Flowers are lovely. Chocolates are great. But a bookish gift basket says it all this Valentine’s Day. It shows that you have gone the extra mile and put it together with lots of love, thought, and intention. That’s how you really say “I know you” this Valentine’s Day.

There’s something extra special about a gift basket because it shows effort. It says you didn’t just click “add to cart” and call it a day. You thought about what would make them smile and what they love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re building something cozy, romantic, whimsical, or a little spicy (we see you 👀); a bookish Valentine’s basket is endlessly customizable and, honestly, very hard to mess up.

We’re so excited to be building this together. Add a touch of bookish magic, and this is a Valentine’s gift they will remember forever!

Step One: Start with a Beautiful Base

Before we get to the fun stuff, let’s talk baskets. The base sets the tone. You could go classic with a woven basket, or opt for something reusable like:

• A sturdy tote bag

• A decorative storage box

• A book crate

• Even a pretty hatbox for a vintage romance vibe

Line the bottom with tissue paper, shredded kraft paper, or a soft blanket (we have just the thing!) to add height and create a luxury feel. Pro tip: stick to a color palette (pinks, reds, creams, or neutrals) so everything looks cohesive when it’s done.

Step Two: Choose the Star of the Show: The Book 

Every bookish gift basket needs a main character, and in this case, it’s… the book.

Choose something that matches your Valentine’s reading taste. Romantic comedy? Swoonworthy Romance?  Magic vibes? Gorgeous romantasy? The key is selecting something that feels them.

Check out our Valentine’s Collection for more recommendations like the Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan or Love of My Lives by Yamile Saied Méndez!

Place the book upright or slightly angled so it’s immediately visible when the basket is opened. This is your anchor; everything else builds around it.

Step Three: Add Cozy Reading Essentials

Now we layer in the things that turn “reading a book” into an experience.

One of the coziest additions you can make is the Trope Conversation Hearts Blanket. It’s soft, snuggly, and covered in beloved romance tropes like Enemies to Lovers, Only One Bed, Slow Burn, and Grumpy x Sunshine. It’s basically a love letter to romance readers, and it makes curling up with a book feel even more indulgent.

You can fold it neatly and tuck it behind the basket, letting it spill out just a little for that “oh wow” moment.

Other cozy extras you could include:

• A candle (bonus points for bookish or romantic scents)

• Fuzzy socks or slipper socks (Our Bridgerton-inspired socks are a great choice!)

• A mug filled with tea bags or hot chocolate packets

• A set of bookmarks (readers never have enough)

Step Four: Wearable Bookish Love 

If your Valentine loves showing off their reader identity, adding a wearable piece is always a win.

The Book Lover Embroidered Sweatshirt is perfect for this. Soft, light pink, and effortlessly cute, it features red embroidered “Book Lover” lettering with a sweet bow detail—and a tiny embroidered bow on the wrist (yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds). It’s the kind of piece they’ll reach for again and again, whether they’re reading at home or running errands.

Fold it neatly and place it front and centre, or roll it slightly so the embroidery is visible. It adds an instant “wow” factor to the basket.

We also have some incredible tees like our Enemies to Lovers Candy Heart Tee. There is a trope tee for everyone!

Step Five: A Little Romance, a Little Sparkle

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to add something that feels romantic and keepsake-worthy.

This Gold Hearts Bracelet fits beautifully here. With its delicate double strand and seven tiny gold hearts, it’s subtle, meaningful, and easy to wear every day. It comes packed in a charming book-shaped jewellery box which, let’s be honest, your Valentine will adore just as much as the bracelet itself!

Step Six: Engage the Senses 

One of the easiest ways to elevate a gift basket is by adding something sensory.

This Jasmine Perfume is a gorgeous option. With its vintage-inspired squeeze bulb and soft jasmine scent, it feels romantic, nostalgic, and perfectly bookish. It’s inspired by a literary experience, which makes it feel deeply intentional rather than just “another perfume.”

Nestle it between items or place it in the centre of the basket so the bottle catches the light. It adds a layer of elegance and whimsy that ties beautifully into a Valentine’s theme.

Speaking of engaging the senses, we have just launched an incredible new reading experience. There is nothing quite like it!

Step Seven: Sweet Treats & Little Extras 

This is where you can really personalize your basket.

Fill in any gaps with small, thoughtful extras like:

• Chocolates or truffles

• Conversation heart candies

• A handwritten love note or bookmark message

• A recipe card (cookies, biscotti, hot cocoa—something cozy and shareable)

• Stickers or bookish pins

These finishing touches make the basket feel abundant and full of love, without needing to be expensive.

Want the Easy Option? We’ve Got You Covered

If reading all this made you think, “I love this idea, but I do not have the energy to DIY right now,” we hear you.

The 2026 Valentine’s Day Box is the ultimate ready-made bookish Valentine’s gift. It features The E.M.M.A. Effect by Lia Riley, a brand-new release that blends sports romance and STEM romance in a smart, steamy friends-to-lovers story. Think Jane Austen meets Ali Hazelwood, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

The box includes a signed bookplate, a collectible sticker, and five beautifully wrapped surprise gifts designed to bring the story to life in that magical Once Upon a Book Club way. It’s thoughtful, romantic, and completely unforgettable, without you having to assemble a single thing.

Final Thoughts: A Love Letter in Basket Form 

A bookish Valentine’s gift basket isn’t just a present, it’s an experience. And as you know, here at Once Upon a Book Club, we’re all about experiences! It tells someone you see them, you know what they love, and you wanted to create something just for them.

Whether you DIY every detail or opt for a beautifully curated box, the magic is in the intention. Because at the end of the day, there’s nothing more romantic than saying, “I thought of you while you were lost in a story.”

And honestly, we think that’s a love language all its own. 

Check out our Valentine’s Collection for more recommendations!

💕 A Complete Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Book Lovers

💕 How to Choose the Perfect Bookish Valentine’s Gift Based on Their Favorite Genre

💕 A Bridgerton-Inspired Valentine’s Gift Guide for Romance Readers