This year I treated myself to several bookish things that make every day a little cheerier. I wanted to share them with you, a fellow book lover, so you can make your days (or someone else’s) a little brighter, too. Why not surround yourself with the things you love? Books!
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Bookish Kindle Sleeve
I’m an ebook reader. I know lots of folks would rather hold a physical book, but I love the convenience of ebooks. For years, I read Kindle books on the app on my iPhone. (You can size the text however big or small you prefer.) But I bought myself a Kindle earlier this year in an effort to keep myself from falling down internet rabbit holes at bedtime (when I do most of my reading). If I read on my phone, it’s too easy to Google something and wind up watching funny cat videos for half an hour. With a Kindle, all I can do is read. After getting a Kindle, I wanted a way to keep it safe (and very visible, because I tend to lose things), so I bought a Kindle sleeve. It’s cozy and cute and comes in a wide variety of designs. It even has a pocket for extras, where I keep the charging cord.
- Buy a Kindle Sleeve on Etsy
- Buy a Kindle on Amazon
- Sign up for Kindle Unlimited (30 days free) on Amazon
Bookish Stickers and Bookmarks
There are loads of designers and artists who sell stickers and bookmarks. I bet if you visit a local arts or craft fair, you’ll find them. I fell in love with a particular designer, Tales and Pages, who makes the cutest, coziest bookish stickers and bookmarks on Etsy. Although I read ebooks, I use bookmarks for cookbooks, Murdle, and reference books. I put stickers all over the back of my Kindle, in my workspace, and on water bottles. I give away stickers and bookmarks at live events, and I send stickers and bookmarks to folks who win or order autographed copies of my books. I try to change them up as the seasons change. It’s so much fun!
Bookish Ereader Grip
I wanted an easier way to hold my Kindle. My hand are small and Kindles are wide. Plus, I’m getting old and my hand would cramp or my fingers would get stiff after reading for some time. Enter an ereader grip! Or, a custom Pop Socket. You’ve probably seen Pop Sockets on the back of cellphones. You can use them on ereaders and tablets, too. I ordered a custom one with something bookish on it, but they come in all kinds of designs.
Bookish Coasters
There’s no easier way to add whimsy to your decor than with coasters. They’re functional and fun. I chose to order upcycled coasters because I’m in love with the idea of turning old books into other things. (I used to have a blank notebook with an old Nancy Drew cover that I loved almost more than my family. Keep that to yourself.) I ordered these Charlotte’s Web coasters because that was the first book I can remember being obsessed with. I read it thirteen times. I tear up just thinking about that book!
Bookish Mousepad
For years and years, I had a Maurader’s Map mousepad. It was looking pretty ragged, so I just bought a new mousepad. Why not make it bookish? (I am an author, after all.) My teenage daughter made an L with her fingers (for “loser” or “lame,” take your pick) when she saw it, but I love it. It’s cozy and sweet and even has my name on it. Bonus? It already looks like I spilled coffee on it, which is bound to happen eventually.
Bookish Advent Calendar
This year, everyone in my family has their own advent calendar. I’ve always loved advent calendars. When my kids were little, I planned a different Christmas-y activity or project for each day, rather than giving out candy. Now that they’re grown, who knows if I’ll even see them that day, let alone have them participate in a planned activity? It all started because I kept seeing ads on Instagram for the Wooble advent calendar (they sell crochet kits). My daughter is in her crochet era, so I had to get it for her. That meant everyone else needed a personal advent calendar. My husband will have a puzzle advent calendar. I bought myself a hot cocoa advent calendar. (It’s only twelve days, but I’m going to do every other day so it will last the month.) As for my son, he’s tricky to buy for, let alone choose an advent calendar. So, I bought an empty wooden one and I’m filling it with little things from Five Below, the Dollar Tree, and bigger things I order online, like gift certificates. It’s taxing my gift-giving creativity, I tell ya.
All that to say, if you’re looking for a bookish advent calendar, this one is perfect. The only reason I didn’t buy it for myself is because I already have so many stickers and bookmarks, I didn’t want more. And I like consumable things.
- Buy Book Lovers Advent Calendar on Amazon
- Buy Puzzle Advent Calendar on Amazon
- Buy Hot Cocoa Advent Calendar on Amazon
- Buy Wooden Advent Calendar on Amazon
- Buy Woobles on Amazon
Ultimate Reading Challenge
Do you ever participate in reading challenges? I’ve joined a few on Instagram. For instance, for November, I’ve had to read a book by a BIPOC author, a memoir, a book from my backlog, a book published in November, etc. If you’re a voracious reader who’s stuck in a rut, or you just want to be adventurous, this reading challenge is perfect for you. I discovered it while I was searching for gifts for book lovers. (Ahem.) The best part is not only do you get prompted what kind of book to read, you get a prize, too! Great for you or someone on your gift list.
These are a few of my favorite bookish things. I hope you’ve found something to inspire you to make your life a little more bookish, a little happier. Got a suggestion? Email me!