Book Riot Editors’ 25 Fall Reading Essentials Under $25

Fall is when you want to make sure your hot beverage materials are fully stocked. Since it’s low-key (high-key?) become synonymous with spooky season for me, this mug is just perfect. Plus, the image of The Reader still reading from their TBR well after they’ve become a skeleton rings true.

If you’re trying to splurge, a temperature controlled mug can keep your fall friendly drinks hot at just the right temp.

I, like many others, find myself reading in many different places, some of which aren’t the most comfortable — or are even a little too comfortable, as is the case with my bed. That’s where travel-ready pillows like this come in handy. I can find comfort in any place I choose to read, even when I’m sitting up in bed, so I don’t read myself to sleep accidentally.

My quintessential cozy fall arsenal isn’t complete without a long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt of some sort. I love shuffling through fallen leaves in one, along with some cozy, faux fur-lined shoe. This one gets bonus points for the coffee rep. Yes, I love pumpkin spice! Don’t @ me.

I am a reader who craves good ambiance. This is true whether I’m reading a heavy tome or something light. One of the things I’ve learned about myself this year is I am a better, more grounded person when I am able to engage all of my senses to start my day, which means I often light a candle as I get ready, too.

My favorite candles are many, but if pressed to choose just one for the fall, it would be PF Candle Co’s incredible Sandalwood Rose. It’s a deep but clean smell.

I live for David’s Tea’s fall collection. I usually purchase my tea locally, but their seasonal teas always end up in my cart and my rotation. Grab yourself this S’mores Chai and you will not be sad at all.

Looking for a splurge? Grab a sachet of every one of their fall teas in this sampler kit.

I know that knee-high socks or fuzzy socks are more worthy of the ‘gram than ankle high wool socks, but as a fat person, knee-highs aren’t made for me. And frankly, they’re too hot, too. I don’t like socks to begin with, so when I need them, I want something moderately warm but not overwhelming. These vintage, handmade wool socks are perfect — and there are several great patterns to choose from.

If I have one fall reading essential, it’s a cozy blanket. There’s nothing that helps me combat The Sad brought on by shorter days than curling up under a soft blanket with a good book. I have two dogs, so generally I have to get a new one every year because the constant washing has made it considerably less cozy, but it’s worth it.

TBR is Book Riot’s Tailored Book Recommendation service, where a team of Bibliologists comes up with the perfect book recommendations based on what you love (and hate) in books. I’m constantly blown away by how spot-on these recs are, and even if you already have a TBR to last a lifetime, I recommend giving it a shot. The digital only is option is $16 a quarter (you get three recommendations), or you can splurge on the hardcover option for $87.50 including shipping.

The end of summer means I’m going to be spending even more time indoors than I usually do, so I’m using this opportunity to redecorate. I love the clean and slightly magical look of floating bookshelves, plus they add book storage to any space with a little bit of empty wall. Not that I’m running out of bookshelf space, of course…

Okay, I cheated slightly because this item is technically a hair over $25 (although it’s currently on sale for $14 as I write this). Either way, I treasure the one that was gifted to me. I use this for cookbooks, because tapping my phone or tablet screen every few minutes with hands covered in oil, flour, or cookie dough just makes me so ragey. But I love it especially for regular ol’ hands-free reading — it makes it so much easier to sip and snack while I’m curled up on my couch with a book as fireplace and bookstore ASMR videos stream on my TV.

If 60% of the body is water, I would posit that mine is mostly tea. And because a big part of coziness for me is in the aesthetic, I love a beautiful glass teapot on hand when I’m setting in for a reading marathon. Use the infuser insert for loose leaf tea, or remove it for a beautiful blooming tea if you prefer. Then sit back, steep ’em, and read.

So you’ve got your big pile o’ books, your tea is steeping, the snacks have been assembled. Now all you need is a tray to put it all on. If you, like me, don’t have a bathtub (someday!) and do most of your reading on dry land, this tray table comes in clutch. Use with the foldable legs as a lap table or fold them in to lay it flat.

Whether you actually have an outdoor space to relax in or have a tiny patio-less apartment like I do, hammock reading is within reach. If you find yourself in a “treat yourself” kind of mood, this would make a lovely addition to your reading oasis, indoors or out.

Yes, a soft blanket is essential for fall reading. But this year, I also plan on treating myself to a weighted blanket, which sounds like the most calming and relaxing prospect. I just want to be crushed under coziness.

If there’s one thing that ruins a good reading session, it’s someone else’s noise. So even though these noise cancelling headphones are way over $25, they may change your reading life. Now, no one can interrupt your reading unless they actually pull the book out of your hands! These are the best noise cancelling headphones according to Tech Radar, but there are other options starting at $35.