The Best Gifts for E-Book Lovers
Unless you’re choosing a book from a wish list, buying a gift for an avid reader is always fraught with difficulties. Has he read it? Will he like it? Will he be offended by the very idea that you think this is a book he might enjoy? Will you be disappointed when you give him a copy of your favorite book and he never gets around to reading it?
Buying a gift for someone who prefers to read ebooks—whether on a Kindle or one of the many excellent Kindle alternatives —can be a lot less emotionally charged: instead of risking it all by giving them a book, just buy them a cute ereader accessory (or better yet, a new ereader) that they’ll thank you for every time they dive into a good book.
A truly compact e-reader for travel: Xteink X4 Pro
Chances are, the gift recipient already owns a Kindle, but there’s room in their life for another e-reader—especially a compact model like the Xteink X4 Pro ($99). TikTok and Reddit users are absolutely raving about this tiny, quirky device from the Chinese tech startup that’s made a splash in the e-reader world over the past year, and it’s easy to see why: for under $100, you can get a miniature e-ink device that fits comfortably in any pocket, so you can truly take your books with you anywhere. (Promotional images even show it magnetically attaching to the back of a smartphone.)
While the first Xteink device could be clunky and awkward to use , the new X4 Pro features improved software and usability updates, such as a faster processor, more RAM, a touchscreen, and a backlight. It’s not the perfect primary device for every reader, but as an ultra-portable alternative for reading on the go, it’s hard to beat— though competitors have emerged to try to rival it . Learn more about the device (and its potential shortcomings) in my full Xteink X4 Pro review .
An e-reader that can free you from any smartphone addiction: the Boox Palma 2 Pro
If you have more to spend and want to give a truly memorable gift, consider the Boox Palma 2 Pro ($399.99), part of the family of phones that started the small e-reader craze (and helped me break my newsfeed scrolling habit). It features a 6.13-inch color e-ink display and runs the open Android operating system, meaning it can connect to the Google Play Store and run any e-reader app, from Kindle to Nook. This means your gift recipient can read all their e-books wherever they are and get new ones from anywhere. The device can connect to the internet via a mobile SIM card and works with a stylus, so it’s also great for productivity and note-taking, but with a screen that’s easier on the eyes, less irritating, and therefore far less addictive than a smartphone. Learn more in my full Boox Palma 2 Pro review .
Remote page turner: Boox Tappy
Traditionally, turning pages on an e-reader requires pressing a button on the side of the device or, more commonly, tapping the screen—but there’s a better way: Bluetooth page turners connect to your e-reader and let you turn pages with the press of a remote in your hand. This is obviously great for people with motor skills issues, arthritis, or any other limitations that make using a screen difficult, but honestly, they can be quite useful even if you don’t have anything like this. With a Bluetooth remote like the adorable Boox Tappy ($30), you can keep your hands under the covers while reading with the e-reader in your lap, or enjoy a snack without worrying about Cheetos dust getting on the touchscreen. My initial reaction when testing it was, “It seems cute, but unnecessary,” but after a few reading sessions, I found that it allows me to read more comfortably, no matter how I’m sitting or what I’m doing.
Now for the bad news: Kindle devices don’t support Bluetooth remote controls. The list of compatible devices includes virtually any other e-reader, whether Android devices (like the Boox Go 6) or Kobo devices like the Clara Color (all Kobo devices support Bluetooth accessories). If the gift recipient has a Kindle, you’ll need a radio frequency remote control , which will turn pages when you physically touch the screen.
A pillow stand that can also be used as a snack bowl: the SupeDesk Tablet Stand.
If you have a Bluetooth page turner, it’s a good idea to pair it with a stand that allows you to position your e-reader for easier reading without holding it (for wimps!). While you can buy a more practical stand with a flexible neck , I really like this soft pillow for $45 , which also doubles as a snack bowl while you read. It’s adjustable, so it fits e-readers and tablets of almost any size.
A strap for more comfortable reading: Strapsicle
E-readers are generally quite lightweight, but holding something for long periods of time can be tiring (and yes, I sometimes exercise and lift things that weigh more than my iPhone). You can extend your reading time with a strap that attaches to the back of the device, keeping it securely in your hand even when you’re not holding it. I’ve personally tested and can vouch for the Strapsicle ($20), which is available in sizes that fit some Kindle and Kobo models, but you might also want to try this cheaper and more versatile alternative .
A case that’s easy to personalize: CoBak’s clear plastic case with magnetic ring.
There are countless e-reader cases on the market, each with a different pattern, but choosing one your recipient will love enough to wear every day can be challenging. Instead, give them a clear case with a magnetic ring, like this one from CoBak, compatible with seven-inch devices . They can easily personalize it by applying stickers to the bottom, and the MagSafe-like ring allows them to attach the PopSocket holder ($14) you so kindly gifted. (They also come in countless colors and patterns—I guess at some point you’ll just have to take a chance.)