Sometimes buying books for a book lover is harder than it seems to be. You might not be sure if they have the book, if they’ve read the book – if the book is any good or if it will just flop onto the never-ending to-be-read pile.

So instead of wondering if they prefer paperback, ebook or audio book – here are some thoughtful ideas with a bookish theme.

Lapel Pins: Ever need a little something to dress up a blazer or coat lapel and feel broaches are a tad bit overkill? These pins are available at the Library of Congress online store.

Bookplates: Do you know someone who has a cozy collection of books that is bordering on library proportions?  Do you have a friend that frequently shares books with you?  A thoughtful gift for this bookworm may be set of personalized bookplates. A set of 25 self-adhesive labels in a decorative tin costs around $15 at evermine.com. This also a great idea of teachers who have put together personal collections for their classroom.

Book subscription service: You can join subscription services for just about anything these days.   If you want to give a gift that repeats the giving either monthly or quarterly, you might want to look into a subscription.   Usually they are books and bookish items and different services offer different genres of new books hot off the press. Blitberry for example curates books by Black authors from a variety of literary genres.  This would be an ideal subscription to help get you out of a reading rut and expose yourself to new voices.

Cozy book candles: The fragrances of these candles is designed to evoke reader-nostalgia.  Perfect for the secret Santa exchange at work since almost everyone likes a new candle.

Book Goals Poster: Ever need a little obligation to finish or start a book that’s been on your list?  This quirky poster may be just thing to inspire a reluctant reader or could be just the challenge you need to read more.  This poster offers a little mystery and fun with its scratch off feature.  As you read the book you scratch off the gray-silver lottery ticket film to reveal the cover art behind it.  This is available at uncommon goods as well.