Book lovers are a special breed – they just can’t help but share their enthusiasm for reading, whether it’s from book club discussions, reading book reviews online, or visiting their local library.
But finding the perfect gift to ignite your bibliophile friend’s passions at the beginning of a new year is the easiest way to warm their heart and a great opportunity to add some non-book items to their space or collection.
As an avid reader, I’ve got you covered with my top picks of New Year resolution gifts (that aren’t books) that are sure to stimulate any reader’s hunger for knowledge and stories.
*Some affiliate links are used, which means, if you purchased something, we may earn a commission.*
20 New Year resolution ideas and gifts for the reader in your life
Reading journal & planner
A great way to show someone you’re paying attention and want to make reading books more engaging is to purchase them a reading planner. This 6×9 book offers them pages to review books, reflect on their reading, and generate reading goals.
Black women writers’ bookmarks
If you know, you know how much black women writers made a massive difference in literature.
Show your bookish friend some love by gifting them new black women writers’ bookmarks they can keep in their collection to help bring new voices and perspectives to their reading experience.
Offering them a little help to elevate their new year’s reading goals never hurt anyone.
Reader tote bag
This vibrant tote bag featuring a beautiful BIPOC woman on the cover is enough reason to get this for the book lover in your life. As they are loading books around, purchasing a bag like this for a friend is a good idea if you want to inspire new year’s resolutions for reading. After all, new books deserve new bags!
Gwendolyn Brooks art print
Need I remind you that Gwendolyn Brooks was the first black author to win the Pulitzer prize for poetry? If you’re looking for a new year’s gift that celebrates the unique and beautiful contributions of black women writers, look no further than this framed art print of Brooks. It’ll show your book lover and best friend how much you appreciate all they do to enrich our lives.
Brown girls read puzzle
If your friend has been exploring lifestyle changes recently, what better time than the present to show them your support by suggesting new hobbies for the new year? With inspiring images, this creative gift will help motivate your book-loving friend to keep reading and exploring new things in 2023.
Reading mug
“One more chapter” is what all book lovers say, right? So an easy way to capture humor with a gift is to opt for a new year’s resolution gift that’s also functional and useful – like a reading mug. With this new coffee or tea cup, your friend can enjoy their favorite beverage while cheering on new beginnings and resolutions as a fresh start to the new year.
Black women writers shirt
Surprise the friend in your life by offering them something that may not be typical on their new year’s resolution list. A bold shirt featuring images of black women writers is a thoughtful gift that will surely get them excited about new books and reading habits in the new year.
Library tote bag
Last year I ran into a woman wearing this bag and I went surveying online to find it. If you have a friend who loves libraries, this is the perfect happy new year gift for them. With its functional design and realistic print image, this library tote bag will help your friend get excited about new books and new adventures in the new year.
Library to-do list note pad
This is a creative gift for all of the right reasons. First, its retro appearance takes you back to the days when you had a library card (I still have mine). It’s clearly functional for making lists of everything book-related, including grocery shopping lists for friends with busy schedules.
Librarian coloring book
Allowing yourself time to color makes such a huge difference to one’s mental health, but with this library-themed coloring book. Grab this neat new year’s gift for the book lover in your life who needs a little R&R on a regular basis.
Do not disturb socks
One of the best gift ideas is ones that are practical. With these do not disturb ones, your friend can spend hours reading and relaxing without being “bothered” – making it a great new year gift for any book lover who likes to feel cozy while reading new books.
Book reading light
I can think of a few friends that have developed the terrible habit of spending so much time reading in the dark. So grab this to encourage them to use it as part of their sleep hygiene to avoid eye strain.
Writer’s block
Pay homage to history’s greatest authors with Writer’s Blocks – unique craftsmanship celebrating the work of Lorraine Hansberry. Crafted with care and precision, let these mementos ignite your creativity or the bibliophile in your life.
Zora Neale Hurston mug
Get the perfect mug for any lover of literature and American history. Showcase your appreciation with this stunning digital art collage featuring Zora Neale Hurston, a famous 20th-century writer behind their Eyes Were Watching God. The artwork features mixed flowers on her face – celebrating her legacy as an anthropologist, feminist, ethnographer, and folklorist!
Black authors shirt
With 10+ colors to choose from, 2023 is the perfect time of year to grab this shirt for yourself and your friend to wear now, on Black History Month, and throughout the year. An ode to the incredible black authors who have shaped history, this new year’s resolution gift is a must-have for any book lover in your life.
Black women writers notecard
Save this 5 x7 card for friends who love saving items that inspire them. Featuring beautiful black women writers such as Toni Morrison, Dr. Maya Angelou, Margaret Walker, and more. This is one of the best new year’s resolutions gifts to help your friend stay motivated throughout their reading journey this new year.
Set of 4 bookmarks
Why buy one when you purchase a set of 4 bold black women’s bookmarks for the heavy reader that always has a book in rotation? Whether new or used, these bookmarks will inspire and motivate your friend as they embark on reading books front to back.
Reading accessory pouch
Gift this to a friend to inspire them to show off their love of reading and writing with this stylish, two-size pouch! Featuring a unique design inspired by black book lovers and writers, it makes an ideal bag to store all those necessary items in your day-to-day adventures – be it pencils or highlighters. Carry the perfect accessory for any reader today!
Bookend feminist image
Make your bookshelf stand out with a set of distinct feminist icons! Choose two illustrations from fun options like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Angela Davis, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Stacey Abrams, and more to create a custom bookend set that celebrates inspiring women.
