This one is for all the bookish besties! You know, those friends you can’t wait to share your latest favorite book with, the ones who know how long your TBR list is, but can’t help adding to it, or the ones where you just have to meet up to discuss that ending. We always think that when someone knows what book you just have to read, they really know you!

Although you may have regular video calls, text just about every day, and leave each other notes on StoryGraph’s Buddy Reads, there are times when you need to let them know how special they are and how life just wouldn’t be the same without them! And that’s where a Summer Bookish Care Package comes in.

Because let’s be honest, bookworms see things differently. Every book is an experience filled with anticipation and adventure. We don’t just read words on a page; we really feel them. We become best friends with the protagonist, we cheer them on, we warn them (out loud at times), and feel each and every one of their emotions.

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we believe bookish besties deserve something special. So grab a glass of wine, sit back and relax, and get into crafting the ultimate bookish care package for that someone special!

Why a Built Package Beats a Bought One 

There are some amazing prepacked care packages out there, and they definitely have their place, but when it comes to a bookish bestie, no one knows them quite like you do! You know which genre they love, who their current favorite author is, what’s on their TBR list, and even their favorite snacks! 

Building your own care package is so much fun (you may even end up making yourself one, no judging), and most importantly, it’s personal. It takes time and thought and shows you really care!

Bookish Care Package Layers

Just like any great book, a great care package tells a story, and we’ve got some great ideas! We’re thinking about book protection, their next read, something unexpected like the perfect scent, bookmarks (of course), snacks, and a special handwritten note.

The “I Know Your Current Read” Layer: Book Protection 

We’ve all been there, dropping our latest novel into our bag while we rush out the door. (And if your bag is anything like ours, it seems to contain a bit of everything. I am sure I could find a snack in there if I were stranded for an hour or two.) At last it’s time to relax and grab a bit of reading time, and out comes your book with a few crumbled pages joined by some unidentifiable marks.

Every reader needs to protect their precious books, and when it comes to book protection, our book sleeves are the ultimate bookish accessory! We have a fabulous selection to choose from, including “Ask Me What I’m Reading”, “Read All Night Book Club”, “When in Doubt Read a Book”, and “If You Need Me, I’ll Be Reading”. 

These book sleeves also feature an incredibly soft, vegan leather exterior with an elastic pen/highlighter holder, a small, zippered pocket on the back, an extra-large (think Crescent City, two-to-three paperbacks, or a 10" tablet + a book) lined interior, and an elastic button closure at the top. 

The “I Know What You’re Reading Next” Layer: A Book or Two 

What’s a bookish care package without a book? We highly recommend getting yourself a copy as well because that’s how bookish besties roll! You can even take a tip from our book boxes and instead of an “Open Your Gift” note, you could add a post-it note with why you appreciate your friendship, or if you have already read this book, you can add notes like, “I bet you didn’t see that coming!” The options are endless!

We have plenty of book-only options, which are sorted by genre for easy access. If you’re into retellings, we think you will love In Want of a Suspect by Tirzah Price!

The “I Know Your Reading Ritual” Layer: Scent, Snack, Drinkware, and Comfort 

This is where we love to add something unexpected, from literary scents to bookish drinkware, delicious snacks, and something comforting! This is all about knowing your friend’s reading ritual. Do they love reading curled up under a soft blanket with a cup of tea? Perhaps they’re more the glass of wine while sitting on the patio well into the evening kind of reader, or maybe they’re the ones who spend hours in the bath with a great book, with top-ups of hot water being added every now and again!

Here are a few of our favorite bookish gifts we know you will love and will be received with lots of happiness. Yes, you can absolutely expect plenty of dramatic “ooohs” and “aaahs,” followed by a “You know me so well!”

Literary Perfume: We have something for everyone, and there is nothing quite like a scent to trigger your brain to relax and get into bookish heaven! Choose from our selection, including The Romance Readers Book Club, The Reader and the Rainstorm, Lost in the Library, A Page on a Park Bench, and A Court of Amber and Musk!

Bookish Bubble Bath: Our bubble bath was inspired by Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. We just love this light, vanilla-scented bubble bath which instantly creates a reading oasis! And if you chose In Want of a Suspect, this will fit in perfectly with the Jane Austen theme!

Bookmarks: You can never have too many, and we created our bookmarks with serious bookworms in mind! Our bookmarks serve as a reading log as well, featuring slots for up to 27 book reviews, including the date read, book title, and your star rating! 

Snacks: Snacks are important, and they need to be kept close. Serious readers never want to get up for a bite because somehow we always feel hungry at the most epic moment in the book! You know what they love, but this time it’s all in the packaging. Simply fill a jar with their favorite chocolates or candies and create your own personalized label. I may even create one for myself like, “Teri’s Just One More Chapter” Jar.

Drinkware: Yes, a mug is a mug, but a bookish mug is spectacular! We love our “What the Actual Plot Twist” mug.

The “I Miss Reading With You” Layer: The Personal Note 

Nothing says I miss reading with you quite like a handwritten personal note! It’s time to be the author of your care package and write from the heart. This is for the person who makes books even better because we all know that sharing your thoughts, discussing characters and plot twists is part and parcel of being a reader. 

Packaging and Shipping Without Ruining the Moment 

Here at Once Upon a Book Club, we know how important packaging is. It’s what so many of you love about our book boxes: it's the beautifully wrapped surprise gifts in just the right paper. Small touches say everything! 

It’s time to get creative! You can wrap each gift in brown paper and tie it with ribbon, then attach a photograph of the two of you, a favorite quote, or even something you love about them. You can wrap it in their favorite color, or if you want to go all out, make a collage using covers of their favorite books or photos of the two of you, and then have it printed as large wrapping paper at your local photocopy store. 

Happy Creating!

We can’t wait to hear all about your bookish care packages, and while we think creating your own is a great way to show your appreciation for your bookish friend, we totally understand that life gets busy and you may not have the time.

When life is too busy to create your own care package, our selection is just what you need! Everyone needs a bit of love, and The Self-Love Box covers it all, featuring the feel-good book The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, along with surprise gifts that ooze self-love! 

All of our care packages include the perfect novel, beautiful gifts to match each box’s theme, and a handwritten greeting card, carefully packed in a stunning book-shaped box. All you need to do is fill in the details, and we will do the rest.

Whether you build it yourself or you send something already beautifully organized, the thought and heart behind it are just the same. If you’re looking for something that really puts you inside the book, we think you’ll love our OUABC Lite Box; it’s a book box with a difference! Think of your 5 senses coming to life while you read an exciting novel, an immersive experience like no other!

If your fellow bookworm loves a little bit of suspense, then you will definitely want to have a look at our Summer Thrills Box. This book box features a new, hardcover copy of Caller Unknown by bestselling author Gillian McAllister and five beautifully wrapped surprise gifts! 

From one bookworm to another, we appreciate each and every one of you and wish you a summer filled with adventure, plot twists, and unforgettable characters. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!