Christmas gifts for a book lover when you don’t know what they’ve read

Buying a book for someone who reads constantly should be easy.

Then you stand in a bookshop wondering whether they already own every title you recognise.

Perhaps they’ve read the bestseller you were considering, dislike the genre everyone recommends or prefer an e-reader to a physical book. You know reading matters to them, but you don’t want their Christmas present to become another duplicate.

Start with how they read and what they enjoy. You don’t need to know their entire bookshelf.

Ask about a book they’ve enjoyed recently

“What’s your favourite book?” can be surprisingly difficult to answer.

“What have you read recently that you really enjoyed?” often leads to a more useful conversation.

Ask what made it enjoyable. Was it the setting, the humour, the characters or learning about something new?

Someone who enjoys historical fiction may be drawn to a particular period. A crime reader might prefer a gentle village mystery to a graphic thriller.

Those distinctions give you more direction than a broad genre label.

Check the format they actually want

Some readers love the feel of a paperback. Others listen while walking, read on a device or collect illustrated hardbacks.

Find out which formats suit them before buying.

If you’re considering a special edition, check whether they appreciate collecting books. An attractive cover may not justify another copy for someone who is short of space.

For a series, confirm the exact title and volume they need. Similar covers and different editions can make this harder than it first appears.

You can ask without spoiling the whole surprise

A shortlist doesn’t make a gift less thoughtful.

Ask whether there are a few books they would like, or invite them to share authors they want to try. You can still choose which one to give.

If you’re coordinating with family or friends, agree who is buying which title.

For someone you don’t know well, a recommendation from a bookseller can help once you can describe their tastes. It’s more useful to explain what they enjoyed than simply ask for “something for a keen reader”.

Consider their life beyond the bookshelf

Their next enjoyable book might connect to another interest.

Think about cooking, travel, gardening, music, art or a subject they’ve recently become curious about.

Check the level, though. A beginner’s guide may be welcome for a new interest but frustrating for someone who has spent years learning about it.

And avoid choosing a self-improvement book that could feel like an unsolicited comment on their life. A gift should feel enjoyable to receive.

What if you would rather avoid choosing a book?

Look at their reading habits.

Do they read in short bursts while travelling, settle down for a long evening or take books everywhere? Have they mentioned a practical frustration, such as losing their place or struggling with lighting?

A reading accessory can be useful when it solves something they actually experience. Check what they already use before choosing another bookmark, reading light or book sleeve.

Book-themed merchandise is a separate preference. Loving novels doesn’t necessarily mean wanting slogans about reading on mugs and bags.

Experiences can work - with a few checks

An author event, literary festival or book-related outing may appeal to someone who enjoys discussing what they read.

Before buying, consider location, dates, travel and whether they would want company. A ticket that requires an expensive journey or a day off work can create an obligation rather than a treat.

If you’re uncertain, discuss the idea first.

Give them permission to exchange it

Even a well-researched choice can be something they already own.

Keep a gift receipt where available and make it clear that exchanging it is fine. There’s no need for them to pretend they haven’t read it.

You’ve still shown an interest in something they love.

Save the clues you discover

Add favourite authors, genres, formats and books they already own to their Givumi profile.

If they mention wanting to explore a new subject, record it while you remember.

You don’t need a perfect reading list. A few specific details can make the difference between choosing a book for “a reader” and choosing a gift for them.