I didn’t used to do puzzles. I have a lot of four-legged creatures in my home, many of which have made doing anything with small parts or pieces or that is in any way fragile impossible. But during the early months of COVID, I bought myself a puzzle tray and a cover and found myself falling for the meditative act of puzzling. I learned my animals weren’t as terrible about puzzles as once presumed, and now I usually have a puzzle out on my dining table to poke at from about October until April. I use my time jigsawing to catch up on audiobooks or podcasts, and of course, I find myself turning to great book puzzles while listening so that I’m going all in on the reading feelings.

A couple of years back, I put together a big guide to bookish puzzles. Since then, the selection of puzzles for readers and book lovers has only expanded. There are so many fun, colorful, and clever book puzzles available in a range of sizes and styles. My personal favorite brand, Galison, has been putting out some incredible bookish puzzles recently, which you’ll see included below. I’ve gotten into the habit where I even preorder my puzzles through my local indie bookstore and let myself be surprised when they arrive, sometimes months later.

If you’re itching for a new hobby or eager to expand your puzzling, you’ll want to dive on into the best new book puzzles you can do right now…or in the very near future.

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing across a wall of bookshelves on a rolling ladder, then this bookshelf puzzle is absolutely for you. $25

I would love to go to this magical land where the flowers are reading lights, wouldn’t you? $18

These bright, colorful books are a living landscape in this energetic book puzzle. I’m obsessed and cannot wait to do this one. $18

The bookstore is an absolutely magical place, and this puzzle takes that wonder to a whole new level. Every little detail here is fabulous. $15

I love how cozy this book nerds puzzle is. Even the cat is deep inside a good tome. $22, available March 7.

I know the practicality of books as tents is nonexistent, but this might be the only way you’d get me to camp outside. (I prefer hotel or airstream camping, which would allow me to do puzzles such as this one without a problem). $22, available March 7.

Indeed, the most dangerous women are those who are well-read. $22, available March 7.

They say the purrfect puzzle does not exist, but I beg to differ. This one has everything, and the vintage styling is a bonus. $20

Is this the ideal reading setup for winter? I would like to think so. $19

LOOK at the little tuxedo cat! I want to go wander the selection in this bookstore so bad. $17

If you love the Bibliophile art by Jane Mount, you’ll love this puzzle featuring her diverse book cover art with Jamise Harper. $19, available February 7.

Looking for more great book-themed puzzles and entertainment? We’ve got you covered with another roundup of bookish puzzles — there are no repeats here! — and these great word search games.

- Kelly Jensen

Dark academia is having a moment, and book nerds everywhere are enjoying the hell out of it. After all, the genre combines two groups that already have significant overlap: the bookish and the gothic; while also encompassing the deep desire of all humans — yes, I said all — to own, fill, and decorate a giant library, probably 2+ stories, definitely with sliding ladders.

Whether your reading taste leans toward the dark academia vibe or not isn’t necessarily relevant; here we are dealing with the room in which you do your reading, and a darkly academic theme lends itself nicely to your image as a Serious Reader with Highbrow Taste. With luck, it will make book thieves borrowers think twice, keep out nosy family members, and encourage those who know you best to bring a steady supply of snacks and tea.

While I can’t help you with owning a space big enough for a two-story library, I can help you decorate your own dark academia space — be it a whole room or a tiny reading nook — and of course Book Riot as a whole is here to help you (over)fill said space. I’ve gathered some of my favorite items that will create the perfect mood for curling into a chair and reading for eternity.

Start decorating your walls with this impressive wall art triptych of skeletons printed on old dictionary pages, from ReImaginationPrints. $25.

This gorgeous, moody wallpaper from MarWALLous comes in stick-on or traditional. The sample is $19 and it comes in several widths, starting at 102″ x 102″ for $245.

Honestly I don’t think I’m cool enough to own this fantastic raven desk lamp, but YOU are! Pick it up from ArtionCraft. $32 at time of writing.

Add some extra academia to your dark academia reading room with a real, mounted Death’s Head Moth from Vinacreations4. Starting at $59.

Fill your reading room with the scent of cedar wood, vetiver, and patchouli using this room spray from GreenPactAlchemy. $15

What is a reading room without plants?? Combine your love of growing things with the mystery of fungi with these precious bud vases from ChausettesdeComptine. $23 for two.

Let ShopOfTheCourtier scoop you some oddities to be displayed in your own unique oddities jar. $6–30

Make sure everyone knows who your books belong to with this custom embosser from PickledStamps. There are many different designs to choose from. It’s $45 for the embosser, and stamps are also available.

Even dark academics need to let the light in occasionally. Hold your curtains back in elegant style with these curtain holders from GNTSDecor. $27 for two.

The Victorians loved to exchange tokens that seem very strange to the modern sensibility. Throw back to the 19th century with this original art from mrvtau. $97

What would a reading room be without mugs for your favorite beverage? Match your room’s aesthetic with this gorgeous mug from CurioPopRelics. $22

Can’t get enough dark academia? Also check out:

• What Is Dark Academia, And Why Is It So Popular?
• 10 Queer Dark Academia Novels to Obsess Over
• 8 Dark Academic Mystery Novels With Lectures and Lechery

I hope you enjoy decorating your new reading space as much as I enjoyed researching things to put in it. Happy dark reading!

- Tika Viteri

Winter: to some, it means dark days and sad cold nights; to others, it is the best time to snuggle up with a book and read away, using the weather as an excuse to not have to get out of the house for social commitments.

When you have dodged all of your friends’ plans to meet up, have the fireplace and some background music, and you have chosen your book and beverage of choice, the only thing missing is a fluffy blanket to wrap yourself in, letting everyone in the house know you aren’t going anywhere. And sure, maybe you already have a bunch of blankets lying around, which your pet has made their own, but wouldn’t it be nice to actually have a book-themed blanket to go with all of the rest?

I’m sure you’ll agree when you feast your eyes on the selection I put together for you: these are perfect for your own enjoyment, or as a lovely gift. I included selections across a wide price range with a few cheaper options in there, too.

Let’s get comfy!

With A Lot Of Personality

There is no better gift than one made especially for someone, like a personalized book blanket. This one is fuzzy and super pretty to boot. $58

A room full of books is a magical place, indeed! $22+

This is very true. Mostly, the things I know are about books, but we don’t need to let that be known. Also, how cool does this cat look? $70

I find this blanket an absolute beauty, the colours just go so well with each other! $30+

For those who prefer more neutral tones, there is this option as well! $30+

This library card blanket is such a clever idea! Possible to personalize it, too! $85

With A Message

A personalised blanket that puts your name front and center and shares a very important message as well! $40+

What better way to make it clear you are not up to anything else than reading, than with a My weekend is booked blanket? It passes on a message and keeps you warm (and, hopefully, unbothered). $35

For those who, like me, love a more goth look, this is a wonderful choice, which also contains a lie most book lovers keep telling themselves: just one more chapter. $53

So many books so little time, the ultimate book-worm motto in blanket form. $23+

Featuring The Classics

For those who like their bookish blankets related to fandoms and classic works of literature, there are a few to choose from, like this one featuring the cover of well-known tales. $30+

This Hobbit-themed one is a true work of art. $80

This one inspired by Macbeth witches is probably one of my favorites of the whole selection. $94+

If you enjoy being literally surrounded by quotes from classical books, this is the perfect blanket for you. So many good quotes in it, too! $89+

If you can’t get enough of bookish coziness, here is another bunch of blankets we put together last year, and some bookish socks to keep your feet extra warm!

- Carina Pereira

Regardless of whether you read ten or 100 books a year, you probably try to keep a record of the books you’ve made your way through. Over the years, many of us have used digital apps for this (often Goodreads, but others like StoryGraph have been gaining more and more support), but have you considered switching to your own book journal?

Book journals are, after all, a wonderful way to chronicle your reading life in a way that’s thorough and personalized. You’re not only keeping track of the books you’ve read and the books you want to read: you’re also monitoring your reading habits and challenges, keeping an easily accessible log of the series you’re halfway through, and you can be as open as you want without worrying about others finding or judging your thoughts on a book.

I rounded up ten book journals from various Etsy and Amazon storefronts. Although most of them are physical, a few are either digital or printable. They include space for book reviews, reading trackers, upcoming releases, and more. Prices range from $2.50 to $30+, giving you the opportunity to opt for the one that best fits your reading habits and your budget. Happy reading and tracking!

This yearly planner is 100+ pages long, includes pages specifically meant for wishlists, TBR lists, monthly recaps, and more. A beautiful handmade book journal. $22 and up.

This reading journal is almost 200 pages long, includes a daily reading tracker, and a borrowed/lent out list. If you’re like me and need half a dozen reminders in various planners to remember to return library books on time, this is the book journal for you. You have room for 52 book reviews. $16

If you want a book journal but are still planning to use your apps, this digital reading journal is perfect for you. It has room for 240 books with hyperlinks to their reviews, a series tracker, yearly and monthly reading trackers, and more. Available in six different colors. $4

If you’re reading this in search of the perfect gift for a book lover, look no further. This personalized book journal is embossed with that oh-so-relatable phrase “just one more page” and the reader’s initials, making it as visually appealing as it is useful. It boasts double-page review spreads, a reading progress tracker, a TBR list, and a master list of books read. $33

If you’re on a budget or simply impatient, this printable reading planner is an excellent option. It has space for pretty much every bookish thing you might want to keep track of: books both read and TBR, yes, but also favorite books, favorite authors, upcoming releases, a reading log, a book wishlist, and more. $3

I love the idea of a reading passport: something to chronicle the adventures taken by reading. This book journal lets you record 20 books with their respective trips (title), host or tour guide (author), genre, location, era, and rating. It also has space to record your impressions on each book. $10

Maybe you prefer your book journals smaller, something you could carry in a tiny purse or bag to jot down quick notes on the go. The Bookish Companion (Mini) is ideal: the size of a small paperback, it has room for 100 book indexes and reviews. If you like the style, but prefer something bigger, look for the large size. $7

Are you a reader and a fan of pink? This is the book journal for you. The Pink Book Journal includes a rating system, book goals tracker, favorites section, books and pages graphs by month, and of course, book review templates, book quotes page, and more. If you like the sound of it, but aren’t a pink person, fear not: the seller has Grey Book Journals too. $38

Perhaps you want your book journal to stimulate reflection. In that case, look no further than the Book of Books: it’ll help you make the most of your book spreads by prompts such as “anchor to your life” and “record your why.” The fact that it’s absolutely stunning doesn’t hurt. $28

If you’ll always take a spiral-bound journal over a fancy book-like one, this book review reading journal is perfect for you. In addition to having room for 100 reviews, a TBR list, and a DNF list, it has an info page (so you can determine your own rating system), a monthly page tracker, a series tracker, and more. $25

Itching for more options? Give these additional book journal and bullet journals a look.

- Carolina Ciucci

Winter for many of us means cold, gray days and lots of time spent indoors. While this can be a bit depressing (I miss the sun! And my hammock!) it can also be a great time to curl up with a great book — or several — and a mug full of something yummy. If you’re starting to feel like you’re stuck in a rut of endless winter and you need a little pick me up, how about splurging on an adorable new bookish mug? I recommend making a ritual out of using your new mug to make something tasty, whether’s it’s adding fancy creamer to your morning coffee or preparing a frothy tea latte one afternoon, and then curling up with a great book.

These pretty mugs are just the thing to add a little bookish happiness into your endless winter days! They run the range from pretty to cute to retro, and they’ll put a smile on your face every time you use one. And if you need a little inspiration for your drink and book pairings, then we’ve got some book and tea recommendations for you as well!

Black Kitten Bookish Mug ($19): How adorable is this little kitten with his open book?

Book Nerd Floral Mug ($19): I love the color choice for the florals here!

Personalized Bookish Camp Mug ($19): Put your name on it so no one else takes it! This is a cute and sturdy little stainless steel mug!

Book Nerd Mug ($15): I love the elegant line art of this mug — it feels like something that could be a cool tattoo!

Books Are My Love Language Mug ($20): Shoutout to the fellow readers who feel seen and heard when given books.

Kindred Spirits Camp Mug ($26): Grab one for yourself and one for your fellow kindred spirit!

Mood Reader Glass Mug ($17): For those that wait for the mood to strike!

Just One More Chapter Mug ($18): Another one for the glass mug fans!

Black Cat Reading Mug ($17): For those bookish cat lovers out there!

Vintage Flat Lay Book Mug ($15): I’m loving these cool vintage book vibes!

If none of these are quite what you’re looking for, check out some of the best punny mugs for language lovers.

- Tirzah Price

The new year is a great time to recommit to your reading goals. Whether you’re working through a Goodreads challenge or just trying to make a dent in an ever-growing TBR pile, you’ll need to be strategic about where, when, and how to do all that reading. I speak from experience. I usually average a book a week, which is a manageable-for-me number that balances my love of books with my real world obligations and penchant for prestige TV shows. Still, a book a week, much like a crime, takes means, motive, and opportunity to accomplish. (A lot of those books are murder mysteries, in case you couldn’t tell.)

Here are some tips to read like you’re getting away with something:

1. Means: Broaden the way you read. Audiobooks make for an excellent storytelling experience and can bring books into everyday activities like chores and commuting. Services like the subscriptions below will keep you stocked with plenty of reading material, and ereaders like a Kindle can keep an entire library at your fingertips.
2. Motive: Get clear on why you read. Maybe you’re trying to complete your favorite authors’ backlists, or learn something new, or just carve out some-bookish me time. Book journals and habit trackers can help you stick to your goals and track your progress.
3. Opportunity: While you can’t buy more hours in the day to read, luckily, there are tools, services, and accessories to help us bookworms power through the pages in our precious free time. It’s also key to protect that time once you’ve claimed it for reading. There are always a dozen things competing for attention, but a good book is one of the best excuses to take some time for yourself.

Here are some suggestions to boost your access to books, enhance your reading comfort, and help you double down on your motivation to work through your TBR. 

Bookish Subscription Services

TBR: Tailored Book Recommendations

Don’t know what to read? Book Riot’s very own TBR book subscription service pairs you with a professional book nerd who provides tailored book recommendations. Starting at $16 per quarter.

Audible

Read while walking, driving, or doing the dishes with an audiobook subscription. Audible is one of the largest services, where you can buy your audiobooks individually or stream from a large catalogue on Audible Plus. Starting at $14.95 a month.

Get three free audiobooks with a trial to Audiobooks.com. Claim your 3 free audiobooks now!

Libro.FM

Another audiobook subscription service, Libro.FM allows you to support the bookstore of your choice. Starting at $14.99 a month.

Kindle Unlimited

On Kindle Unlimited, one monthly fee gets you access to millions of ebooks on Kindle. Bestsellers, classics, and new discoveries rotate on the service. Starting at $9.99 a month.

Bookish Gear

Annotation Kits

Bundled together in a cute pouch, this kit will help you tab, highlight and flag your way through your TBR. $22

Reading Journals

Keep track of your reading journey with a book journal. This one has prompts and and detailed rating rubric. $30

Book Riot also has our own Read Harder Reading Log! Along with room to track your reading, there are also challenges inspired by different years of the Read Harder Challenge. $17

Ereader

An ereader like Kindle can store thousands of books. Bonus: the phone app makes it easy to pick up your book where you left off when you have a few minutes to scroll your phone. $100

Not sure which ereader to buy? These guides can help: What Is The Best Ereader? and The Best Tablet For Reading.

Reading Lights

If you want to read late at night without disturbing your snoozing partner, this neck lamp will illuminate your book and keep your hands free to turn the pages! $22

For more options, check out The 16 Best Reading Lamps for Your Nighttime Reading Routine.

Reading Pillows

If you’re going to put in the hours reading, you need to be comfortable. This pillow is perfect for reading in bed or lounging on the couch. $39

Here are even more reading pillow options, if this one isn’t your style!

Habit Trackers

The most reliable way to read more? Make it a daily habit. James Clear of Atomic Habits has a nice summary of how of set one up. Try a bullet journal for the DIY habit tracker ($10) or download a pre-made one like this Habit Tracker on Etsy ($4). 

There are so many reading journal and bullet journal options to choose from!

Now that you have the supplies, you might also appreciate this advice on reading more:

• How To Read More and Internet Less When You Have No Self Control
• Learn How to Read More With These 6 Easy Tips
• 20 Ways to Read More Books in the New Year

- Clare Barnett

Now that 2023 has arrived, you know what that means: it’s time to pick your 2023 planner or reading tracker! I personally still really enjoy (and rely on) a good planner to keep my work tasks, events, and personal goals organized and front of mind. I have a terrible memory, and the act of writing down what I need to do in a planner helps keep it in my brain longer.

The first half of this list will provide you with a handful of bookish 2023 planners to get your year started right, with some boasting some gorgeous bookish illustrations, stickers, and everything you’ll need to stay on top of your monthly, weekly, and daily tasks and plans for the new year.

This will be the first year I keep a reading tracker to log all of the books I read, and if you’re also just getting started or want to pick up a new reading journal this year, the second half of this list has got you covered. Reading trackers are an excellent way to take note of what genres you read the most during a given year, set monthly reading goals, collect your favorite quotes, and reflect on each book. Some of the reading trackers in this collection give you space to leave reviews, provide writing prompts for each book you read, give you reading challenges, and include a calendar so you can pencil in which new releases are coming out soon.

Finally, we’ve included a list of accessories at the end to help make your bookish planner or reading tracker experience that much more fun.

May your calendar organizing and your reading journaling be productive and enjoyable!

Planners

This 2023 literary planner by Prose Posters features delightful bookish illustrations for each month that incorporates a quote or excerpt from each famous classic. Enjoy week-by-week pages for your planning needs, along with a full calendar for each month and a notes section. $23

This book lover planner by Atelier Dorina is filled with retro illustrations of fashionable women with books, along with stickers and a satin ribbon. Enjoy a day-to-day planner that will make checking off your daily tasks that much easier. $42

This book lover planner by Orange Circle Studio and sold at Barnes & Noble features gilded page edges, an elastic band enclosure, and plenty of space for notes as you plan out your weeks and months. $17

This book lover planner by Wholistic Planner will make planning out your monthly and weekly tasks easy, and includes weekly goals and notes to help you be intentional about what you’d like to accomplish throughout 2023. There are two versions: one with monthly tabs and one without. $27

Reading Trackers

This reading tracker by Novelly Yours is the perfect way to log your 2023 reading. Keep track of each month’s reading stats, your monthly reading goals, and recap your reading month: how many books you read, total number of pages, your most read genre, and more. While this isn’t the kind of tracker that also allows you to write reviews, it’s a great log for understanding your reading habits. They offer a regular version that can fit 23 books per months, and an expanded version that can fit 31 books per month. $30

This book journal by Sugarpop Chic does give you the space to leave reviews for the books you read, and it also includes reading challenges, space to write down your favorite book quotes, and a calendar for keeping track of new releases. $35

This reading journal by Kunitsa is a sleekly modern, minimalist journal that has room for 105 book reviews, which includes prompts to help tease out everything you loved and learned from each book you read. $30

This Always Fully Booked reading planner by Little Inklings has everything you could want in a reading tracker, including a goal tracker, reading challenges, book haul pages, pre-built graphs and charts for your reading stats, room for 120 book reviews, coloring pages, and more. $50

Accessories

These bookworm planner stickers by Colibri Charms will help you customize your bookish journal or add more pizzazz to your reading tracker. $4

These planner stickers by Orange Umbrella Co. provide you with label stickers, sticky note stickers, checklist stickers, and more if you’d like to add more bookish flair to your planner. $3

This printable bookshelf reading tracker can be added to your planner or reading log in case yours doesn’t have one, or you’re just reading a lot in 2023. This printable collection by HerbnSage Planners gives you eight different insert sizes to accommodate whichever planner size you have. $2

- Melissa Baron

It’s a new year, and you know what time it is…it’s time to start fresh with new bullet journals!

I am 100% guilty of buying new bullet journals with high expectations and then either never opening it or managing to do two to three months of bullet journaling before my creative juices run out. Bullet journaling can be intimidating — I can fully admit that. And I know, I know, I know that you don’t have to be a master artist to bullet journal, but my wonky spreads and attempts to draw cute animals start to discourage me from continuing.

The great thing nowadays is that if your creative skills are a little lacking (talking about myself here), some talented creators have created pre-designed or pre-filled out bullet journals, so you don’t have to create new spreads every month. These range from already colored in, and all you have to do is add your to-do’s, to just enough on the page to get you started, and you can color or draw your own boxes. 

Oh, and we’re in the digital age! So you don’t even need to get a physical journal. If you have a tablet and a stylus, a digital journal may be a great option for you. And if you need some tips with accessories to go along with your new bullet journal, we’ve also got you. 

What are you thinking? Hardcover or softcover? Personalized or “generic”? Blank or pre-filled? The choice is up to you — here are some of your best options to kick off 2023 with a new bullet journal!

Blank Bullet Journals

I suppose it’s only fitting to start this list off with the “Official Bullet Journal” created by Ryder Carroll from Leuchtturm1917. Whether you’re new to the world of bullet journaling, a.k.a. “BuJo,” or a seasoned user, you can’t go wrong with the original. $28

If you’re interested in learning more about the process or how to organize your journal effectively, Carroll’s book The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future is a great reference to have, too.

This spiral-bound option also comes with a transparent cover so you can be extra creative with your new bullet journal’s first page. $14 for two.

If you use bullet journals for school or if you want to keep different subjects separate, single-volume personalized bullet journals are great for keeping your thoughts and notes organized. And they also look amazing when purchased as a set. $20 each.

Talk about a new bullet journal that is completely unique to you. Submit a photo of your choice and choose between three background options. This shop also has an amazing commitment to the planet — for every product you buy, a tree is planted in your name. P.S. Be sure to choose the dotted paper as the option when you order! $30

If you’re looking for an easy option that doesn’t take up much space, these travel bullet journals are great options. The craft paper cover lets you get creative and the sewn binding makes it easy to lay each spread completely flat. $18 for a pack of 12.

Made with sturdy leather covers, you can trust that these bullet journals can withstand a little tossing around in a backpack or bag. $26 for a set of two.

Pre-Filled Bullet Journals

This undated journal makes it easy to jump into journaling no matter the time of year. Everything is pre-designed and ready for you to color in and make your own. Bonus! This journal also has a beautiful “Books to Read” and “Reading Log” spread. It starts at $43 for non-personalized versions, and up to $55 for personalized journals.

For a journal with a beautiful minimalist design, this pre-made bullet journal has all your spreads and boxes already labeled and finished — all you need is to start filling in your 2023 plans. $28

The creator also makes a spiral-bound version of the bullet journal with unlabeled spreads. You don’t have to build any boxes or checklists, but you can label them as you wish — adds some extra wiggle room if you want a unique or very personalized spread. $33

Alexandra’s pre-made journals are all hand-made using thick paper (perfect for markers to watercolors) and specially bound so that the book lays completely flat. The spreads are thoughtful, including an expense tracker and “Memories in Polaroids.” Starts at $40.

Digital Bullet Journals

For a minimalist version of a digital journal, this planner comes with 70 templates, over 21,000 stickers, and a variety of color palettes to completely make these spreads your own. The user experience is also super easy to follow if you are a beginner in bullet journaling or digital journaling. $14

Let your creativity shine! The spreads you can create with this digital journal are stunning, and the 3D stickers help to create depth and space. If this color palette isn’t quite your jam, the creator has several you can choose from. $22

- Kate Krug

In the market for some new reading accessories in 2023? You won’t need to look any further. Whether you’re hoping to build yours dream reading nook and are itching for a cozy blanket and mug to complement your bookish aesthetic or you’re a reader on the go looking to have the perfect bookish tote bag, annotation tools, and a solid Ex Libris stamp to ensure your books always come back home, these reading accessories will be your go-to picks for the year.

These essential reading accessories for 2023 include both some fun gadgets and real practical tools. The prices are mostly budget friendly, and all of these would make fantastic gifts for anyone in your life (and you, obviously) who loves reading. Not only will these help fit more reading into your busy life — or, conversely, help you slow down in your reading life if that’s one of your goals — but many of these reading accessories are able to be personalized or customized. Snag a favorite color or have your name added to give it a little extra special touch.

Let’s take a look at some of the best new reading accessories and some beloved favorites for building a wonderfully bookish 2023.

The Best Reading Accessories 2023

It’s only natural to begin with two options for great bookish tote bags, so you can take your reading on the go.

Is this tote bag subtle enough for you? $30

One way to help spread the word about today’s current reality of book censorship is to have something on you or with you that can spark that conversation. This sunshine yellow tote bag not only cracks open that dialog, but it is a sign you care about intellectual freedom and the freedom to read. $31+, with size options.

Now on to ways to get comfortable/cozy/keep your current reads in a safe, easy-to-find place. These next reading accessories do just that.

Whether you read with a book in your lap or at a table/desk, this book pyramid pillow is an excellent gadget for saving your hands and wrists. You can use it with print books or with a tablet, and the corduroy fabric gives it a nice, cozy feel. There are several colors to choose from $25.

Keep this book rest on your night stand or in your reading nook and know you can set down your book for a quick coffee break or weeks’ long rest and it won’t break the book’s spine. Plus, there’s space for more reading accessories inside the triangle. $50

And here’s an option for being a little extra in the best way: it’s a floating shelf you can display what you’re now reading. $21 and up, with color options.

Another fun–and extremely practical–reading accessory in the “holding things” category is the book page holder. There are a wide variety from which to choose, but these thumb page holders that look like they’re filled with rainbow sprinkles are my favorite. $15, with four different styles from which to choose.

The next category of essential book accessories includes everything you need to get cozy. Think: brewing or pouring your favorite beverage, keeping your body warm, settling in for the long haul.

These genre coasters remind me of the little genre stickers on library books (which is, of course, intentional). $30, and you get to choose from several options for the “book” case in which the coasters come.

Snuggle in with this mood reader mug that will let you look at whatever delicious beverage you’re enjoying while you read. $17, with some customization options.

And here’s another option for containing your beverage of choice. This one is perfect for on the go reading and for those of you who prefer cold drinks. $19 and up, with options to customize.

As of writing, these library due date card blankets are limited, so snag one ASAP if they’re available. If not, save it and come back — talk about a fun, unique blanket perfect for reading. $52

No reading accessory roundup would be complete without some kind of reading light. This one is nice because it comes with a case, making it easy to toss in your tote and read on the go. $19

Now onto what could best be categorized as the “tracking” category of book gadgets. Is a bookmark something you use to track? Certainly — you know where you’re at in your current read, and the bookmarks here can do double duty.

This downloadable and printable bookmark is a bookshelf. You can print it on whatever kind of paper you’d like and use it to track books on your shelf, on your TBR, or the titles you’ve read over a period of time. $4

If you’re working to build some new reading habits, you’ll want to utilize this handy bookmark that allows you to track whatever is important to you. $3

Keep tabs on all of your personal collection of books with an Ex Libris/From The Library Of stamp. This one is fun and practical. Get it personalized starting at $31.

If you’re into annotation or want to get into annotating your books, why not snag an entire kit, rather than splurge on all of the tools you need separately? This one comes with highlighters, washi tape, book tabs, and a pouch (you can choose the design you’d like for that!). $22

Keep track of your reading life with a reading journal that allows you to note book reviews, track any reading challenges, and more. This one is really pretty and I love that you could quickly reference books you’d “recco.” $32

What book worm does not need a book worm memo pad? $8

The last reading accessory is one that does not fit into any category, but it is certain to add some fun to your 2023.

Reading is also for the birds with these book style bird houses. Put one outside the window where you read or near your reading hammock and enjoy the literary birds to grace you with their presence. There are a few book options from which to choose. $70

Want some more ideas for essential reading accessories? You’ll love these book tabs, these TBR tackling tools, and some fun bookish stickers.

- Kelly Jensen

The Hundred Acre Wood is a gentle place where the worst that can happen is a too-blustery day. It’s filled with kind animals who, generally, are interested in helping each other and having a pleasant time. It’s no surprise that it’s a popular nursery theme, with many looking to create their own Winnie the Pooh nursery.

And, boy, do I love a theme. When there’s an opportunity to throw an elaborate party or, better, go overboard making something special for someone I love, I just cannot help myself. So when I had the chance to put together a perfect Winnie the Pooh nursery, I couldn’t resist.

Winnie-the-Pooh went into the public domain this past year, freeing independent artists to create work based on the characters, so this is the perfect time to look for what new things are happening in Pooh’s world. This is also why I decided to limit this nursery to classic Pooh, the one designed by illustrator E.H. Shepherd, instead of Disney’s version.

(Incidentally, I always assumed that E.H. Shepherd based his illustrations on A.A. Milne’s son’s toys, but in researching this article, I learned that Shepherd actually based Pooh on Shepherd’s own son’s doll. While the Milne family dolls are on display in one of the New York Public Library’s buildings, the Shepherd family bear met an untimely end, thanks to a neighborhood dog. But back to more gentle things.)

This is a collection of some of the best nursery items and accessories available based on the art of E.H. Shepherd and A.A. Milne’s characters.

To lay a foundation for the room, of course you’ll want to start with a rug. I did find a few different rugs that were based on the Shepherd artwork, but I had some questions about the quality, so I thought this wool rug ($75) might be a better bet. It’s not technically Winnie-the-Pooh, but I think it works nicely.

Then, on to bedding. This cute set ($180) includes a quilt, a fitted crib sheet, and a crib skirt.

For above the crib, these soft characters ($45) spin slowly to Braham’s Lullaby.

This handmade mobile is really beautiful ($388). Each character is knit from high-quality wool and filled with an eco-friendly polyfill. They’re little works of art.

Now, to the walls. This classic Pooh wallpaper ($83/8 foot roll) is so charming, and the gentle cream and black keeps it from being too overwhelming.

But what to hang on the wallpaper? These full-color prints of early illustrations ($41+, depending on size and format) are gorgeous. Hang all six together or break up the set for gifts.

If you’d like the original Shepherd illustrations, these quote prints ($26, depending on size and format) are a great option.

Of course, you’ll need a Winnie-the-Pooh plush ($30) for your little one to snuggle. This one looks especially soft.

And it wouldn’t really be a Winnie the Pooh nursery without the stories themselves. This is a lovely gift edition ($17).

Is that baby still on the way? Here are some great ideas for a Winnie-the-Pooh-themed baby shower. Or are you looking for some sweet Pooh quotes for every part of your life? Or are you just not sure if you’re a Pooh or a Rabbit? Here’s a quiz!

- Jesse Doogan