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Many book lovers have more books than shelf space, especially in apartments and small homes. The best gifts for them either create clever new places to keep books, or help them read more without needing more shelves.
This guide covers space-saving storage and reading gifts that don’t add clutter. Some storage ideas need wall mounting, so check whether they rent. For more ideas, see our 50 gifts for book lovers.
Quick Picks
| Gift | Best for |
|---|---|
| Invisible floating bookshelves | Books that look like they’re floating |
| Narrow ladder bookshelf | Tall storage in a small footprint |
| Revolving bookcase | Lots of books in a corner |
| Corner wall shelf | Using empty corners |
| Expandable desktop book rack | Current reads on a desk or counter |
| Kobo Libra Colour e-reader | A library that takes no shelf space |
| Book Darts | Slim page markers that don’t add bulk |
| Kindle Paperwhite | A library in your pocket |
| Book page holder | One-handed reading |
- Go vertical. Tall, narrow and wall-mounted storage saves floor space.
- Check if they rent. Wall shelves need drilling; freestanding options don’t.
- Consider digital. An e-reader lets them keep reading without new shelves.
- Measure first. Corners, walls and desks vary.
Clever Book Storage
Invisible Floating Bookshelves
Why it’s a good pick: Hidden metal brackets tuck under the bottom book of a stack, so books appear to float on the wall.
Best for: Book lovers who want storage and a display
What to check before buying: They need wall mounting into studs or with suitable anchors. Check the weight limit per shelf.
Narrow Ladder Bookshelf
Why it’s a good pick: A tall, narrow leaning shelf adds several levels of book storage in a very small footprint.
Best for: Small bedrooms and hallways
What to check before buying: Check the width, depth and whether it includes a wall anchor for stability.
Revolving Bookcase
Why it’s a good pick: A rotating tower that stores books on all four sides, fitting many books into one corner.
Best for: Living rooms and home offices
What to check before buying: Check the height, number of tiers and weight capacity.
Corner Wall Shelf
Why it’s a good pick: Shelves designed for corners make use of space that’s usually wasted.
Best for: Apartments with bare corners
What to check before buying: Check whether it’s wall-mounted or freestanding and how much weight each shelf holds.
Expandable Desktop Book Rack
Why it’s a good pick: An adjustable rack that holds current reads and reference books neatly on a desk or counter.
Best for: Desks and kitchen counters
What to check before buying: Check how far it expands and whether it’s metal or wood.
Read More Without More Shelves
Kobo Libra Colour E-Reader
Why it’s a good pick: An e-reader with a color screen and page-turn buttons that holds thousands of books, and supports library e-books in many regions.
Best for: Readers who want to stop buying shelves
What to check before buying: Check library and store compatibility. Kindle readers may prefer to stay with Kindle.
Book Darts
Why it’s a good pick: Tiny, slim bronze page markers that clip onto pages to mark favorite lines without adding bulk to the book.
Best for: Readers who annotate and mark passages
What to check before buying: Check the tin size and number of darts.
More Space-Saving Reading Ideas
Kindle Paperwhite
Why it’s a good pick: A slim e-reader that holds thousands of books, perfect for readers out of shelf space.
Best for: Readers who want fewer physical books
What to check before buying: Check storage size and library compatibility.
Book Page Holder (Thumb Ring)
Why it’s a good pick: A small ring that holds a book open with one hand, handy for reading anywhere.
Best for: Readers of paperbacks
What to check before buying: Check the size and material.
More Gift Guides You Might Like
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- 25 Best Gifts for Book Lovers: Unique & Useful Ideas
- Digital Gifts for Book Lovers (Audiobooks, eBooks + Reading Apps)
Browse every guide in Book Lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good gift for a book lover with no space?
Floating shelves, a narrow ladder shelf, a revolving bookcase or an e-reader that holds thousands of books.
How do you store books in a small apartment?
Use vertical space with tall or wall-mounted shelves, corners and under-used spaces like above doors.
Do floating bookshelves damage walls?
They need screws into studs or suitable anchors. Renters should check their lease.
Is an e-reader a good gift for someone who loves physical books?
Many readers enjoy both. An e-reader is great for travel and for books they don’t need to keep.
Getting the Timing Right
- Check the delivery date for the recipient’s address at checkout, not just the “fast shipping” label.
- Bulky items can ship separately and may arrive later than smaller gifts.
- Order early in busy seasons. The holidays are peak time for home and hobby gifts.
- Out of time? A digital gift card can be delivered by email on the day.
Before You Buy
- Measure walls, corners and desks.
- Check whether they rent.
- Check e-reader store and library compatibility.
- Check the current price and the delivery date at checkout.