Gifts for Book Lovers

The Paperwhite has a glare-free screen that reads like paper, adjustable warm light for bedtime, weeks of battery life and waterproofing for bath and beach reading. For people who read several books a month, it can pay for itself through cheaper e-books and free library loans via Libby.

Worth knowing: Some readers simply prefer paper. If they're devoted to physical books, choose something else. The cheaper version shows ads on the lock screen.

This wearable light drapes around the neck and puts warm, adjustable light right on the page without waking a partner. It's rechargeable and works for knitting and other close-up hobbies too.

Worth knowing: It's not useful with a backlit e-reader, and some people find wearing it takes a night or two to get used to.

A backrest pillow with arms turns any bed into a reading chair and saves a stack of regular pillows from being propped up all night. The shredded foam can be fluffed to adjust firmness.

Worth knowing: It's bulky and may arrive vacuum-packed and need a day to fully expand. The cover can feel warm for some sleepers.

These hide behind the bottom book so a stack appears to float on the wall, which is a delightful trick for showcasing a few beloved hardcovers. A set of three creates an instant reading-nook feature wall.

Worth knowing: Each shelf holds a limited weight and must be mounted into a stud or with proper anchors. Renters should check their lease.

A custom embosser presses a raised 'From the library of...' seal onto title pages, and it feels like an old-library ritual every time they buy a new book. It's personal, practical and very hard for them to already own.

Worth knowing: It's custom-made, so order early in December and double-check spelling before submitting. Designs and quality vary by seller, so read the reviews closely.

This hefty, opinionated guide covers classics, genre fiction, children's books and nonfiction, with a short essay on each, so it doubles as both a reading list and a pleasure to browse. Readers enjoy ticking off the ones they've read.

Worth knowing: It's big and heavy, best for the shelf rather than a bag. Lists are inevitably subjective, which is half the fun.

Orlean weaves the true story of the 1986 Los Angeles Central Library fire into a love letter to libraries and the people who run them. It's a book about why books matter, which makes it a natural gift for anyone who loves them.

Worth knowing: It's nonfiction that wanders through history and memoir; readers who want a plot-driven story may find it slow.

Mildliners come in soft, muted colors that don't glare on the page, and their chisel and fine tips make color-coded annotation a joy. Book-annotating communities rave about them.

Worth knowing: Even mild highlighters can bleed through thin Bible or onion-skin paper. Test on a back page first.

These thin metal clips slide onto a page and point to the exact line they loved, without damaging the book. They're tiny, elegant and a lovely small add-on to any bookish gift.

Worth knowing: They're small and easy to lose, and they add a little thickness if a reader uses dozens in one book.

A dedicated reading journal gives readers a place to rate books, save quotes and track their year, which many find more satisfying than an app. It turns a year of reading into a keepsake.

Worth knowing: Layouts vary widely between journals, so look at the sample pages before choosing. Some readers prefer digital tracking.

Puzzles illustrated with packed library shelves are a favorite crossover gift for readers, and spotting the book spines is part of the fun. It's a good winter-break project for the whole household.

Worth knowing: Many of these designs share large areas of similar color, which makes them harder than they look. Choose a reputable puzzle brand for well-cut pieces.

Literary socks are a small, fun way to signal a love of reading, and banned-books designs are a long-running favorite among librarians and teachers. They're inexpensive and easy to pair with a book.

Worth knowing: Socks are a light gift on their own, so they work best as a stocking stuffer or add-on.

Book-scented candles (think paper, leather and a little vanilla) are a cult favorite in reading communities, and they set the mood for a long reading session. It's an easy, atmospheric gift that pairs with any book.

Worth knowing: Scent is personal and these vary a lot between makers, so read the scent notes and reviews. Never leave a candle burning while dozing off mid-chapter.