The holidays are just around the corner and if you’re looking for gift ideas for fantasy book lovers, I have a few suggestions. Here are 10 gifts that anyone, especially readers, will love.
1. Art
Bet you thought I was going to say books. We’ll get to that later. Art, especially of forests, and fantasy creatures like unicorns or dragons are a great gift idea. You can get beautiful posters online or even paint-by-numbers sets of fairies or pegasus’ that your fantasy readers can paint themselves. Amazon has sets for children and adults.
If your fantasy reader is older, or you have a big budget, you can find an artist online and buy original prints or artwork. I love Kiri Leonard’s art. Hint, hint, family, buy me a calendar at valkiri.llc. Which brings me to number 2.
2. Calendars & Cards
Who wouldn’t love a calendar with their favorite fantasy creatures? Maybe a Harry Potter or Wings of Fire calendar? Do they have those? They should. What about cards and stationery? I remember getting unicorn stationary as a child and thinking it was too beautiful to write on. Give of these cute sets from Walmart and maybe the giftee will send you one of the thank-you notes.
3. Jigsaw Puzzles & Games
How about a gift that fantasy lovers can play like Lord of the Rings board games or for adults Dungeons and Dragons? For board game ideas for younger children check out Ryan Billingsley’s list at dadsuggests.com. There are always computer games or jigsaw puzzles of fantasy worlds. Fantasy chess sets are beautiful as well as practical.
4. Jewelry
Fantasy bling. Dragon necklace. Unicorn earrings. Elven or nature-inspired (leaves, flowers) necklaces and hair pieces. Young and old can appreciate a beautiful ring, especially if it is a gothic poison ring! Medievalcollectibles.com has some gorgeous pieces. Know what else they have for sale?
5. Swords
That’s right. Weapons. Fantasy swords, daggers, shields. Weaponry to make your fantasy book readers drool. My daughter bought me this pair of scissors that looks like a dagger.
I was using them at a book signing and a teen went crazy over them. She didn’t want to buy my book, she wanted those scissors! I showed her the Amazon link where she could get her own dagger scissors. I wasn’t selling mine.
For younger children, you can find plastic or foam swords and shields. And armor. Don’t forget the armor. Eventually, they can move up to wooden swords or just hit each other with sticks or acorns. The fancier weaponry is to hang on your wall. Unless your reader is into cosplay.
6. Costumes or Clothes
Fantasy costumes abound online. Your reader can wear them to parties, conventions, or if they’re young enough to church or school. If your reader has pets, there are also fantasy dog and cat costumes. Give them a costume to turn their dog into a dragon. Their pet will hate you but the reader will love it.
7. Figurines or Toys
You can’t go wrong with a unicorn figurine or a dragon plushee to squeeze. If you know their favorite book series, you may find figurines of those characters or some similar creatures. Dragon kites or puppets are fun as well as remote control dragons.
Magic wands, kaleidoscopes, and fantasy Lego sets are great for all ages. Mermaid tail blankets and unicorn pillows are great for young readers.
8. Diaries, Pens, Sealing Wax
Immerse your older reader in a fantasy setting with a leather-bound diary or journal. Give them a dip pen or calligraphy set and pretty colored inks. Sealing Wax and a seal with a phoenix or hippogriff on it will make older readers smile. Art supplies like fantasy coloring books and markers or watercolors are also fun.
9. Inspirational Gifts
Globes, lava lamps, and goblets. Unusual fantasy objects that pull readers into a different time or place. How about gift cards to their favorite bookstore or a trip with you to their favorite bookstore or library? Find fancy leather bookmarks or bookweights that hold your page open at leatherology.com. Readers can also use book lights, lap desks, or cozy pillows and backrests to read in bed.
10. Books
Told you I’d get there. I saved the obvious for last. If you know your reader’s favorite book series and which books they don’t have, well that’s easy. For the rest of us, you can look up book lists like Goodreads Best Children’s Fantasy for 10 and Under. You can also look up Goodreads list for Adult Fantasy Novels (I’m partial to the children’s list myself).
There you go. Ideas to get you started on your holiday shopping. Comment below and let me know what book-related gifts you would like to give or receive. If you’re looking for a fantasy animal adventure with a bit of snarky humor, check out my novel Sargon The Not So Great.
