Holiday Plot Twist: What Booklovers Really Want

This season’s shoppers want something they can hold. A new ThriftBooks survey of 2,000 readers explains why

This holiday season, give your loved ones something they'll get to open again and again: a book-shaped gift!

As thoughtful consumers lean into the idea of an analog holiday and screen-free gifts, books are emerging as the perfect choice for gift-givers. According to a new holiday survey by Atomik Research, commissioned by ThriftBooks, 87 percent of readers plan to buy books as gifts this season.

Why are books a good holiday gift?

The enjoyment of a book-shaped gift goes both ways. ThriftBooks' October 2026 survey found that 71 percent of readers say they are prioritizing gifts that do not involve a screen this holiday season, and 77 percent say a book is their favorite or second-favorite gift to receive. More than half (54 percent) say they feel excited when they receive a wrapped gift and can tell it is a book. A book is one of the few gifts that asks for our undivided attention.

"A great book gift says, 'I know what you love,'" said Barbara Hagen, Vice President of Marketing at ThriftBooks. "You can choose something that speaks to who a person is, introduce them to a new interest or share a story you've loved yourself. It's a personal gift that is meaningful at any budget and shows you care."

What makes a book gift feel thoughtful?

Add a written note inside your gift. Nearly 1 in 3 readers (32 percent) in ThriftBooks' October 2026 survey chose it over every other option, ahead of a title connected to something the giver and recipient had talked about. The gesture readers value most costs nothing.

Is it okay to give a used book as a gift?

Most readers say yes. According to a ThriftBooks survey conducted in October 2026, 70 percent would be just as happy receiving a pre-owned copy of a book they wanted as they would a new one. A pre-loved book is another way to give something meaningful within a budget.

What are good stocking stuffer books?

A slim mystery or a pocket-size cookbook tucks neatly into a stocking. So does the next paperback in a series they are already reading. In the October 2026 ThriftBooks survey, 58 percent of readers who plan to give books this holiday season expect to spend less than $20 per book.

What kinds of books do readers most want to unwrap?

Mysteries and thrillers topped the October 2026 ThriftBooks survey, with 38 percent of readers choosing them. Horror garnered about 20 percent, and so did science fiction and fantasy. History and romance each drew 18 percent. Biography and memoir came in at 13 percent, and so did cooking. If your reader loves trying to figure out whodunit before the detective does, you've got a good place to start.

Does it have to be a new release?

Most readers are happy to unwrap an older title. In the October 2026 ThriftBooks survey, 45 percent said they had no preference between a 2026 release and an older title, as long as it was a book they wanted. Another 32 percent would rather get an older title they missed, while 20 percent preferred a new release. So if they've mentioned a book they keep meaning to read, put that one on your list.

What are the best books to give this holiday?

For the friend who reads one more chapter long after midnight or the kid who's ready for their next graphic novel, our Holiday Gift Guides have picks for both. You can also browse our Best Books of the Year list for standout reads across fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy and children's books.

"Choosing a book for someone should feel personal, not overwhelming," said Hagen. "Our Best Books of the Year list gives shoppers a place to start. Think about what the person loves, explore the picks, and give them a story they might not have discovered on their own."

Here are some of the top books featured in our Holiday Gift Guides, each one thoughtfully curated by ThriftBooks staff members:

• Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman—From our Special Editions Gift Guide, a raucously fun read for gamers and nongamers alike.
• A Married Little Christmas by Abby Jimenez—A heartwarming holiday romance by the author of Yours Truly.
• Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! by Ben Clanton—From our Children's Book Gift Guide, the hilarious first book in a bestselling graphic novel series. (Ages 6–9 years)
• The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause—From our Teen & YA Gift Guide, the perfect book for the teen who thinks they've already read every vampire romance. (Ages 12 and up)
• Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid—From our Romance Gift Guide, the second in the spicy Game Changers series and the basis of the massively popular HBO show of the same name.
• A Court of Splintered Harmony by Sarah J. Maas—From our Romantasy Gift Guide, the newest book from the beloved ACOTAR romantasy series.
• Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel by Lucy Foley and Agatha Christie—From our Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Gift Guide, an authorized, new Miss Marple novel!
• Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell—From our Science Fiction/Fantasy Gift Guide where every book featured is a Nebula Award winner.
• Whistler by Ann Patchett—From our Literature & Fiction Gift Guide, the gorgeous new book by the award-winning author of The Dutch House and Bel Canto.
• Swan Song: Diana, my Sister by Charles Spencer—From our Biography & Memoir Gift Guide, an ideal gift for royal watchers and Diana fans.

Maximize your gift-giving

Once you've found your picks, our Analog Holiday campaign offers the chance to earn bonus rewards. From November 5 to 14, earn 150 bonus points with a $30 purchase, or 250 bonus points plus free limited-edition gift wrap, designed by booklovers, with a $60+ purchase. Two additional drops will be announced later in the month.

And the gift doesn't have to end with the holidays. To help turn a thoughtful book into a reading habit that lasts, join our 500 Billion Page Challenge and invite your loved ones along for the ride!

Survey methodology:

ThriftBooks commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 2,000 adults throughout the United States who have read at least 3 books in the past 12 months. The margin of error is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between October 14 and October 19, 2026.

You can follow us on Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram where we share daily book recommendations, literary tidbits, and more.

Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon