I’ve unboxed, reviewed, and lived with basically every e-reader on the market at this point, so when people ask me what to get the reader in their life, I actually have an answer – and it’s usually not “a book.” Books are personal. You never know if they already own it, already hate the author, or are three books into a different series entirely. Accessories are the safer bet, and the good ones actually get used. Here’s everything I’d put on a list this year, organized by exactly who you’re shopping for.
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If They Don’t Have an E-Reader Yet
Start here if the reader in your life is still reading on their phone (no judgment, we’ve all been there). I’ve tested Kindle against Kobo more times than I can count, and the honest answer is: it depends on what they actually read.
[VIDEO: Should You Ditch Kindle for Kobo? Honest Pros & Cons!]
For a faster breakdown of exactly how to choose, I also walk through it here:
For the Kindle & Kobo Reader (Accessories)
Already have a device? These are the upgrades actually worth giving.
Magnetic detachable case – screen protection with a magnetic back, so they can go minimal for travel or full-cover at home.
Bluetooth/RF page turner remote – hands-free page turning that works across Kindle Paperwhite, Oasis, Scribe, Colorsoft, and Kobo. Genuinely viral for a reason.
[SHOP THE POST: For the Kindle & Kobo Reader]
For the Book Journaler / Annotator
If they’re the type to have opinions about pen bleed-through, this is their gift category.
Mr. Pen Annotation Essentials Kit – made in collaboration with an actual book annotator, not a generic office supply kit. Highlighters, sticky notes, an annotation key bookmark, all in one.
Clever Fox Reading Journal – a guided review log and tracker, not just a blank notebook. Structured prompts for rating, reviewing, and tracking what they’ve read.
[SHOP THE POST: For the Book Journaler / Annotator]
Cozy Reading Environment
This is the “set the scene” category – less about the book itself, more about making reading time feel like a whole event.
Glocusent neck reading light – the single most-mentioned reading gadget across every gift guide I researched. Wearable, hands-free, won’t disturb a sleeping partner.
Bedsure GentleSoft throw blanket – the obvious pick, and always the right one.
Novel Teas book lover’s tea sampler – 25 teabags individually tagged with literary quotes. Pairs perfectly with a reading ritual.
A reading cart – if you really want to spoil them, a rolling cart turns their book pile, journal, and candle into an actual little station. I found three, at three different price points:
– Budget: Amazon Basics 3-Tier Rolling Cart – no-frills, three open bins on wheels.
– Mid: LEHOM 3-Tier Rolling Cart – a step up in style, decorative woven-basket look with hanging cups and hooks.
– Premium: YASONIC 3-Tier Rolling Cart – the polished pick, with the smoothest, most “home decor account” finish of the three.
[SHOP THE POST: Cozy Reading Environment]
Stocking Stuffers Under $25
Small, cheap, and actually useful – exactly what a stocking stuffer should be.
Mr. Pen magnetic bookmarks (12-pack) – the kind of stocking stuffer that actually gets used.
Bookish reading candle – book-themed scent names are everywhere in gift guides this year for a reason.
Acrylic bookends (4-pack) – decor and function in one.
Thumb book page holder – small, cheap, and surprisingly popular. Holds pages open for one-handed reading.
Canvas book sleeve with zipper – protects a book in transit, doubles as a small pouch.
[SHOP THE POST: Stocking Stuffers Under $25]
For the Indecisive Shopper
Don’t know the reader in your life all that well? This is the “can’t go wrong” option – a full gift box with a candle, bookmark, mug, tote, and more, all in one.
[SHOP THE POST: For the Indecisive Shopper]
For the Reader Who Travels
If you’re shopping for someone who reads on the go, I put together a full packing guide with everything from the bag itself to what’s actually inside it – check that out here: https://abbisdigitalnook.com/what-i-actually-pack-for-a-bookish-trip-e-reader-tote-travel-essentials/
Shop My Amazon Storefront
Everything mentioned across this whole guide (plus more of my favorites) lives in my Amazon storefront:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbicreates
If this helped you check someone off your list, give the video a thumbs up and subscribe to Abbi’s Digital Nook on YouTube for more bookish, tech, and gift-guide content. See you in the next one!
