Sustainable Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
For the bibliophile or voracious reader in your life, finding an eco-friendly gift that celebrates their passion for literature is a delightful challenge.
Traditional book-related gifts like new novels or e-readers have environmental impacts to consider. But with a bit of creativity, you can thrill any book lover with sustainable reading accessories, upcycled decor, memberships and ethically-sourced tomes that minimize waste.
By discovering the many unique, eco-conscious options, you can encourage their love of the written word while upholding green principles.
Recycled Book Art and Decor
For a unique and meaningful gift, seek out artists and creators transforming old, discarded books into stylish yet sustainable home décor. From sculptural desk accessories to pillows and lampshades, upcycled book art allows pages and covers to live on in beautiful, purposeful ways beyond their literary lifespan. Some ideas to delight bibliophiles include:
• Repurposed hardcover book lamps and light fixtures
• Stone House Decorative Book Bundles wrapped with recycled paper
• Pillows, ottomans and bookshelves built from repurposed book spines
• Ornamental BookArt bowls and trays carved from hardcover books
• The Million Books Project’s artistic objects created from discarded books
Eco-Friendly Reading Accessories
Gift the reader in your life sustainable essentials and artisan crafts to enhance their book-loving experience – without the eco guilt. From unique bookmarks and book weights to artisanal book stands and reading lights, there are many thoughtful, low-impact goods to consider:
• Bookmarks and page holders handcrafted from recycled leather, wood or metal
• Stone book weights and holders sculpted from recycled materials
• Bamboo or reclaimed wood book stands, racks and shelves
• Reading lights and eco bulbs powered by solar or rechargeable batteries
• Recycled fabric book totes, sleeves and travel cases
Ethically-Published Books
For a book lover, a thoughtfully-chosen new title can still be a treasured gift – but seek out publishers that prioritize sustainable, ethically-minded practices for a lower environmental footprint. Many esteemed publishers are now offering works printed on recycled materials or on sustainably-harvested paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Some options include:
• New releases printed on recycled paper by presses like And Other Stories and Melville House
• Independent publishers using sustainable materials like Tropic Editions, Oxygen Books and New Vessel Press
• Books available in certified renewable bamboo paper editions from brands like BamBook or OnePrint
• Classic novels, non-fiction and children’s titles printed on recycled paper stock
E-Books and Audiobooks
For bookworms trying to minimize paper waste, digital versions are an environmentally-friendly format. Preloaded e-readers, book subscriptions and audiobook credits allow seamless yet zero-waste reading and listening. Some sustainable gifting options for the eco-friendly digital reader include:
• Certified renewed or recycled tablets and e-ink readers preloaded with ebook collections
• Subscriptions to services like Scribd or Kindle Unlimited for ebook libraries
• Gift credits or pre-paid subscriptions to audiobook purveyors like Audible or Libro.fm
Recycled Book Subscriptions
Many book subscription services now offer used book exchanges or feature pre-read titles from library collections – reducing waste while letting readers discover curated titles. Consider gift subscriptions from eco-friendly book clubs and swaps like:
• Reread Redefined used book subscriptions with accompanying new releases
• Online book swapping and trading at services like PaperBackSwap
• The Wordsworth Classics Eco Book Club offering certified pre-read books
• Better World Books literary subscription boxes sourced from library discards
Artisan Crafted Bookish Goods
For distinctive, handmade gifts celebrating the reading life, shop from creators crafting goods using recycled materials, plant-based supplies and ethical production methods. Indie artisan shops offer whimsical and useful bibliophile-approved items like:
• Recycled typewriter key jewelry and accessories
• Scented soy candles housed in repurposed book tins
• Ceramic mugs, dishes and serveware with literary motifs
• Handmade paper planters, journals and notepads using recycled materials
• Eco-friendly bookshelves and furniture crafted from reclaimed wood
Book Lover’s Memberships
For the gift of an ongoing literary experience, memberships and passes offer book lovers year-round access to sustainable reading:
• Book lending library memberships to reduce consumption
• Entry to regional book fairs and festivals
• Literary podcast, ebook or audiobook subscription services
• Memberships to book clubs, writing workshops or author talks
With some conscious searching, you can absolutely delight any book enthusiast with eco-friendly yet thoughtful gifts. From recycled book art to renewably-published titles or sustainable e-reader devices, many wonderful options allow honoring a love of reading while still reducing environmental impact.