Holiday

Bookish Gift Guide | Holiday 2024

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my 2024 holiday book gift guide. These gift ideas are perfect for any bookworm in your life. Personally, I know I’d love to receive every single thing I’m going to talk about in this post. I tried to make this a very budget-friendly gift guide and not too repetitive from my previous ones. However, there may be some overlap of gift ideas.

Some of these gifts can be found on Amazon; however, I’m a big supporter of small businesses, so I’ve worked hard to recommend gifts that can also be found on Etsy. I’ve also included some books that I think many readers would enjoy.

Blind Date With A Book
I think this is such a timeless gift, and I’ll continue to recommend it year after year. You just can’t go wrong with a blind date with a book! There are so many Etsy shops that specialize in this type of gift, and a lot of the time, you can include your Goodreads link (or the recipient’s) to make sure they don’t receive a book they’ve already read or own. These blind date packages often include cute little extras like highlighters, bookmarks, or even sweet treats. Most of the time, they range anywhere from $15–$22, which I think is a great price for such a fun gift.

Special Editions
Let’s face it—book lovers get so much joy from a pretty book! I’ve definitely bought books based on their covers or sprayed edges alone. This holiday season, gifting them a special edition of their favorite book or a new release with sprayed edges would be a wonderful idea. You can go the simple route and buy one off Amazon—I’d recommend the Lightlark: Collector’s Edition or Legends & Lattes: Deluxe Edition. However, I suggest checking out Etsy! There are so many small businesses like ColorfulNarrative and SprayedBookEdges. Just keep in mind that Etsy options are typically more expensive than shopping on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble, but you’ll be supporting a small business, and the book will be more unique.

Kindle
This is probably the most expensive gift I’m going to recommend, but it’s such a staple for readers. I think it’s the perfect big gift for someone who loves physical books but doesn’t have space for a personal library—or for a reader looking to try out ebooks. If you want to go all out, you could preload it with a few books as well. There are lots of Kindle models to choose from, but I know the Kindle Paperwhite is the most loved. That said, the regular Kindle is a great option too.

Kindle Unlimited Subscription
You might think it’s silly to gift a Kindle Unlimited subscription if they don’t already own a Kindle, but the Kindle app works on most devices! So, if buying an actual e-reader is out of your budget, I recommend gifting a KU subscription instead. The only downside is that Amazon only offers gift subscriptions in 6-, 12-, and 24-month increments, which can make it a bit pricey. I do hope they add a 3-month option soon. Still, I think it’s a great idea and probably not something most people would think to gift.

Blue Light Glasses
This is a great gift idea for anyone who spends a lot of time reading on their phone or iPad. It’s also perfect for bookish social media addicts like me! Blue light glasses help reduce eye strain and make screen time more comfortable. They’re available in a variety of price points and styles, so you’re bound to find something that fits.

MP3 Player
I’ll be honest—I find these a bit silly. That said, I can see their appeal, and I wouldn’t be upset to receive one as a gift. Essentially, these MP3 players let you download music as well as audiobook apps and the Kindle app. They’re great for younger readers who don’t have cell phones, but they’re also good for teenagers and adults who get distracted by social media while trying to read.

Bookish Merch
I’m grouping all bookish merchandise into one category because this post would be way too long otherwise. Every reader I know would love to get a shirt or mug inspired by their favorite books—or just catered toward book lovers in general. You can find plenty of options on Amazon, but I think Etsy is 100% the way to go for this type of gift. There are so many small businesses focused on selling bookish merchandise. I even have my own bookish Etsy shop, BlackheartBookshelf!

Belladaonna By Adalyn Grace
I couldn’t create a gift guide without mentioning this book! If you’re looking for a fantasy that leans more toward romantasy as the series progresses, this is the one to go for. I think this series works for both new and longtime fantasy readers. And don’t worry about it being YA—it feels much closer to New Adult. You can gift the entire series or just the first book, depending on your budget.
Related Post: Belladaonna | Book Review

The Hunger Games: Illustrated Edition By Suzanne Collins
This series is timeless, and everyone should read it! I loved how well-written it was, and Katniss is such an incredible protagonist. It’s a dystopian fantasy that’s action-packed and light on romance, making it a great pick for a variety of readers.

Winter Books
This is more of a broad recommendation. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest a holiday-themed book—especially if the recipient isn’t into feel-good, Hallmark-style romances. A winter-themed book is a great alternative. One option is ‘One Day in December‘ by Josie Silver. I’ll be honest—I didn’t personally enjoy it. However, I think that’s more of a “me” problem, as I can see many readers loving it. What I did enjoy was the writing style—it kept me hooked even when I wasn’t into the story itself, which makes it a solid gift choice.
Related Post: One Day In December | Book Review

Let me know if you enjoyed this bookish gift guide, and please share any other bookish gift ideas you might have in the comments. If you’d like, you can check out my Amazon book wishlist to see some of the books I’d love to receive this year. Don’t forget to follow the blog before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Rory Gilmore | Halloween Costume

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Let’s face it, Rory Gilmore is the ultimate reader and fall girl. Her style is casual yet put together, with effortless hair and minimal makeup. So this Halloween, dressing up as Rory Gilmore is not only a super simple costume but also perfect for any book lover. Here, you’ll find everything you’ll need to help you nail the Rory Gilmore look, ensuring your Halloween costume is on point.

The Outfit
I wanted to keep this outfit simple, something Gilmore Girls fans could easily spot as Rory Gilmore-approved. The chunky white sweater has become known as the Rory sweater. Honestly, besides her Chilton uniform, it’s probably her most memorable fashion item from the show. Rory is such a casual girl, so throw on a pair of jeans and add some suede ankle boots—since let’s face it, she and Lorelai wore a lot of boots. Don’t forget to add a backpack to help complete the look and store your costume props, like a book!

The Hair
Let’s be real—her hair wasn’t the most stylish part of her look. She kept it simple and natural most of the time. However, I think her bangs were pretty iconic. A style I noticed her wearing a lot in the earlier seasons was straight hair with two tiny French braids on either side. Later in the show, especially during the college seasons, she embraced her naturally wavy hair or styled loose curls, pinning the sides back while leaving some pieces out to frame her face.

The Makeup
Right before she went off to Yale, Rory complained about having so many beauty products, but she really kept her makeup minimal. To achieve her look, remember to let your natural beauty shine through, ensuring that your focus is on creating a flawless, matte base.

For her eyes, she kept things easy, sticking to brown and skin-tone shades, and using brown eyeliner. She lined her top lash line and only the outer corner of her bottom lash line. She also wore mascara, and her blush was always a rosy pink shade. As for her lips, she was clearly a gloss girl, tending to wear nude or light pink shades.

Like I mentioned earlier, no Rory Gilmore costume would be complete without a book, so don’t forget to carry one around—maybe even a Luke’s coffee cup! To really sell the costume, throw out a few classic Gilmore Girls quotes! My favorites are “Oy with the poodles already” and “In omnia paratus.”

Shop the Look
Sweater: https://amzn.to/4hcHr7z
Jeans: https://amzn.to/3Y7WuGM
Boots: https://amzn.to/4f8eU0Y
Backpack: https://amzn.to/48i0iKr
Gilmore Girls Book: https://amzn.to/3NBLZqy
Book: https://amzn.to/3NE9HCk
Luke’s Coffee Cup: https://amzn.to/3Yv3RJZ

This costume will be a hit among your reader and Gilmore Girls-loving friends. It’s creative and perfect for a night of handing out Halloween candy because of how simple and casual it is. If you like this post, be sure to check out my Gilmore Girls book recommendations post as well. In the comments, let me know what you’re going to be for Halloween! Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you’re a reader and Gilmore Girls fan, hit the follow button so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Haul // Christmas 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am finally getting around to doing my Christmas book haul! After taking a small break after completing Bookmas 2022. Yes, I successfully did Bookmas. This year, unlike past ones, I didn’t receive that many books. However, as an avid book buyer I’m completely fine with that fact. But, I did end up getting a ton of amazing books to add to my shelf.

The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
“A fun, flirty teen debut from Wattpad phenom Alex Light about a fake relationship and real love.”
Related Post: The Upside Of Falling // Book Review

The Stand-In by Lily Chu
“Readers will delight in this glamourous, swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers romance that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.”

She’s Gone by David Bell
“A new page-turning thriller from USA Today bestselling author David Bell. When a girl disappears, who do you suspect?”

Don’t Let In the Cold by Keely Parrack
“A claustrophobic, high-stakes thriller that will have you fearing what waits out in the cold.”

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
“Veronica Mars meets The Craft when a teen girl investigates the suspicious deaths of three classmates and accidentally ends up bringing them back to life to form a hilariously unlikely – and unwilling – vigilante girl gang.”
Related Post: Undead Girl Gang // Book Review

A Christmas Carol Murder by Heather Redmond
“In this clever reimagining of Charles Dickens’s life, he and fiancée Kate Hogarth must solve the murder of an old miser, just before Christmas.”

Seance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
“A middle-grade graphic novel about growing up that’s perfect for fans of Ghosts and Making Friends.”

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
“A supernatural thriller about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets.”
Related Post:Hidden Pictures // Book Review

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
“A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic.”

The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens by Charles Dickens
“This illustrated edition features the classic Christmas stories of Charles Dickens!”

Baloney and Friends (Baloney & Friends, Bk. 1) by Greg Pizzoli
“Meet Baloney! He’s the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit — he’d rather not be here, but what can you do?”

How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith
“This illustrated advent story tells of the adventures of an adorable mouse and how a good deed can lead to a very happy ending.”

There you have my Christmas 2022 book haul! I am so grateful for all the gifts I was given and the love that I have in my life. This holiday season went by so fast and I just cannot wait until next year. In the comments, let me know what books, if any, you were gifted. And, please give my little book blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Christmas Clash // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Sworn enemies from rival families, Chloe Kwon and Peter Li have always hated each other. But when their local mall is put up for auction right before Christmas, they band together to help save it, along with their families’ food court restaurants. This fun read will leave you nostalgic for that magical feeling of the mall at Christmastime.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3hekMNY

My Rating

If you like a YA enemies-to-lovers, with a slight Romeo and Juliet aspect, then you should give this book a read. In the book, we follow two teens, Chloe and Peter, who’s parents run restaurants at the local mall. However, their parents are sworn enemies.

Chloe and and Peter are meant to be seen as enemies throughout the book, but I got more of a frenemies vibe from them. We hear a lot about how they dislike each other, yet their interactions during the story are fairly civil. And I could definitely see something developing pretty early on between them.

I found Peter and Chloe yo be likable characters. It was nice that they could be honest with each other. There were times that they would be snarky, or snap at one another, but they were mature enough to apologize for their attitudes.

The dialog between the two was funny and real. I could tell from the beginning that I was going to enjoy the story. Although the writing was good, it did feel very YA. But, not necessarily in a bad way, if that makes any sense.

“I was just thinking about us. And how I didn’t really know you just two months ago, and now I can’t picture life without you. It’s truly a Christmas miracle.”

There were a few heavy topic touched on in the book, one being that parenting is hard. Children don’t always see the struggles that parents have to go through. Things aren’t always easy when it comes to being a parent.

The other major subject that the book focused on was racism. First and foremost this is a YA romance, but it did showcase that racism is still a big part of the world we live in today. I think that the race issue was handled well, but not sure it fit with the story. I wanted a more light and fluffy Christmas read, yet it is still a serious issue, so it is good when books shed light on real world topics.

Overall, the story was cute, enjoyable, and a quick read. However, I did find the ending a little far-fetched. It was one of those cheesy, happy, everyone wins kind of endings that can be a little too much for me at times. Nevertheless, it was a good reading experience, and there was a subtle nod to food delivery apps that was a nice bonus.

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of enemies-to-lovers. I myself cannot get enough of them. Don’t forget to follow my blog if you like bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Bookish Giveaway // Holiday 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment


Hi Friends,
Today is Bookmas Day 5! And, it is giveaway day. I am going to be doing a bookish giveaway because I want to give back to all my lovely readers. This giveaway will run from today December 5th up until December 18th at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time.

The Rules
Follow My Blog
Must Be 18+ Or Have Parental Permission
Must Love Books

Prize
A Book Off Your Amazon Wishlist (Not Exceeding $15)

How To Enter
Comment Below Your Favorite Book Of 2022

I know that this giveaway might seem small, but I hope that you appreciate it nonetheless. But, in honor of the holiday season I want to give another small gift to all my readers. Using the code: BOOKSWITHBUNNY you can get 10% off everything in my bookish Etsy Shop (But First Bunny).

If you would like to support my social media you can follow me on Instagram (@Books.With.Bunny), Twitter (@BooksWithBunny) and TikTok (@BooksWithBunny). And, don’t forget to follow the blog and comment to enter the giveaway.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

2022 Bookish Holiday Gift Guide

- Bunny 4 Comments


Hi Friends,
It’s Bookmas Day 2! In this post, I’m going to be sharing with you bookish gift ideas. Some of these gift ideas can work as stocking stuffers, while others can be more of a traditional present. I, for one, would love to receive any of these gifts during the holidays.

Book Stamp
Custom book stamps have become so popular lately, and they’re a great way to tag your books. You can find multiple different personal book stamps for sale on Etsy. I recommend DelightfulStamps, who has the pretty book stamp designs. These stamps can range anywhere from $20 – $26, which might seem a little steep for a small gift, but the book lover in your life will surely love it.

Bookmarks
This is an obvious gift idea, since a reader can never have too many bookmarks. However, these days, bookmarks have become way more sophisticated. On Etsy, you can find traditional bookmarks, resin bookmarks and leather bookmarks. The prices for these types of bookmarks fall anywhere between $5 to $15.

Blind Date With A Book
Honestly, receiving a ‘Blind Date With A Book’ is so much fun. There are a ton of Etsy shops that sell them, and these days you can even find some at Barnes and Noble. The great thing is that they can cost anywhere from $8 to $30, which means they work for any budget. And, a lot of Etsy shops include little extras with the book.

Reading Journal
This gift is more on the expensive side, since normal these types of journals typically start at $25 and can cost up to $50. However, I myself would love one of these journals. Its a more fun and creative way of keeping track of your yearly reading. Also, Etsy has a ton of digital reading journals, as well as physical ones, if the person you’re buying it for is more into digital journaling.

Kindle
If you are looking to splurge on the book lover in your life, then a Kindle is the way to go. As I mentioned, they are a little expensive with the Kindle Paperwhite costing around $140, but would make a great bookish gift. Not only will it possibly introduce your reader to the world of ebooks, but pairing it with a Kindle Unlimited subscription ($9.99 a month) will set them up nicely for the upcoming year.

My Etsy Shop (But First Bunny)
I have to add a shameless self promo here and mention that I have my very own bookish Etsy shop. Currently, I am only selling bookish mugs, but I hope to expand to tumblers soon. My mugs are very affordable, and are perfect for book lovers like myself.

In the comments, feel free to leave any bookish gift ideas that you might have to share. And, don’t forget to hit that follow button because it really does help out my book blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Related Post: December 2022 // To Be Read (Bookmas Day 1)

Christmas Book Haul 2021

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today, I am going to be doing my Christmas book haul. I was lucky enough to get some great books for Christmas for my loved ones. I am a fan of Christmas hauls, and I know others do as well. So, here are the books that I got for Christmas.

Yep, I got many books plus a gift card to buy more books. I am so incredibly thankful and grateful for everything I was gifted. I hope that you got some amazing gifts as well. Also, two of my lovely Twitter friends Emma (BookTube Channel) and Jazz (BookTube Channel) gifted me books from my wishlist. I haven’t received them yet, but it was very kind of them to send me a gift. I hope that you had a great holiday season, and remember the holidays are about family and sharing love not presents.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Holiday Traditions Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I just knew that I had to do a holiday tag before Christmas came. This is a pretty old holiday tag that I discovered this year. But honestly, most tags are timeless.

Favorite holiday destination?
I always stay home and spend the holidays with my family. However, hypothetically, I think celebrating the holidays in England would be a dream come true. I wouldn’t want to spend Thanksgiving or Christmas away from my family, but I would love to spend New Years in England.

Any family traditions?
We have a few family traditions. About 7 years ago we started having lasagna on Christmas Eve. This is a tradition that my husband brought to us because it is a tradition that his family did. Also, we always open one gift on Christmas Eve, which is new PJs. Lastly, since I was an itty bitty kid, we have watched ‘A Muppets Christmas Carol’ right before bed on Christmas Eve.

Favorite ornament or decoration?
I don’t know if this counts, but I love Christmas trees and lights. Not sure if that is basic or random. There is just something about Christmas lights that make me smile. And, seeing a Christmas tree that is decked out in fun ornaments, classy ornaments, or just a few ornaments is heartwarming.

What are you doing for the holidays?
Spending Christmas Day at home in my PJs, watching holiday movies, and playing board games.

Are you a late or early Christmas shopper?
I am a way too early of a shopper. I am talking like January through November. However, next year I am going to try and find a good middle between early and late shopping.

Who usually cooks holiday dinners?
My mom does the cooking for Thanksgiving and Christmas. However, me and my sister always try to make a dish or two.

Have you ever gone Christmas caroling?
Nope. I would be way to nervous. Also, I don’t sing in public.

Do you live where it snows?
Not really. It has only ever snowed, probably, about 6 times here. I love the snow and think it would be amazing to have a white Christmas! But sadly, that isn’t usually the case.

One thing that makes you happiest at Christmas?
Buying gifts for others! Picking out something special for my people makes me happy. Yet I hate having to wait to see their reactions. Also, being surrounded with love at the holidays fills my cup ten times over.

What do you want most for Christmas?
Going to be honest here and say a baby. I would love it, and be super scared, anxious, and generally overly worried. But it would be very exciting to be pregnant. However, I don’t think that Santa has got that in his present bag for me. Other than that, I just want surprise gifts. I like seeing what others have picked out for me, rather than me telling them what to get me.

Happy Holidays! I tag everyone to do this tag, even if you are reading it after Christmas.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Christmas Wishlist // 2021

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I thought that I would share my Christmas wishlist for you today. Now, I have mentioned that I don’t really make a gift list, but I do have a personal wishlist for myself. So, these are some of the things that I would eventually like to get, but wouldn’t mind if they were gifted to me as well.

Rose Gold Slip-On Sneakers
I pretty much only where flats and booties these days, so I wanted a dressier pair of slip-ons. There were some that I found some on Amazon that are super cute, and in rose gold! I wouldn’t mind getting them in black either.

Bobs Slip-On
Yep, more shoes what can I say I am living out my Carrie Bradshaw obsession. I love my Bobs! They have to be the most comfy shoes that I have ever worn. However, my black ones are on their last leg, which means I’m going to need a replacement. Soon. Bobs are more on the pricey side, so it is always nice to get them as a gift.

No Heat Curlers
I watched a video featuring ‘The Sleep Styler’ and it made me want hair rollers so bad. I never leave myself enough time to do my hair in the mornings, but I hate my wavy messy looking hair. The curlers could be a good way to do my hair without adding a ton of heat to it. Also, I am not looking to get expensive rollers since I am just starting out with them.

Anything by Karen M. McManus
This past year, I have become a fan of her YA thrillers, so I wouldn’t mind receiving any of her books. I enjoyed the ‘One Of Us Is Lying’ duology, and would like to read more of her releases. The books aren’t too scary, and they’re easy reads.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
I love getting different versions to add to my collection. I have seen some additions with stunning covers. In my opinion, one can never have too many copies of their favorite book.

The Afterlife of Holly Chase by Cynthia Hand
I am surprised that I haven’t asked for this book sooner since it is a YA ‘Christmas Carol’ retelling. And by now you all know my obsession with that book (see above). Having a copy of this one would be amazing, since reread it every holiday season.

Those are all some small things that I have on my wishlist, but I prefer to be surprised when it comes to gifts. There is just something about getting a present that someone picked out for you, just because it made them think of you. That just fills my heart with joy. Let me know what is on your wishlist, book related or otherwise. Like, share and follow the blog for more Bookmas content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Merry and Bright 2021 Readathon // To Be Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I decided, last minute, to take part in the ‘Merry and Bright’ readathon, hosted by booktubers Zoe, Chandler, and Spencer. There are only six reading prompts, and it is all together a chill readathon. I have picked a different book for each prompt, so hopefully I can get to them all.

Readathon Dates: December 9th – 15th

Winter Wonderland: White On The Cover?

‘If I Stay’ meets ‘Your Name’ in Dustin Thao’s ‘You’ve Reached Sam’, a heartfelt novel about love and loss and what it means to say goodbye.

I have been dying to pick up this book. What can I say, I am a sucker for a good heartbreaking YA contemporary. This one has a sci-fi element twist that reminds me of the movie ‘The Lake House’.

Hot Cocoa: Cozy Vibes?

In this clever reimagining of Charles Dickens’s life, he and fiancée Kate Hogarth must solve the murder of an old miser, just before Christmas.

When I heard about this book, I knew that it was right up my alley. You should know by now that I am a huge ‘A Christmas Carol’ fan, so a mystery retelling sounds amazing. For some reason, this book gives me those cozy London feels.

Elf on the Shelf: Already Owned?

A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child’s love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it. A tale for the whole family to fall in love with, from one of the world’s greatest storytellers.

I got this book for my wedding anniversary and couldn’t be more excited for it. Being a lover of Christmas and pigs, a Christmas pig related story is sure to be a 5 star read. I hope the book doesn’t let me down.

Last Christmas: Purchased Last Year & Never Read?

The tale of Nutcracker, written by E.T.A. Hoffmann in 1816, has fascinated and inspired artists, composers, and audiences for almost two hundred years. It has retained its freshness because it appeals to the sense of wonder we all share.

I was gifted two different copies of ‘The Nutcracker’, so it seemed like it was about time to read it. I have actually never read the book, or even seen the stage production.

The Grinch: Enemies-to-Lovers or Unreliable Narrator?

Perfect for fans of ‘The Last Magician’ and ‘Serpent & Dove’, this heart-stopping debut is an imaginative Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, with rival gangs and a monster in the depths of the Huangpu River.

I have been wanting to read this book for a while, since it has become a favorite among the book community. So, I knew I had to find away to add it to my TBR. I can’t wait to jump into this ‘Romeo and Juliette’ fantasy retelling, and hopefully I will enjoy it as much as some of the others.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside: Dual Perspective?

Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich’s ‘If This Gets Out’ is an absolute showstopper! Equal parts edgy and adorable, this bright, joyful book has everything I look for in a queer YA romance.” —Phil Stamper, bestselling author of ‘The Gravity of Us’

This was on my TBR for the month, and is a much anticipated release (for me, at least).

Those are the books that I will be reading for the ‘Merry and Bright’ readathon. In total, it is only 6 days long, so hopefully I can complete this TBR. Let me know if you will be participating as well, and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny