Books
As the holiday season rolls in, it's time to start one of the best holiday traditions: Secret Santa gift exchanges. Secret Santa is one of those traditions that, for me, really make the holiday season sparkle. It's so much fun to give and get little surprises from someone you don't expect. It's also an excellent way for communities to come together and celebrate each other, as well as a nice reminder that we're all looking out for each other.
Whether you're playing Secret Santa with your coworkers, your family, or your classmates, sometimes finding a good Secret Santa gift can be a real challenge. Often you're buying for someone you don't know very well — and there's a price limit. But don't panic! If you're shopping for a book-lover, there are tons of adorable, affordable options to choose from — online and in bookstores throughout the country.
Below, find 19 incredible ideas for Secret Santa gifts for readers and book-lovers. All of these gifts are under $20 (with many under $10), so you can stay within the price limit without breaking a sweat. Each one of these fantastic items is sure to be a home-run for any book-lover you're shopping for:
John Keats Mug
John Keats "Splendor" Mug, $16, Obvious State
You can never go wrong with a beautiful mug — especially one inspired by John Keats.
Tequila Mockingbird Kit
Tequila Mockingbird Kit, $10, Barnes & Noble
Whip up some creative cocktails with a literary twist with this set, which includes a bartender's jigger, two cocktail stirring sticks, and literary drink recipes from Tequila Mockingbird by Tim Federle.
Harry Potter Christmas Ornaments
Harry Potter Christmas Ornaments, $8, ThinkGeek
Wish your recipient A Very Harry Christmas! These ornaments come in the shapes of your favorite Harry Potter characters. Choose from Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hedwig, or even Dobby.
'Game of Thrones' House Sigil Cookie Cutters
Game of Thrones House Sigil Cookie Cutters, $15, ThinkGeek
The best part of the holiday season is obviously cookies, and these cookie cutters will floor any Game of Thrones fan. They can declare their house pride, or delight in devouring their enemy houses.
'There Is No Place Like Home: Literary Tattoos'
There's No Place Like Home Literary Tattoos, $13, Chronicle Books
Inspired by children's literature, each one of these temporary literary tattoos will make any book-lover swoon with joy.
Library Card Socks
Library Card Socks, $10, Out of Print
Check out (get it?) these cozy socks, made to look exactly like an old-fashioned library card.
Punk Rock Authors Coaster Set
Punk Rock Authors Coaster Set, $18, Out of Print
Illustrator Wendy MacNaughton designed these wicked cool coasters, each of which depicts the "punk" version of a famous author, including Henry David Thoreau, Jane Austen, Emily Dickinson and Franz Kafka.
Bookstore Cat Enamel Pin
Bookstore Cat Enamel Pin, $10, Out of Print
Books and cats are meant to go together, right? This adorable enamel pin will make a cute addition to any reader's wardrobe.
'Color Me Jane: A Jane Austen Coloring Book'
Color Me Jane, $13, ThinkGeek
Zen comes to Pemberley in this gorgeous coloring book. This is the perfect gift for the book-lover who needs a little R&R.
Literary Puns Mug
Literary Pun Mug, $10, Changing Hands Bookstore
Who can resist a good literary pun? This original mug from Arizona indie bookstore Changing Hands will delight any witty reader.
'Things Are What You Make of Them' by Adam J. Kurtz
Things Are What You Make Of Them by Adam J. Kurtz, $11, Amazon
This handy new book from artist and author Adam J. Kurtz is the perfect gift for any creative. Each page is perforated and features a unique piece of inspiration — so you can tear them out and paste them all over your wall or vision board.
Rory's Story Cubes Game Set
Rory's Story Cubes, $12, Story Cubes
Story cubes are a super fun way to let your imagination come alive! Just give them a roll to generate ideas galore.
"When In Doubt, Go To The Library" Pouch
When In Doubt Pouch, $12, BookRiot
This A+ quote from Hermione Granger makes the perfect little puch. Fill it with chocolates and other surprises to make the perfect present!
Book Buds Twin Pin Set
Book Buds Twin Pin Set, $15, Chronicle Books
An adorable literary pin set to help your bookworm to adorn. Can it get any cuter than this?
"Hot Dudes Reading" 2018 Calendar
Hot Dudes Reading 2018 Wall Calendar, $15, Chronicle Books
Based on the Instagram account of the same day, this calendar delivers a plethora of pictures of, well, exactly what it's name entails: hot dudes reading. This will make any dude-loving bookworm swoon!
Bibliophilia Postcard Set
Bibliophile Postcard Set, $20, Obvious State
This 50-card set is an exquisite present for the reader who also loves to keep in touch with all her friends around the world.
Punderdome
Punderdome, $17, Amazon
Give the gift of puns with this game/conversation starter that any wordsmith will appreciate.
Books Are Magic Pin
Books are Magic Pin, $10, Books Are Magic
You don't need to live in Brooklyn to enjoy the wonder of Books are Magic bookstore. They sell these adorable pins online, so you can share the magic wherever you go! They're only $10, so you can get two!
"Make America Read Again" Tote Bag
Make America Read Again Tote, $20, Strand Bookstore
For the reader who resists.
