Books

10 Boozy Gifts For The Reader In Your Life

by Melissa Ragsdale

Could there be a more perfect pairing than booze and books? And with the chaos of the holidays here, most people could use both a strong drink and a good book. That's why a bookish, alcohol-themed present is the perfect option for that bookworm you're struggling to shop for.

Many famous authors proclaim that alcohol is a key part of the writing process. Ernest Hemingway is known for prescribing that writers "write drunk, edit sober," and William Faulkner once said “My own experience has been that the tools I need for my trade are paper, tobacco, food, and a little whiskey." Reading, too, goes hand-in-hand with alcohol, whether you're sipping on a glass of wine at your book club, or having a quiet read by yourself with a glass of scotch.

So, as you're looking for the perfect present to give the book nerd in your life, keep up with this strong literary tradition of loving alcohol (responsibly, of course.) Here you'll find a great collection of boozy gifts for the book nerds on your list. Whatever their taste (in books and in drinks), you're sure to find something that they'll use again and again. Plus, you can take your gift for a test drive as you celebrate the holidays together. Cheers!

1. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist by Tim Federle

This book is a must for any literary lush, filled with drink recipes based on famous works of literature. "From Romeo and Julep" to "Are You There God? It's Me Margarita" to "A Rum of One's Own" each one of these punny cocktails is a treat.

Tequila Mockingbird, $8.92, Amazon

2. Jane Austen Wine Charms

A gift classy enough for Pemberly, these beautiful Jane Austen wine charms will help guests keep track of which drink is theirs. Perfect for any Austen-phile.

Jane Austen Wine Charms $29, Etsy

3. Great Drinkers Shot Glasses

Each of these shot glasses depicts one of literature's great drinkers, each paired with a quote. Oscar Wilde, Lord Byron, Charles Baudelaire, Dorothy Parker, Winston Churchill, and W.B. Yeats each have their own glass.

Great Drinkers 6 Piece Shot Glass Set of LIterary Lushes, $16.95, Amazon

4. Read Harder Pint Glass

Our friends over at BookRiot get right to the point (or should I say, right to the pint?) with this great pint glass.

Read Harder Pint Glass, $9, BookRiot

5. Recycled Hollow Book Hidden Flask Diversion Safe

The only thing possibly as good as opening up a book and finding a great story, is opening up a book and finding your alcohol stash. These book-safes are made out of actual recycled hardcovers, and they're perfect for any reader who considers themself a little sneaky.

SneakyBooks Recycled Hollow Book Hidden Flask Diversion Safe, $39, Amazon

6. Harry Potter Wine Glasses

These cute wine glasses give a spoof on a beloved Dumbledore quote, reading: "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to open the wine." Available in a variety of sparkly colors, these are sure to make any Potterhead smile.

Literary Nerd Wine Glass, $19.99, Etsy

7. "To Beer or Not to Beer" Bottle Opener

Who doesn't want a little Shakespeare with their cold one? This punny bottle opener would make the perfect stocking stuffer for any fan of the bard.

Beer Bottle Opener, $6, Etsy

8. Edgar Allan Poe Wine Bottle Stopper

This cute wine stopper acts like a bookmark for your wine! It comes in a variety of authors, including William Shakespeare, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Louisa May Alcott, and others.

Edgar Allan Poe Wine Quotation Bottle Stopper, $11.95, Etsy

9. Virginia Woolf Hip Flask

Not only is this flask gorgeous, but it pays homage to one of literature's greatest women, Virginia Woolf. Perfect for drinking in a room of one's own.

Virginia Woolf Hip Flask, $16.50, Etsy

10. "My Book Club Only Reads Wine Labels" Wine Tote

This is a particularly great gift for someone you're in a book club with, especially if it's true. Great for carrying a bottle to the next meeting.

Wine Tote, $7, Etsy

Images: Roberto Nickson/Unsplas