READER GIFT GUIDE
It’s December 15th. You forgot to get your [insert random relative] a gift. They like to read and that’s literally all you know. Here is their gift guide.
As someone with a degree in Being Comfy Cozy, half of the pleasure I get from reading is from having the perfect setup. Reading a few pages on the train or in a coffee shop is one thing, but there is a formula for the ideal setup for a long-lasting book sesh. Put a few of these ideas all together along with a book from my 2023 recommendations (coming soon), tie a little bow, and you’re set with a thoughtful, useful, and customizable gift for literally anyone.
This should go without saying but no one is sponsoring this lol
#1: Something Cozy To Wear
Slippers are a non-negotiable in my house. I randomly bought this pair from Whole Foods and I have not taken them off. Reading with your toes out is a crime!
A sweet little robe can also make reading in your drafty apartment much more appetizing. This also helps me out of bed in the morning and coming home from work is a lot cozier. Grab a fluffy robe from Pottery Barn or a more breathable (and more unisex I guess but boys can wear fluffy robes too) cotton robe from Coyuchi.
POTTERY BARN ROBE
#2: Something Warm
A blanket! A soft pillow! Maybe a little plush toy! Reading is so much more enjoyable with a cute blanket. For a more expensive one, beautiful handmade blankets are all over Etsy. I’ll link one there but if you want one that’s more likely to arrive in 10 days, Quince has lovely soft blankets. You definitely can buy a cheaper throw, but for gifts that last, a blanket is likely to stay in your gift-receivers life.
#3: A Nice Candle
I don’t know anybody who would turn their nose up at a nice-smelling, nice-looking candle. Not only is it lovely for a cozy night in, your house will stop smelling like Dog and maybe you can finally bring a date over. As a solo gift it’s a bit impersonal, but combined with some of these other presents it’ll be a hit. These candles are a bit on the expensive side, but keep in mind cheaper candles (from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, etc.) can also be just as good-smelling.
#4: Something Sweet to Eat
Tea is always being consumed in my house, but hot chocolate, cookies, or some fancy candy can scratch that itch as well. For a local gift, Dandelion Chocolates in San Francisco is fancy and fun.
#5: A Nice Pen
This might sound lame, but a nice pen for annotating books goes a long way. I write in my books and then give them to friends and it creates a nice mini book club! If you’re feeling especially sweet, read the book beforehand and write a few notes in the margins! How cute is that!
#6: A Self-Care Item
The months after the holidays can be so cold and sad and drying, so consider picking up some self care essentials so your [insert relative] can be moisturized AND educated. I’ve been using a Dieux reusable eye mask to cut down on waste and the Nécessaire shower set for my pre-reading rituals.
And there you have it! My one request is that you buy as little as possible from Amazon for this! Not only is it so impersonal, good quality items like this are so worth it and so appreciated! HAPPY HOLIDAYS BOOK READERS!!!