Top 15 Gifts Ideas For Great Book Lovers

The holidays are approaching! There are plenty of holiday gift-giving guides for book lovers. But for the Great Book lover, we’ve compiled a list of unique gifts that the Online Great Books community will surely find useful.

Reference Guides: Aids to Reading, Not Commentaries

OGB member Owen recommended an atlas or famous historical maps as a fantastic resource for analytical reading. This one from the Smithsonian offers custom regional and global maps that present the history of the world in action, charting how events traced patterns on land and ocean–patterns of exploration, discovery, or conquest that created empires, colonies, or theaters of war.

Depending on where you are in your Great Books reading list, Scott also recommends the definite global index to Aristotle, An index to Aristotle in English translation by Troy Wilson Organ. It’s all by Bekker numbering which will be a big aid to your reading, but not a commentary. As Scott puts it, “It just helps me find what I want to find.”

Scott’s Pick: The Perfect Book Holder

The SONGMICS Laptop Desk is a great multipurpose lap desk to take your reading wherever you go. Especially if you’re lugging around The Norton Shakespeare or The Complete Works of Aristotle.

For Seminar: Ensure Quality Discussion

The Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam is specifically designed and optimized for professional-quality video streaming.

If audio is your problem, consider a headphone with an attached mic, like this one from Cisco.

For the One with Children: Noise Cancelling Headphones

Sometimes, all you want is peace and quiet. Life can be noisy. Ask for the gift that quiets all others: Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones.

Here’s another more cost-effective set.

For the Nocturnal Reader: Lighting is Key

A clip-on reading light may just be the thing you need! This All-Purpose Booklight also allows dimming features.

Looking to amp up your reading cove? A track light could be a great addition in creating the perfect ambiance to dive into your Great Books reading.

For the Sip That Got Away: Best Drinks and Accessories

Here are some of Scott’s favorite whiskeys to sip on (and reasonably priced, too):

Lagavulin 16 Year Old

McKenna 10 

1792 “Full Proof” 

Elijah Craig Barrell Proof 

What about the coffee and tea drinkers, you ask? No one enjoys a cold cup of joe. Consider purchasing an easy to tote mug warmer like this one from Mr. Coffee Mug.

For the bartender in your life, consider gifting a cocktail recipe book with a literary twist, like this one: Tequila Mockingbird.