One of the first questions you want to ask (and sleuth out if you don’t know) is whether your reader likes the traditional hardcover or paperback books — or prefers reading e-books on a tablet.

Can you pinpoint your reader’s favorite genre of book? If not, sleuth around to find out whether you should be shopping in nonfiction memoirs or fiction mysteries. A great place to start is checking your reader’s bookshelf. See if you can find their Amazon wishlist, or ask your reader’s spouse about what’s bookmarked on the nightstand.

Is your reader a generous soul when it comes to lending out good books to friends? Then think on gifts to help keep track of the back-and-forth of books (like personalized bookplates), so borrowed books make their way back.

If you can’t pinpoint a book title you know your reader will love, think on more unique gifts for readers. Your book lover would probably appreciate accessories and accents for the home that channel a literary vibe or feature a book-theme pattern.

Maybe you’ve watched her read with less-than-adequate light for a long while. Or maybe your spouse keeps you awake with a bedroom light on, and you wish he had some book light to read in bed. Think about your where your reader reads and how easy it is to see (maybe give the gift of better lighting). After all, your reader needs good eyes!  

Find out if your reader is someone who often totes books around for work or pleasure (books for school, books for the book club, books to drop off at the library). A sturdy bag or tote for carrying all those books could be a simple gift that solves problems.

When searching for Christmas gifts for readers, think about how your reader organizes books at home. Are there book stacks and piles on shelves? Could the books use some bookends or organizing? Look for solutions to organize your reader’s collection of books.

Here's inspiration for other book lovers:

How to Study up on Finding Gifts for a Professor You Know

Get Schooled on the Best Christmas Gifts for Teachers