Being a librarian at an independent school near Capitol Hill is great for many reasons, but one that might not come to mind immediately is its proximity to the Library of Congress and its fantastic gift shop. It’s a mere 8 minute walk away. The shop carries myriad fun bookish items that would make excellent holiday gifts for the readers in your life.
For those of you who live in the District, I strongly urge you to check out the shop in person, but if you aren’t near the DC area, the Library Gift Shop website is chock full of the brick and mortar store’s offerings.
Here are 10 of my favorites gifts:
Portable Book Lamp
This rechargeable lamp is not only beautiful (the cover comes in either a maple or walnut finish) but is very useful as well. The lamp’s LED-lit Tykvek pages are 500 lumens bright and are rechargeable.
Jane Austen Coloring Book
A classy adult coloring book about one of our most beloved authors of all time? Sounds good to me!
‘I Cannot Live Without Books’ Infiniti Scarf
$39.96
This is one of Thomas Jefferson’s best quotes, so why not where it around your neck along with the rest of the text of his 1815 letter to John Adams?
Open Book Dinnerware
$8.96
Eating and reading are two of the greatest joys in the world. Combining them into adorable dinnerware seems like the appropriate thing to do.
Pride and Prejudice Letter T-shirt
$22.36
Another Jane Austen gift! There are lots P&P shirts out there, but the fact this one is in Miss Jane’s handwriting makes it extra unique.
Bibliophilia Postcards
$19.99
Simple and gorgeous, these postcards will also edify you with the wise words of the world’s best authors.
Cat on Books Snow Globe
$39.96
The real selling point for this one is that one of the books the cat is lounging on is The Great Catsby. How can you pass up such a fabulously cheesy pun???
French Cookbook Bird House
$96.00
I’m not sure how useful this would be as a functioning bird house, but it sure is cute.
$Literary Temporary Tattoos
$10.00
Cover yourself in quotes from Hamlet, Sherlock Holmes, and Pride and Prejudice. If you’re wondering if these tattoos are a purchase that should be or not to be, I’d definitely say “TO BE!”
Ada Twist Scientist Plush Doll
$20.00
If you haven’t read Ada Twist Scientist, by Andrea Beaty, you are doing yourself a disservice. Check it out at your library or bookstore today. Not only is Ada adorable, she is a kick-butt, intelligent symbol of feminism that nobody could quibble with.
Purchase these gifts online at Library of Congress Shop. Hurry up and take advantage of the Cyber Monday specials!
Or check out my Bookish Holiday Gift Guide from last year. Not all the items are still available, but the guide will give you some some fun ideas.
What are your favorite bookish gifts this year? Share in the comments below!