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20 Things You Need If 'Read More' Is a Goal This Year

19 Things You Need If 'Read More' Is a Goal This Year
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Unsplash/David Lezcano
January 11, 2023

This post was originally published in June 2021 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

ICYMI: We have a thing for books. And we know that reading and finding the perfect cozy setup doesn’t always come easy. So if one of your resolutions was ‘read more,’ or ‘fall in love with books this year,’ we got you covered. We rounded up the things every bookworm or aspiring bookworm needs in their life (besides, you know, a few hours of peace of quiet on a beach with a can’t-put-down thriller). Whether you’re a seasoned book lover looking to level up your library sitch or you’re a newbie to the literary space, we’ve got something for you. On your (book)marks, get set, read.

Leather bookmark
Leatherology

A full-grain leather weight that lets you prop your book open...

It’s designed with a flexible center and has weights on the side that’ll keep your pages down. It’s especially helpful for those who frequently follow recipes from a cookbook. Just prop your fave book open, throw down your weight, and voilà — following those instructions just got that much easier. ($30+, Leatherology)

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Thestampbar via Etsy

A personalized library stamp that’ll make lending books easy…

And you’ll feel motivated to start building your own collection. You can choose between a classic wooden stamp or a self-inking option. Now you’ll know exactly which book is yours. Not to mention, it’s super satisfying. All you need now are some library cards. ($23.40+, Thestampbar via Etsy)

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Rechargeable neck light
Amazon

A rechargeable neck light so you can read in bed at night…

Say goodbye to juggling a flashlight, bookmark, and hardcover all in one hand from bed. Just wrap this hands-free light around your neck, toggle the button on, and you’re set. It's got three temperature light modes (yellow, white, and cool white). Plus, the comfy bendable device has a narrow beam angle — so you won’t have to worry about waking your partner while you use it. Oh, and the battery lasts up to 80 hours aka you won’t have to recharge it constantly. Check, check, andddd check. ($21.99+, Amazon)

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Magnetic bookmark
Amazon

A leather magnetic bookmark that actually works…

If you’re prone to constantly losing your bookmarks, then this one’s for you. Its simple and sleek design is also super functional. The full-grain leather is durable and should last years. Plus, the secure magnetic clip inside will help keep it glued to your page. So you’ll never lose your place again. Phew. ($20, Amazon)

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Paper bookmarks
Amazon

And some more colorful magnetic bookmark options…

You’ll get 10 paper magnets in this pack. Just clip ‘em to your page and continue on in your reading journey. These are great for anyone who likes to mark up their novels or memoirs while reading — they’re thin and small enough that you can clip multiples to your book without it getting weighed down or clunky. ($7.99, Amazon)

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Book clip light
Amazon

A light you can clip directly onto your book…

Look ma, no hands. This compact, portable one runs on batteries (for up to 25 hours) and can recreate natural light conditions so you’ll get plenty of visibility but no strain on your eyes. Similar to the neck light, it has a narrow beam so your light won’t bother others. Clip it right on to your book, to the back of a car seat, or wherever makes the most sense for ya. ($9.99, Amazon)

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Book club candle
Homesick

A book club candle so you can set the scene…

This natural, soy wax candle from one of our fave brands smells like warm nutmeg, amber, and sandalwood. It gives off major ‘all I want to do is curl up and read a book’ vibes. And makes for the perfect book-loving host gift too. It burns between 60 and 80 hours, is nontoxic, and is free of lead, plastics, and parabens. Light it up. ($38, Homesick)

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Fabric caddy
Amazon

A fabric caddy for anyone who loves to read on the couch at night…

Instead of leaving your book out to get lost under the cushions, attach this pocket holder onto your loveseat and throw your latest read right in. It’ll keep your pages protected and minimize the need to search every crevice. It works for Kindles and other e-readers too. Plus, the pouch comes with two holes, so you can get your charging cable through it to juice up your device easily. Sold. ($15.99, Amazon)

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Silicone finger pointer
Amazon

A silicone finger pointer so you can easily find where you left off reading…

This colorful five-pack to the rescue. These are super flexible, so you can stretch them over the cover of your book to hold your page and mark your spot. They’re soft enough that they shouldn’t damage your book. Have kiddos you’re encouraging to get into reading? They’ll love ’em too. ($5.48, Amazon)

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Digital bookmark
Amazon

A digital bookmark that’ll keep track of how long you’re reading…

Want to read 15 minutes every day and don’t want to be so reliant on your cell phone? Look no further. This bookmark will alert you when you’ve completed your allotted minutes and can track cumulative time too (up to 100 hours over multiple sessions). ($10.55+, Amazon)

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Blue-light-blocking glasses

A pair of blue-light-blocking glasses to help ease screen strain…

For anyone who prefers to read off their devices, you need these. Wearing blue-light-blocking glasses protects your eyes from high-energy light emitted from screens. Overexposure to it can have negative effects like dry eyes, headaches, sleep disruption, and even increased risk of macular degeneration. Safety first, friends. ($95+, Felix Gray)

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Wooden reading glasses holder

And a wooden reading glasses holder to go with ’em...

This hand-carved holder, made of 100% sustainably harvested Indian rosewood, doubles as the cutest piece of decor. Place your specs on it once you’re done reading and you’ll never have to worry about them getting accidentally crushed or damaged. We spy easy living in your future. ($25, Uncommon Goods)

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Reading journal tracker
Amazon

A digital-free way to keep track of how many books you’ve read...

Interested in saying ‘buh-bye’ to Goodreads? No problem. This journal will be your new BFF. It has a monthly tracker, a place to add your “to be read” list, and detailed pages for you to log your reads. There are spots for your star ratings based on craft, enjoyment, and overall opinions. It also has little prompts where you can write down memorable quotes, how you discovered the book, and general thoughts and impressions. ($17.99, Amazon)

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“Little Prince” reusable tote
Amazon

A “Little Prince” reusable tote to help inspire the little readers in your life…

Or to keep for yourself. Because let’s be real, this book is a classic. And who wouldn’t want to rock this around town? It’s 100% cotton and folds flat. 10/10 recommend. ($29, Amazon)

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Modern, steel bookends
Food52

Modern, steel bookends for your shelf…

A necessity for building up any home library. These luxe ones are made from powder-coated steel, so you know they’re super sturdy. They make for a stunning gift and will jazz up any shelf no matter the space. You can choose from varying aesthetically pleasing colors and sizes too. ($64+, Food52)

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Scratch-off poster

A book-related bucket list poster if you love a challenge…

Just scratch off a title on the poster every time you finish one. It has slots for 100 must-read books, like “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “The Color Purple.” And it’ll bring you back to your childhood days. Bookworms, get excited. ($15, Uncommon Goods)

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Walnut book holder
Amazon

A natural walnut book holder that’ll keep pages open for you...

This mini tool helps you hold the pages of your book open so you can be hands-free. It’s super lightweight and small enough to toss in your bag. All you have to do is slide your thumb on it and let the little handmade wings keep your book open. The smooth texture and ergonomic design will keep things comfy too, so you won’t need to stress about hand cramps. It’s available in five sizes so you can get one for yourself, your kiddos, grandparents, and more. Reading’s a family affair, after all. ($12.99, Amazon)

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Bath caddy
Amazon

A caddy that’ll make reading in the tub not feel like a mini version of “Titanic”...

Made of 100% bamboo, this one has extendable handles and a non-slip pad so it won’t slide into the tub water. It’s got special slots for books, candles, wineglasses, and a phone so you can relax without getting bubbles all over your beloved paperback. It screams ‘bath time goals’ — minus all the soapy drama. ($45.95, Amazon)

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Kindle Paperwhite
Amazon

A Kindle Paperwhite that’s waterproof with a glare-free screen…

Calling all e-reader holdouts. This Kindle lets you read anything, anywhere. A single charge can last weeks, and with twice the storage, you can download more magazines, audiobooks, and reads. It also includes Audible, so you can pair the Kindle with your headphones via Bluetooth. The screen brightness is adjustable, so it’s easy to read comfortably at night and outdoors. You can also adjust text size and boldness, and thanks to the massive selection of new and old releases, you’ll never be bored or let down by the quality. ($139.99+, Amazon)

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Audible subscription
Amazon

An Audible subscription for anyone who wants to read but doesn’t feel like they have time...

Try listening instead. Whether it’s in the car, on a walk, or during grocery shopping, audiobooks are perfect for anyone who doesn’t have time to sit and read at the end of the day. The membership also offers one-, three-, six-, and 12-month gift options. And includes access to an incredible catalog of choices all in one place. Psst...tons of celebs and authors voice their own books, making ’em all the more enjoyable. special. (Free 30-day trial, then $7.95+/month)

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