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5 Thoughtful Gifts for Moms Who Love to Read

May 2, 2025

Well, it is Mother’s Day pretty soon here in the US, so here is a list of thoughtful gifts for bookish moms -aka – who love to read that will show her you put some thought and extra effort into the gift!

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Thoughtful Gifts for Bookish Moms

To Start Off

Note that you can also get a bookish gift set including an indulgent array of items like this one, to add on to any of these items below.

📦 “Open When” Letters with a Bookish Twist

For a gift that will keep giving long after the occasion has passed, write a series of personalized “Open When…” letters and pair them with a poem, a short story, or a book. Here is how you could do it.

Choose 8–10 envelopes and label with prompts like “Open When You Need a Laugh” or “Open When You Miss Me.” Inside each, include a short handwritten note with a personal message, a book recommendation (or a quote from it), and maybe a small surprise like a tea bag, bookmark, or photo. Include the books themselves—either physical copies in the box, or instructions of how to access them – like for digital versions and audiobooks.

Bundle everything in a pretty gift box or book tote or a basket she can use, tying the envelopes with ribbon for a charming touch. You can add cozy extras like a candle, chocolate, or a master card titled “A Gift for Every Mood” listing all the prompts. Now mom can escape into a story whenever she needs it and for all her feels!

Examples: For “Open When You…

  • Need a Laugh” – Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris or an Erma Bombeck book.
  • Want to Escape”— The Paris Library or The Night Circus
  • Feel Like Crying”— Room by Emma Donoghue or A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

🛋️ A Comfy Reading Pillow or Lap Desk

Upgrade your mom’s reading nook with a supportive reading pillow or a lap desk that can hold her book comfortably while providing support. Definitely makes for a gift that goes beyond reading, while making reading a truly relaxing escape.

🎨 Coloring Books for Bibliophiles

For the mom who enjoys both reading and creative expression, an adult coloring book themed around books or reading is the perfect gift. You can look for ones that feature classic book covers, cozy bookstores, or calming reading nooks. Pair it with high-quality colored pencils and maybe even a lap desk for ultimate comfort while coloring.

part of post thoughtful gifts for bookish moms; image has book covers

🧩 A Literary Puzzle or Game

For moms who enjoy a good challenge, a literary-themed puzzle or game will keep her entertained for hours. Look for jigsaw puzzles featuring classic book covers, famous authors, or cozy bookstores. Or, pick a word game like Bookopoly or Ex Libris that mixes fun and reading trivia. Or literary book puzzles too!

🎬 Book-to-Movie Night Bundle

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know I have created a few book-to-movie lists and/or book-vs-movie posts. And while I do believe the book is better, watching a well-made movie based on a book definitely adds to the experience! So go ahead and include a novel with its film adaptation (DVD or streaming code). Throw in some snacks and the right beverage, and you have gifted a whole experience!

Bonus

If you are ready to go the extra mile, then here are bonus ideas for you

📻 “Story Time for Mom” Custom Audio Books

Take a modern approach to storytelling with a custom audio book/letter. Record yourself (or the kids) reading stories—whether classic literature or custom short stories—and turn it into a private podcast or audio keepsake. It’s a wonderful way to offer a personal touch, and it’s perfect for listening while she unwinds.

  • Record a classic story such as Pride and Prejudice or The Secret Garden for a nostalgic touch, or select one of her favorites. If a book is too much, select a poem, short story, or an essay that she might enjoy.
  • Or create a custom story, perhaps with themes of family, love, or her favorite memories, narrated in your own voice.

🌟 “Book Dedication to Mom” Gift

For a truly sentimental and unique gift, create a personalized book just for her. Using a self-publishing platform or custom print service, compile a collection of quotes, poems, or letters that you’ve written or that are meaningful to your mom. Dedicate it to her in the front, just like in a real book. It’s an emotional and lasting tribute that she can cherish forever.

  • A short book of poems, each one dedicated to an aspect of your mom’s personality or relationship.
  • A collection of letters or memories from family members for mom.
  • Create a storybook about the adventures she’s had with her family, or the role she plays in your life.

5 More Bookish Things

Tell Me More: Stories About the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan (Women’s Biographies)

It’s a crazy idea: trying to name the phrases that make love and connection possible. But that’s just what Kelly Corrigan has set out to do here. In her New York Times bestselling memoirs, Corrigan distilled our core relationships to their essences, showcasing a warm, easy storytelling style. Now, in Tell Me More, she’s back with a deeply personal, unfailingly honest, and often hilarious examination of the essential phrases that turn the wheel of life.

(1 & 2) Book Beginnings and First Line Friday

BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY is hosted by Rose City Reader. What book are you happy about reading this week? Please share the opening sentence (or so) on BOOK BEGINNINGS ON FRIDAY! Add the link to your blog or social media post and visit other blogs to see what others are reading.

Happy Friday and welcome to the FIRST LINE FRIDAY, hosted by Reading is My Superpower! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line.

3 Friday 56

THE FRIDAY 56 is hosted by Anne at HeadFullofBooks. To play, open a book and turn to page 56 (or 56% on your e-reader). Find a sentence or two and post them, along with the book title and author. Then link up and visit others in the linky. 

4 Book Blogger Hop

The purpose of THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, and befriend other bloggers. THE BOOK BLOGGER HOP is hosted by Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer.  

What’s your typical process for writing a book review, from reading the book to publishing the review on your blog? 

I don’t think I have a process at all! First, I don’t review every book I read. Second, there are some books that will get a review longer than the book itself sometimes (or so it might seem), and others will get a one-word/one-sentence review so I can put them out there with the intention of a decent-sized one later. But as for the process, it is mostly my memory of the book, so I have to do it right after I finish reading it.

5 Other Mother’s Day Posts (Mostly Bookish!)

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read the featured book? Or any of the other listed books in the post? Which of these suggestions are you likely going to use for mother’s day or any other occasion for loved ones? Any suggestions from you? Do let me know

silhouette of a woman reading on a sunset background and pin title says 5 Thoughtful Gifts for Moms Who Love to Read

11 thoughts on “5 Thoughtful Gifts for Moms Who Love to Read”

  8. These are such thoughtful and creative suggestions. My eldest daughter would absolutely adore the book-to-movie night bundle with a cozy blanket included!

  10. A lovely list. It’s my birthday on 9 May so maybe I will say about these for then 😂 we had our Mother’s Day in March.

    I have tweaked my reviews over the past 4 years. I sort of have a rough idea of the points that I wish to include to make it easier to compare and for me to write them!

    Have a great week!

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