Got a book lover in your life? You know the type: they always have their nose in a novel, they smell the pages of old hardcovers, and they firmly believe that “just one more chapter” is a valid reason to stay up until 3 AM. If you are looking to surprise them, try out these cute and easy-to-make DIY gifts for book lovers that are sure to make them jump with happiness!
Book lovers are a special breed. In an age where smartphones and streaming services are taking over, the dedicated reader is a gem worth cherishing. Their love for literature is evident in the way they carry paperbacks like security blankets. So, what better way to encourage this passion than by gifting them something thoughtful, handmade, and undeniably bookish?
While bookmarks are the standard go-to gift, we are going to think a little more out of the box today. We have curated a list of 10 absolutely unique DIY gifts that you can craft at home. From jewelry to home decor, these ideas go beyond the ordinary.
1. Miniature Stacked Book Necklace
For the book lover who keeps their stories close to their heart—literally—this necklace is a winner. It is a whimsical piece of jewelry that showcases a tiny stack of novels.
Why They Will Love It: It is a subtle way for them to wear their identity. Whether they are at work or a party, this accessory signals to the world, “I am a reader.”
How to Make It:
- Materials: Polymer clay (white for pages, various colors for covers), eye pins, a necklace chain, and glaze.
- The Process: Roll out thin sheets of colored clay for the covers and small blocks of white clay for the pages. Stack them to look like 2 or 3 tiny books sitting on top of each other. Insert an eye pin through the top, bake according to the clay package instructions, and glaze for a shiny finish. Thread it onto a chain, and you have a literary masterpiece!
2. The “Go Away, I’m Reading” Canvas Tote
No bibliophile goes anywhere without a backup book (or three). They need a sturdy bag to haul their library finds, and a custom tote is the perfect solution.
Why They Will Love It: It is practical and sassy. A canvas tote is durable enough for heavy hardcovers, and a personalized quote adds a touch of humor.
How to Make It:
- Materials: A plain canvas tote bag, fabric markers, or iron-on transfer paper.
- The Process: You can use a stencil to paint a witty quote like “So Many Books, So Little Time” or “Book Trove” onto the bag. If you aren’t confident in your painting skills, design a graphic on your computer, print it onto iron-on transfer paper, and press it onto the tote.
3. Personalized Typographic Bookends
Books don’t just illuminate the mind; they can also brighten up the home. However, keeping them upright is always a struggle. These personalized bookends are both functional and decorative.
Why They Will Love It: It adds a sophisticated touch to their bookshelf and helps organize their overflowing collection.
How to Make It:
- Materials: Wooden block letters (perhaps the recipient’s initials), wooden rectangular bases, strong wood glue, and spray paint.
- The Process: Glue the wooden letter to the wooden base to form an “L” shape. Once dry, spray paint the entire structure in a color that matches their room decor—gold, matte black, or vintage teal look fantastic.
4. Upcycled Book Photo Frames
Do you have a friend who loves the vintage aesthetic? Transform an old, damaged book into a stunning photo frame. (Note: Please use books that are already falling apart or are mass-market copies to avoid destroying rare editions!)
Why They Will Love It: It combines their love for reading with their favorite memories. It looks incredibly elegant on a nightstand.
How to Make It:
- Materials: A hardcover book (thrifted), a utility knife, and a photograph.
- The Process: Open the front cover. Using a utility knife, carefully cut a rectangular window out of the front cover. Tape a photo on the inside of the cover so it shows through the window. You can leave the book as is, or glue the pages together to make it a solid block.
5. DIY “Old Book Smell” Soy Candle
Ask any reader what their favorite scent is, and they will likely say “old library.” You can recreate this cozy atmosphere with a handmade candle.
Why They Will Love It: It creates the perfect immersive environment for a reading session on a rainy day.
How to Make It:
- Materials: Soy wax flakes, a candle wick, a glass jar, and fragrance oils (Vanilla, Cedarwood, and a hint of Leather or Coffee).
- The Process: Melt the wax in a double boiler. Mix in your “bookish” scent blend. Secure the wick in the jar and pour the wax. Create a custom label that says “Sherlock’s Study” or “Jane Austen’s Garden” to make it extra special.
6. The Padded Book Sleeve
Paperback readers know the pain of tossing a book into a bag only to have the cover bent and the pages ripped. A book sleeve is a cozy sweater for their current read.
Why They Will Love It: It keeps their precious books in pristine condition while traveling.
How to Make It:
- Materials: Cotton fabric (outer and lining), fusible fleece or foam batting, and a sewing machine.
- The Process: Cut two rectangles of fabric and batting (sized slightly larger than a standard paperback). Sew them together to create a pouch, ensuring the fleece is sandwiched in between for padding. It’s a simple straight-stitch project that can be done in under an hour.
7. Hollowed-Out “Secret Safe” Book
This is a classic spy-movie trope that actually makes a fantastic gift. It’s a storage box disguised as a novel on a shelf.
Why They Will Love It: It’s a great place to hide spare cash, jewelry, or secret notes. Plus, it just feels cool to own one.
How to Make It:
- Materials: A thick hardcover book, Mod Podge (glue), and a box cutter.
- The Process: Brush Mod Podge on the outside edges of the pages to seal them together. Once dry, open the book and cut a square cavity into the center of the glued pages, leaving the borders intact. Seal the inside of the cavity with more glue.
8. Thumb Page Holder
For the reader who multitasks (reads while drinking coffee or eating), holding a book open with one hand can cause hand cramps. A wooden or resin thumb holder is a game-changer.
Why They Will Love It: It allows for comfortable one-handed reading without breaking the spine of the book.
How to Make It:
- Materials: A small piece of wood, a drill with a spade bit, and sandpaper.
- The Process: Cut a small oval shape from the wood. Drill a hole near one side that is large enough for a thumb. Sand the wood until it is buttery smooth so it doesn’t snag the paper. Stain or oil the wood for a professional finish.
9. Literary Quote Mug
What pairs better with a book than a hot cup of tea or coffee? A mug featuring a quote from their favorite author is a daily essential.
Why They Will Love It: It makes their morning routine feel literary and inspired.
How to Make It:
- Materials: A plain white ceramic mug and oil-based paint markers (Sharpies work, but paint markers last longer).
- The Process: Clean the mug with alcohol. Write a quote like “Drink Me” (Alice in Wonderland) or “I’d rather be reading” using the markers. Let it dry, then bake the mug in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes to set the paint. Hand wash only!
10. “Blind Date with a Book” Kit
This is less of a craft and more of a curation experience. It brings the mystery back to reading.
Why They Will Love It: It is exciting! They get to unwrap a book without judging it by its cover.
How to Make It:
- Materials: A book you think they will love, brown kraft paper, twine, and a black marker.
- The Process: Wrap the book completely in brown paper so the title is hidden. On the front, write the genre and 4-5 descriptive keywords (e.g., Mystery, foggy London, strong female lead, plot twist). You can tuck a packet of hot cocoa or a tea bag under the twine for a complete package.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect gift for a bookworm doesn’t mean you have to buy them a gift card to a bookstore. By putting a little time and effort into these DIY gifts for book lovers, you are showing them that you understand and support their passion.
Whether you choose to sew a book sleeve or bake a literary mug, the effort you put into making it by hand will mean more to them than any bestseller on the shelf. So, gather your supplies and get crafting—your favorite reader is going to be thrilled!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: I’m not very crafty. Which of these is the easiest? A: The Blind Date with a Book and the Literary Quote Mug are the easiest. They require very few tools and minimal artistic skill but still look amazing.
Q: Where can I find old books for crafting without ruining good ones? A: Local thrift stores, library sales, and garage sales are goldmines. Look for books that are already damaged, missing covers, or are mass-produced outdated encyclopedias.
Q: Can I sell these DIY items? A: Absolutely! Items like book sleeves, soy candles, and painted mugs are very popular on handmade marketplaces. Just ensure you aren’t using trademarked logos or copyrighted images.
