Finding gifts for artists and crafters who love to make handmade books doesn’t have to be difficult. An upgrade in bookbinding tools is always a nice option, but if you’re looking to think outside the box, you’ve come to the right place! Here are 10 gift ideas—some practical, some unique—for the bookbinders in your life.
*Please note, a few of these products are available in my online store. I have no affiliation links with the others. They’re simply products I love and use.
Top Bookbinding Tool Gift Ideas
Olfa Snap-Off Utility Knife
I mention this knife quite often during my YouTube tutorials. It’s one of my most frequently used tools, and I love that you can just snap off the end of the blade once it becomes dull. Coming in at around $10, it’s an inexpensive yet valuable addition to any crafter’s tool collection. Don’t forget to include a pack of refills!
Set of Thick Acrylic Bookbinding Spacers
Bookbinding spacers are used for accurate spacing while creating handmade books and other craft projects. I also use them to cut strips of paper and board, ensure even borders, and as a tearing tool. They’re super versatile! This collection from my shop offers spacers in multiple widths, plus a triangle and a square, and they come in a fun selection of colors.
Large Self-Healing Cutting Mat
Self-healing cutting mats are a must-have for any bookmaker. They protect your workspace, and the easy-to-read measuring grid allows you to cut and measure lines and angles in one step. The larger size gives the ability to cut extra-large sheets of paper, stationary, scrapbook paper, gift wrap, fabric squares, long fabric strips, etc. You can find this mat for about $32 on Amazon.
Unique Gift Ideas for Bookbinders
We R Memory Keepers Black Storage Project Cart
For those who treasure an organized craft studio (or even if you’re not super organized but need some additional space to stuff your scrap stash), a storage cart is essential. This one was recommended by our very own Organizing Queen, Mikki. She loves that it’s mobile, and it has six removable trays where you can store your ongoing projects, tools, and accessories.
Junk Journal Kit
For those who love to make scrap and junk journals, this is the kit to have! It’s a cornucopia of over 120 unique items to embellish and adorn junk journal pages. These are not your average kits, but carefully curated assortments of goodies, handpicked to add charm, character, and focal points to your creative projects. Each packet holds a delightful surprise, including rare collectibles like National Wildlife Federation holiday stamps from the 1970s, Monopoly money, a vintage plastic meat ID, beautiful napkins, cards, a vintage book cover, and so much more.
LAMY Fountain Pen
I appreciate a good pen, and fountain pens by LAMY are among my favorites. They offer an assortment of styles, grips, and tips, and they even have special edition versions. Their pens run from about $26 to wowza, but consider them a great investment for anyone who loves a proper writing utensil. My go-to version is the LAMY Al-Star in turquoise, with a medium nib.
Desktop Ring Light with Phone Holder
This is a great item to have for any artist or crafter who records or livestreams their work. It’s adjustable to various angles, and the ring light offers multiple modes and levels of brightness. You can pair your phone to the remote control for start and stop capabilities.
Etsy Gift Card
If you’re unsure about what to give, give the gift of choice! You can’t go wrong with an Etsy gift card.
Books and Zines for Bookbinders
Modern Papermaking: Techniques in Handmade Paper by Kelsey Pike
I recommend this book for any paper-loving enthusiast. It includes 13 projects, ranging from bold and eye-catching to professional and fine-art quality. Plus, you get tips and practical advice on selling your one-of-a-kind paper collections for other makers to use in their 2D work.
UPPERCASE Magazine Subscription
UPPERCASE is a quarterly print magazine inspired by craft, design, and illustration. It’s tagline, “for the creative and curious,” well describes it’s unique aesthetic and incredible attention to detail. Seriously, I swoon over every issue. It’s chock full of beautiful images, inspiring stories, and well-written articles.
Drop a comment below and tell me your favorite book arts gift!
If you’re looking for more gift ideas for the bookbinder in your life, check out my previous gift-giving guide.
