The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Historical Fiction Lovers
The holiday season is nearly here—a time for twinkling lights, warm mugs of tea, and, of course, finding the perfect gift for the readers in your life. If you know someone who adores stories steeped in history, emotion, and resilience (or if that someone is you!), this guide is filled with thoughtful, bookish inspiration.
Whether you’re searching for a meaningful novel, a cozy reading companion, or a literary keepsake, these gift ideas will make every historical fiction fan feel seen, understood, and thoroughly spoiled.
📚A Story to Transport Them
There’s nothing like unwrapping a book that feels like time travel. Historical fiction is the perfect genre for readers who love to wander—through war-torn cities, grand hotels, and vineyards whispering secrets of the past.
Consider gifting:
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Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor – Transport them to Kansas before Oz, this story is sure to transport and delight as Auntie Em's story comes to life. SHOP NOW!
Growing into Greatness Tanya E Williams – For readers who love stories of quiet courage, immersive settings, and family legacies. SHOP NOW!
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The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods – Perfect for readers who adore dual timelines and a touch of cozy literary mystery. SHOP NOW!
Last Christmas in Paris by Hazel Gaynor & Heather Webb – For the reader who wants to be swept away with an emotional holiday tale. Be sure to pair with a festive box of tissues. SHOP NOW!
✨ Tip: Add a handwritten note about why you chose that particular story—it turns a simple gift into a cherished keepsake.
☕ Cozy Reading Companions
Every reader knows that the right setting can turn an ordinary reading moment into pure magic. Pair a book with:
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A vintage-inspired teacup or artisan mug. VINTAGE INSPIRED! I ARTISAN INSPIRED! I BOOKISH INSPIRED!
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Loose-leaf tea or hot cocoa in holiday tins. COFFEE INSPIRED! I HOT COCOA INSPIRED! I GOURMET TEA INSPIRED!
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A candle inspired by their favorite historical era—think “1920s Speakeasy” or “Old Library.” GIFT IDEA!
Wrap it all up in a small wicker basket with ribbon and a sprig of evergreen for a festive, old-world touch. GIFT BASKET IDEA!
✨ Audiobooks & Digital Editions
For the multitasking reader or the traveler at heart, audiobooks and eBooks make thoughtful gifts that can be enjoyed anywhere.
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Give an audiobook subscription (Audible, Libro.fm, or Spotify Premium Audiobooks). GIFT IDEA!
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Gift eBooks directly from Bookshop.org or your favorite indie retailer. GIFT IDEA!
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Bundle a few titles—like The Hotel Hamilton Series—for a complete experience. GIFT IDEA!
📖 Bonus idea: Create a “Listening Basket” with cozy socks, wireless earbuds, and a list of recommended audiobooks to explore.
🎀 Gifts That Celebrate Storytelling
Historical fiction lovers often crave the little details that make reading feel like a ritual. Consider:
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A custom bookmark engraved with a favorite literary quote. GIFT IDEA!
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Bookish jewelry (lockets, typewriter pendants, quill earrings). GIFT IDEA!
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A reading journal for noting favorite characters, quotes, and reflections. GIFT IDEA!
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Framed vintage book covers or illustrations from classic novels. GIFT IDEA!
Bookish lighting to set the cozy reading mood. GIFT IDEA!
These small touches add nostalgia and personality—perfect for those who see books not just as entertainment, but as art.
🎄 The Joy of Gifting Stories
Books don’t just fill shelves—they fill hearts. Gifting a story is like offering someone a new world to step into, a voice to remember, and a feeling that lingers long after the final page.
This holiday season, give the gift of imagination, empathy, and history. Because stories, especially the ones that connect us across time, are the gifts we never outgrow.
May you holidays be filled with love, laughter, and a good book to enjoy.
Xo,
Tanya
Avid Reader I Tea Drinker I Daydreamer