Gifts for Your Bookish Valentine (Especially If It’s You)

Like a lot of people, I was not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day growing up. I never had any kind of secret admirer, and nothing ever worked out like it did in the young adult romances I consumed. To be fair, most teenage boys could never live up to my beloved Michael Moscovitz, am I right?

As an adult, I’ve come around to Valentine’s Day for a variety of reasons and not only because it has improved from when I was one of the kids not being sent a dyed carnation in the 7th grade. Seriously, whose brilliant idea was that fundraiser? (In retrospect, that was one of my most memorable Valentine’s Days because my mother ended up getting me Truly, Madly, Deeply on DVD, which was better than anything my fellow young teens could have offered me anyway.) Nowadays, I enjoy celebrating the love I have for my partner, my kid, and my friends in a variety of ways. No one gets to tell me that all of those loves aren’t equally important and worth celebrating.

I have scoured Etsy for the most fun, sparkly, and bookish gifts for your book-loving Valentine, Galentine, or any other special person in your life. Even—or especially—if you’re your own special person this year.  

This sticker will proudly adorn your laptop or water bottle and proclaim your true Valentine: your TBR pile. $2+

If your beloved or BFF is both cute and a little bit creepy, this sweatshirt is perfect for them. $18+

Your bookish partner would probably love to celebrate your one-of-a-kind love story with a custom comic book. $30+

Make sure everyone knows exactly where you stand with this striking and specific conversation heart T-shirt. $17+

This personalized children’s book will remind the kids in your life all year round that they are loved for who they are. $27

Know your BFF’s favorite romance trope(s)? There’s probably a sticker for that. $7

I can confidently say that glitter knows no age and that I would have loved this glitter bookmark as a kid exactly as much as I love it right now (and that is a whole lot). $6

I may no longer be bitter about those middle school carnations, but I am suddenly sad that no one has ever gotten me book flowers. Real flowers die, but vintage book roses are forever. $25

Your beloved will appreciate that you know them well enough to know how much they hate getting their favorite books scuffed up in their bag when you gift them this on-theme book sleeve. $25

This is the perfect mug to give the romance fan in your life. It is sturdy and ready to keep them company through many a HEA. $27

Finally, why not treat your BFF to a truly luxurious blind date with a book? $10, with more goodies included at higher price points.

– Alex Luppens-Dale