go wrong with a good mug. (Especially if you fill it with candy.)

Percy Shelley Mug, $16, Obvious State

Typewriter Scarf

They say to manifest your goals, you need to surround yourself with reminders of them. This is the perfect present for the writer in your life trying to finish their book or project.

Typewriter Lightweight Scarf, $32, Out of Print

Pablo Neruda Ring

How to get your poetry loving partner to swoon? Give them this ring and a collection they haven't read before.

Pablo Neruda Ring, $40, New York Public Library

New York Public Library Cuff Links

This stylish set of cuff links is perfect for the fella who likes to support his local library.

NYPL Logo Cufflinks, $55, New York Public Library

Harry Potter Lingerie

If you want to give your Valentine something that will raise their eyebrows — and probably lead to a good laugh — this Harry Potter collection of lingerie is just the thing.

Brave Magical Student Fantasy Lingerie Costume, $43, Yandy

A Literary Candle

This delicious candle will spice up any space with the scent of books.

Enchanted Library Jam Jar Candle, $18, Etsy

Library Neck Tie

This library du date necktie is a stylish accessory that will make any book nerd's wardrobe complete.

Library Neck Tie, $45+, Etsy

Poem in a Bottle Necklace

Writing poetry is a time-honored Valentine's tradition. But if you're not a writer, you can recreate the effect with this necklace that contains a few lines by e.e. cummings:

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)

Message in a Bottle Necklace, $37, Etsy