Buying Valentine’s Day gifts for book lovers is both incredibly easy and can be strangely intimidating. Easy, because books are always a good idea. Intimidating, because readers are passionate people. They don’t just “like books”, they identify as fantasy readers, mystery lovers, romance devotees, or die-hard classics fans who will happily debate editions and cover art over dinner.

The secret to nailing the perfect bookish Valentine’s gift is to match the gift to their favorite genre. When you choose something that aligns with the stories they love most, it feels personal, thoughtful, and makes them say, “Wow, you really get me.”

Whether you’re shopping for a partner, a best friend, or yourself (because self-gifting is valid), here’s how to choose the perfect bookish Valentine’s gift based on what they love to read.

For the Classics Lover 📖🌹

Classics readers are romantics at heart. They love timeless love stories, beautiful prose, and books that have stood the test of time for a reason. Think slow burns, longing glances, and emotional restraint that somehow feels even more intense.

For Valentine’s Day, classics lovers gravitate toward elevated, elegant gifts. A beautifully designed bookish home décor piece inspired by a literary classic or a curated item that feels like it belongs on a vintage bookshelf is always a win. Pair that with a thoughtful note, and you’ve got a gift that feels intimate and intentional.

We’re thinking about our classic Little Women Book Plate Set or our Jane Eyre Book Vase. Check out our classics collection here!

For the Contemporary Reader ☕💌

Contemporary readers love stories that feel current, relatable, and emotionally honest. These are the readers who enjoy modern romances, character-driven stories, and books that mirror real-life relationships, careers, and personal growth.

The best Valentine’s gifts for contemporary readers are cozy and comforting. Think soft reading accessories, self-care items, or bookish gifts that pair perfectly with a quiet evening in. Add a contemporary romance or feel-good novel to the mix, and suddenly Valentine’s Day turns into a reading retreat.

This genre is all about connection, so gifts that encourage slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying the moment will land beautifully. Our Summer Reading Box featured a hardcover copy of The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly, plus our world-famous surprise gifts that bring this powerful novel to life the OUABC way! Check out our contemporary collection here!

For the Fantasy Fan 🐉✨

Fantasy readers live for epic worlds, magic systems, and characters they’d follow into battle without question. Their ideal Valentine’s gift should feel transportive, something that sparks imagination and makes reading feel like stepping through a portal.

Fantasy-inspired bookish gifts are perfect here. Whether it’s atmospheric décor, magical accessories, or a fantasy-forward book selection, the goal is to take their escape into other worlds to the next level. Pair a fantasy read with a gift that feels enchanted, and you’ve created a Valentine’s Day experience they’ll remember.

If they love dragons, fae courts, or sprawling magical realms, lean into the drama. Fantasy readers never want subtle.

Check out our full fantasy collection for the ultimate gift. We’re thinking about our incredible Metal Dagger Bookmark or our Dragonfly Hair Pins.

For the Historical Fiction Reader 🕯️📜

Historical fiction lovers adore richly layered stories, immersive settings, and characters shaped by another time. They always appreciate detail, atmosphere, and emotional depth!

For Valentine’s Day, gifts that feel thoughtful and story-rich work best. Historical fiction readers love bookish items that evoke nostalgia or old-world charm, paired with novels that sweep them into another era.

This is the genre for readers who savor a story slowly, so gifts that encourage lingering (cozy reading companions, elegant keepsakes, or beautifully curated bookish pieces) are always appreciated.

You just have to look at the whole collection featuring gifts like our Garnet and Seed Pearl Pendant or our Red Butterfly Trinket Jar.

For the Mystery Enthusiast 🔍🍷

Mystery readers are in it for the twists, the clues, and the thrill of solving the puzzle before the final page. They love tension, intrigue, and characters with secrets.

A perfect Valentine’s gift for a mystery reader combines entertainment and atmosphere. A gripping mystery novel paired with a cozy reading accessory or themed bookish gift turns reading into a full experience. Bonus points if the gift feels a little dramatic; mystery readers love a mood.

If their ideal Valentine’s plan involves staying up too late finishing a book because they just need to know, you’re on the right track. Have a peek at our collection, which includes items like the True Crime Travel Mug or a copy of Nothing Bad Happens Here by Rachel Ekstrom Courage!

For the Retellings Reader 🕊️✨

Retelling readers love familiar stories told in fresh, unexpected ways. Whether it’s a reimagined fairy tale or a modern spin on a classic, they’re drawn to nostalgia with a twist.

The best gifts for retellings fans celebrate storytelling itself. Look for bookish items inspired by classic tales or thoughtfully curated books that reinvent beloved narratives. These readers love spotting clever parallels and appreciating how old stories become new again.

For Valentine’s Day, a gift that honours both tradition and creativity will feel especially meaningful.

We think you will love In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price. This is the first book in a thrilling mystery duology that follows Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy from the acclaimed Jane Austen Murder Mystery series!

 

For the Romance Reader 💘📚

Romance readers are the heartbeat of Valentine’s Day. They live for happily-ever-afters, emotional payoff, and characters who fall hard and love harder.

When gifting for romance readers, lean into comfort, indulgence, and a little fun. Romance novels paired with cozy blankets, bookish apparel, or self-care items make perfect Valentine’s gifts. These readers want to feel spoiled, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse.

If they love fictional boyfriends, emotional tension, and rereading favorite scenes, romance-forward gifts will never miss.

Our Romance Collection is your go-to page! Check out our romantic Sense and Sensibility Bubble Bath, but if you’re looking for the ultimate romantic gift, then our Valentine’s Box is the one for you! 

For the Romantasy Reader 🗡️💞

Romantasy readers want the best of both worlds: magic and romance. They love high-stakes stories where saving the world and falling in love happen side by side.

Valentine’s gifts for romantasy fans should feel bold and immersive. Think fantasy-inspired bookish items paired with romantic elements: dramatic, cozy, and a little swoon-worthy. These readers want intensity in every form.

If they love morally grey characters and epic love stories, go all in. Romantasy readers don’t do half-measures. 

Alexandria Warwick’s books are always a hit. We still have a few copies of The North Wind,  The West Wind, and The South Wind available! And if you really want to make a statement long after Valentine’s Day, check out our very special Romantasy Box, which is available for pre-order, featuring The East Wind!

For the Thriller Reader ⚡📖

Thriller readers crave fast-paced plots, shocking twists, and books they can’t put down. Romance may not be their top priority, but tension definitely is.

For Valentine’s Day, thriller readers appreciate gifts that support marathon reading sessions. A gripping thriller paired with a practical-but-fun bookish gift is ideal. Think less hearts and flowers, more edge-of-your-seat excitement.

This is the perfect genre to prove that Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be traditionally romantic to be thoughtful.

Check out our full collection here! Our Summer Thrills box is just what you need. Featuring With a Vengeance by bestselling author Riley Sager, this box includes FIVE incredibly immersive gifts to bring this intense tale to life the way only OUABC can! Or if you’re looking for something completely different, try The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Phone Case, it's the ultimate thriller gift!

The Perfect Bookish Valentine’s Gift 💕

The best bookish Valentine’s gifts aren’t about picking anything book-related; they’re about choosing something that reflects who they are as a reader. When you match a gift to their favorite genre, you show thought, care, and a genuine understanding of what they love.

Whether they’re into classics or romantasy, thrillers or romance, there’s a bookish Valentine’s gift that will make them feel seen. And honestly, says more than anything! The ultimate romantic gesture, the bookish way! 💕📚

If you’re looking for more inspiration, make sure you check out these blogs!

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

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

🎀💞  DIY: Build a Bookish Gift Basket for Valentine’s Day