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25 Unique (But Still Easy!) DIY Gifts For Book Lovers

Corin Balkovek

Staff Writer

As a child, Corin tried to find ways to look busy when she was actually reading a book. She still does that, but as a librarian, she has more luck pulling it off.

Finding the right gift for the holidays can be tough. You want it to be something they will actually like and use. You want it to be meaningful (i.e. no gift cards). But, you also don’t want to break the bank. And even though it seems like finding the right gift for a reader should be easy (“Books, duh.”), it can actually be really tough! You don’t know what they have already read, what is sitting in the TBR pile on their nightstand, which authors they love and which they hate with the fire of a thousand suns. What is a gift-giver to do?

Well, luckily, the internet is just chock-full of creative ideas for homemade gifts and many would be the perfect thing to bring a little cheer to the readers in your life during this holiday season. From stocking stuffers to keepsakes, we’ve got a list of DIY gifts for book lovers that will bring a smile to your loved one’s face!

Bookmarks

Bookmarks are great stocking stuffers, easy and quick to make, and you ALWAYS need one!

Button Bookmarks

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These button bookmarks couldn’t be easier: just some cute buttons, large paper clips, and a hot glue gun!

Ribbon Bookmark:

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If you want to take those buttons to the next level (homemade bookmark-wise), these ribbon bookmarks are adorable.

Magnetic Ribbon Bookmark

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If you like your ribbon to have a little more staying power, try out these magnetic ribbon bookmarks.

Embroidered Book Bookmark

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Practice your embroidering skills and make this cute lil’ guy for a friend (or yourself)

Tassel Bookmark

 

Have a lot of embroidery thread left over? These tassel bookmarks are a great way to use up that stash and mark your books in style.

Crochet Pen-Holder Bookmark

Do you have a reader on your list that loves to annotate and take notes? This crocheted bookmark is a two-for-one gift: a bookmark AND a pen holder.

Wood Bookmark

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If your crafting style skews more toward the Ron Swanson–esque side of woodworking, these thin wood bookmarks might be right up your alley.

Journals

Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. Whether they want to pen their own masterpiece, to jot down notes, or just keep track of what they’ve read and what they want to read, the writerish reader on your list will love any of these easy DIY gifts for book lovers.

Felt Journal Cover

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With a little bit of felt, some embroidery floss, and a hint of creativity, you can turn a regular ol’ composition book into a one-of-a-kind, personalized journal (with a pocket!).

Embroidered Journals

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This is a great way to snazz up pre-made journals and turn them into unique presents.

Cross stitch Journal

 

If cross stitching is your thing, let this journal be your canvas (literally) and add a special message to your loved one’s gift.

Hardbound Book

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Take your DIY skills up a notch and make your own hardbound book. How can that not wow and amaze whoever receives it?

Bookbinding Kit

 

These kits will teach you the art of bookbinding, leaving you with a beautiful handmade piece to give away (or keep).

Kindle/Ereaders

Just because your tech-loving friends and family prefer using a ereader doesn’t mean they need to miss out receiving lovely DIY bookish gifts!

Tablet Case

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Help protect a tablet with this super cute felt cover!

Tablet Stand/Lap Pillow

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Help free up the hands of your ereading loved ones with one of these cute (and squishy) stands.

 

Hardback Tablet Cover

Why not be super meta and use an old hardcover book to make a cover for an ereader. (#bookception)

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Book – Creative Reuse

Sometimes the coolest gifts can be made with items you have lying around your house. Breathe a new life into old books with these creative reuse gifts!

Succulent Planter

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Succulents are Having a Moment right now. Make your trendy present unique by creating a planter out of an old book.

Keepsake Box

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Make a special box to keep special treasures with this upgraded hollow-book idea.

Book Clutch Purse

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Give someone special in your life an EXTRA special accessory out of their favorite book.

For Kids

Help your littlest loved ones celebrate the holidays AND their love of reading!

Pocket Pillow

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Sew these up, tuck a book into the pocket, and give the little ones (or the grown-ups) a cozy reading experience on the go.

Harry Potter Baby Activity Cube

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If you want to get the babies in your life on the Harry Potter train early in life, these cute fabric cubes will do the trick.

Fabric Quiet Books

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Not gonna lie, these are not beginner-level projects. But if you feel comfortable with your sewing abilities or are up for a challenge, these tutorials will walk you through creating a variety of pages for a quiet book for babies, which helps develop their motor skills.

Accessories

Give the gift that says, “Yes, I am all about that Book Life.”

Quote Scarf

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If your loved one has a favorite quote, follow this easy tutorial to turn it into their new favorite accessory.

Ugly Christmas Sweater for Your Book

 

Why should your books miss out on all the Ugly Sweater Parties? Deck them out with one of these.

Fair Isle Knitted Book Cover

 

Or, if you just want a book to be cozy, this knit book cover will be right up your alley.

Composition Book Crochet Throw

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Get snuggly, get nerdy.


Looking for more bookish gift ideas? Check out these posts:

5 Cheap (or Free) Last Minute Homemade Bookish Gifts 

30 Easy to Advanced DIY Crafts with Old Books You Can Do