The holidays are here! If you’re one of my blog readers, chances are you have lots of bookish friends on your gift giving list. Here are some of my favorite finds for 2021 that could help
Bookish fun for kids
This Lego Bookshop is the best thing ever for your book nerd / Lego fanatics. It’s 2,500 pieces of book joy. The box says for people 16 and older, but it looks like a perfect parent/kid project, too.
Rechargeable reading light
For the late night reader in your life, you just can’t have enough of these* in the house. I try to keep one in everyone’s nightstand, even for guests. For another option, try the lights from Mighty Bright, which are rechargeable, too.
Bookish t-shirts
I have a whole collection of bookish clothes, but t-shirts have become my pandemic wardrobe go-to. Etsy has great options, like the one pictured below, but you can also look to Out of Print for t-shirts and so many other book-ish delights.

Bookish t-shirts
Goldbelly gift certificate:
My friend, Lamar, turned me on to Goldbelly. It’s how I ate a lobster roll last summer and how I got through hard times, when cooking to feed myself seemed overwhelming. A gift certificate here gives both help or, in happy times, a reason for a culinary splurge!
Moveable table for working/snacking*
Every place in my house is now an office, so why not make moving this around a little easier? I bought this for Javier, and he swears by it.
Gift certificates to bookstores
This makes a lovely gift for writers who are always reading. It’s also a great way to help bookstores who’ve helped authors, especially during the last couple of years. Here is a list of either local Richmond bookstores or stores where I have recently made an appearance:
- bbgb books
- Fountain Bookstore
- Chop Suey Books
- Anderson’s Bookshops
- Loyalty Bookstores
- Books of Wonder
Literary soap:
I couldn’t resist these soapy babies.
Pillows:
“Some of my best friends are fictional” pillow. Truer words were never spoken!
Physical and mental care
Deadlines are murder on the body. Try this roller for your tired wrists and fingers. Or, if you’ve turned to yoga to help soothe your body, try this bolster and a nice spray cleaner* for yoga mats.
Aromatherapy might be your thing. Because we simply can’t have enough ways* to relax our minds and bodies…
Diverse holiday books for kids
December is full of holidays around the world, and it’s a beautiful time to help your children learn all about them. Here are a few stand-outs.
- Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths and illustrated by Parwinder Singh, published by Charlesbridge
- Carla and the Christmas Cornbread by Carla Hall and illustrated by Cherise Harris, published by Simon & Schuster
- May Your Life Be Deliciosa by Michael Genhart and illustrated by Loris Lora, published by Abrams Books
- New Year by Mei Zihan and illustrated by Qin Leng with translation by Yan Yan, published by Greystone Books
- The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi and illustrated by Loveis Wise, published by HarperCollins
- The Real Santa by Nancy Redd and illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow, published by Penguin Random House
- Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, published by Levine Querido
- Santa in the City by Tiffany Jackson and illustrated by Reggie Brown, published by Penguin Random House
Meg’s books!
Library stamps
Manage your home library – or help someone else – with this pretty stamp.
The gift of giving
Check out The Rabbit Hole, a children’s literature museum opening in Kansas City in 2022. Their mission is to create a living culture around literature, accessible to all, that will nourish, empower, and inspire the reading lives of children and adults. They have a lovely shop which includes ways to give gifts in honor of a friend or loved one.
*Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you use them to make a purchase I will earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I post them for your convenience and hope you will make your purchases where you are most comfortable.
Meg!
I love your gift lists. Send funds!
LOL
I’m looking forward to NCTE virtual, starting Thursday, and I only wish we could be in person again. I miss ALL my bookish friends!
I hope you enjoy the entire holiday season. Best to you and yours,
Jennifer Sniadecki
Meg, what a lovely list – and what an honor to have RED AND GREEN AND BLUE AND WHITE be part of it. Grateful this book about spreading light is spreading its light… Thank you! Stay safe,
Hi, Meg:
Thank you for sharing MAY YOUR LIFE BE DELICIOSA among these other wonderful picture books. It’s an honor to be in such company – and to see our book (illustrated by the very talented Loris Lora) make it onto your list!! A story about family, tradition, and storytelling.
Enjoy your holidays!
Muchisimas gracias – Michael Genhart