Books, Music & Media

Bookmarks

2 kinds worth knowing, 8 picks, and what to check before you buy.

Representative photo-style image of bookmarks — generated, not a specific product
Representative image, generated

Bookmarks suit the readers in your life: the friend who always has a novel on the go, the teacher with a stack of marked-up texts, the relative who still dog-ears pages. The ones that get used are thin, sturdy and easy to find again. Readers want something that holds their place without damaging the book, and a small gift that fits their reading habits. Some want a simple way to mark a page in a paperback. Others, often students and teachers, like magnetic page markers that clip over a page and stay put. Consider what they read and where they read it. A bookmark works well as a stocking stuffer, tucked into a card or paired with a book.

Kind 1 of 2

Classic bookmarks for keeping your place

This is the everyday bookmark, the one that slips between two pages and waits there until the next chapter. It can be leather, wood, metal, silicone or a corner that slides over the edge of the page. It suits almost any reader, from commuters with paperbacks to people who read big hardcovers at home. Before buying, think about thickness, because metal and thick wooden pieces can leave marks or crack a spine in a small book. Tassels and charms look lovely but can snag in a bag. Personal touches like engraving or a theme they love make it feel chosen rather than grabbed.

  • Representative photo-style image of decorative page corner markers — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Decorative page corner markers

    These unique bookmarks slide onto the corner of a page, protecting it while marking your spot with a charming design.

  • Representative photo-style image of elegant tassel bookmarks with charms — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Elegant tassel bookmarks with charms

    Combining practicality with decorative flair, these bookmarks feature a flowing tassel and often a small charm for a personalized touch.

  • Representative photo-style image of engraved wooden bookmarks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Engraved wooden bookmarks

    Offering a natural and rustic appeal, these bookmarks can be beautifully engraved with designs or quotes, making them truly special.

  • Representative photo-style image of flexible silicone bookmarks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Flexible silicone bookmarks

    Durable and gentle on pages, these colorful bookmarks are perfect for readers who need a resilient and easy-to-clean page marker.

  • Representative photo-style image of handcrafted leather bookmarks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually $15–$25

    Handcrafted leather bookmarks

    A sophisticated accessory for any book lover, these bookmarks offer durability and a timeless aesthetic that ages beautifully.

  • Representative photo-style image of ornate metal bookmarks — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Ornate metal bookmarks

    These elegant page holders feature intricate designs, adding a touch of artistry and sophistication to any reading experience.

  • Representative photo-style image of themed bookmark collection — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Themed bookmark collection

    A curated set of bookmarks offers variety and value, perfect for readers who enjoy specific themes or like to switch up their page markers.

Kind 2 of 2

Magnetic markers that stay put

Magnetic page markers fold over the edge of a page and grip both sides, so they don't slide out when a book gets tossed in a backpack. They're thin and usually sold in sets, which makes them handy for anyone tracking several spots at once, like teachers, students, book club members and cooks working through a recipe book. Check the size against the books they actually read, since wide markers can cover text in a small paperback. Look for a design that suits them, and a set big enough to share across a few books.

  • Representative photo-style image of magnetic page markers — generated, not a specific product

    Gift ideaUsually under $15

    Magnetic page markers

    These clever markers securely clip to pages, preventing slips and lost places for avid readers and students alike.

How to choose bookmarks as a gift

  • Match the bookmark to the books: slim and flexible for paperbacks, sturdier pieces for large hardcovers and journals.
  • Choose a set when the reader juggles several books or needs to mark more than one spot at a time.
  • Pick a theme tied to their favourite genre, author, hobby or pet so it feels personal.
  • Pair a bookmark with a book, a gift card or a handwritten note for a fuller small gift.
  • For teachers, a practical set they can use in class often gets more use than one ornate piece.

Usually safe to skip

  • Thick or heavy metal bookmarks for paperback readers, since they can leave dents and stretch the spine.
  • Bulky tassels and dangling charms for people who read on the go, as they snag in bags and pockets.
  • Novelty shapes that stick out past the page edge, because they bend, tear or get lost quickly.

Questions people ask about bookmarks

What is a good bookmark gift for a teacher?
A set of magnetic page markers or a simple engraved bookmark works well. Teachers often mark several pages across lesson materials, so something practical that stays in place tends to see daily use.
Do magnetic bookmarks damage books?
They grip the page from both sides instead of pressing into the spine, so they generally leave pages flat. Choose thin markers, and take them out of very delicate or older books that won't be opened for a long time.
How do I make a bookmark gift feel more personal?
Choose a design tied to something they love, like a favourite series, animal or hobby, or pick an engraved piece with their name or initials. Tucking it into a book you think they'd enjoy also helps.

Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.

Everything else

All bookmarks picks

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