5 Bookish Gifts for your Bookworm

Got some bookish folks in your life? Here are some gift suggestions if you're into gift-giving, whether it's for the upcoming holidays or other! I support local whenever and however I can, so I'll be referring to small businesses across the Kootenays. Happy Joy-making!

1) BOOKS

Oh, was that too obvious? Well, the ultimate bookish gift is, of course, books. Bonus points if you know what books your person likes; if you don't, maybe consider getting them a book that YOU really like, so it has more of a personal connection. Of course, here I am going to say: visit your LOCAL bookstores, and check on your LOCAL authors. There are a plethora of incredible bookstores in the Kootenays, as well as local authors, including these children's authors: Nadine Rake, Ramona Wildeman, and JJ Smithson.

2) GIFT CARDS

Our incredible local bookstores have an array of book and non-book bookish gifts! Huckleberry Books in Cranbrook has amazing socks (I have a pair that say: F*** off, I'm reading) and journals; Four Points Books in Invermere has crafting paper and stickers; and Polar Peek Books has toys and mindfulness journals; that's just naming a few! So, if you're lost on what books to get, go for the gift cards while supporting local.

3) BOOKMARKS OR COVERS

I'm not talking about just any ol' bookmark - I'm talking about these incredible gemstone bookmarks by our local jewelry genius, Maiden Perras in Fernie. I got my whole book club one of these, and you can personalize. Or maybe you're feeling crafty and have the skills to sew or create a kindle case/cover for your person; these can also be found handmade on Etsy.

4) READING NOOK

Let's support your reader's habits by expanding their reading nook. Feeling crafty? Build them a reading nook; maybe you're so skilled you can build them a beautiful bookcase. Maybe a new reading chair (whether new or antique or secondhand from locals) or a contribution towards one. Think comfort; warm slippers a la Light Steps made in Jaffray (she does markets), or soft and cozy throws or pillows. Or a beautiful reading shawl by We Are Stories in Nelson.

5) COFFEE AND TEA

Listen - nothing goes as well with a book as a cup of something hot. For your coffee or tea lovers, you could get them a gift card to their favourite local shop, or a beautiful mug; there are many potters in our area, and some are sold at Cranbrook Arts, or any of our markets (you could even try to get one from Cedarwood Ceramics, but good luck). There are also many tea companies across the Koots, like Virtue Tea in Nelson. Of course, we also have many coffee roasters in the region, like Kickturn in Kimberley or Fernie Roasting Company in... well... Fernie. Stock up!

Remember to share locals on social media! It makes a world of difference, and let's face it, Amazon does not need your money.

In love and literature,

Nadine