Gifts for book lovers: Jane Austen

I realize that with my previous post in this series I went with one book and here I will cover one author, but I guess I get to make the rules here.

I remember the day that I discovered Jane Austen. I was 13 years old and had never heard of her. We had gone to the library and I was browsing the shelves looking for new things to read.

My method was to look for vintage covers, because “back in the day” libraries kept older copies of books much longer than they do now. I always disliked shiny new covers and felt that the old books probably had more staying power.

I caught sight of two books shelved together with well-loved, aged covers and went up to them like a moth to flame. I was delighted with the alliterative titles; Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice. I read S&S first, which was good, but it was P&P that snagged my loyalty.

I had no idea of Miss Austen’s popularity, and indeed, I think her readership has grown since then. The BBC miniseries with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle came out four years later, and the big screen adaptation with Keira Knightley has also grabbed the attention of new readers.

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Embroider the World of Jane Austen kit

I love this embroidery set! Everything you need to make two of the projects is included, plus iron-on transfers for 10 additional projects. My crafty eighth-grade self would have loved to receive this as a gift.

Boxed set of Jane Austen novels from Penguin Clothbound Classics

I own this set of books, and it’s so pretty! These covers designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith are very collectible and beautify a bookshelf admirably. The books are also available individually. Titles include Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Northanger Abbey, Mansfield Park, Emma, and Love and Freindship. (It does NOT include the more recently-released Sanditon.)

Jane Austen book stack illustration

This darling digital watercolor from artist Teri Lea Wright features a stack of Jane Austen novels topped with a tea cup. Such a whimsical piece for a lover of books or tea!

Pride and Prejudice sweatshirt from Out of Print

This cozy sweatshirt features a cover illustration from Pride and Prejudice. A t-shirt version is also available.

Pride and Prejudice from Puffin Plated with Martha Stewart

This delightful version of Pride and Prejudice includes the full text of the novel along with recipes from Martha Stewart for “teatime treats.” It’s illustrated with beautiful photography of said treats.

Barnes and Noble collectible edition of Persuasion

I love the Barnes and Noble editions of classics. This pink version of Persuasion is lovely on a shelf or used as a prop in Instagram posts (as one does). There is a green Sense and Sensibility and a blue Pride and Prejudice version as well.

Quote from Emma by Jane Austen mug

I love this pink handmade mug featuring a quote from Emma. “I always deserve the best treatment, because I never put up with any other.” There are other Jane Austen themed ceramics in the same shop.

Jane Austen Was Here: An Illustrated Guide to Jane Austen’s England

This charming tome features scenes from Jane Austen’s life and Novels. With whimsical illustrations and a humorous, informative writing style, this book is worth a spot on your coffee table.

Jane Austen Literary Lines puzzle

This 1000 piece puzzle features quotes from Austen’s novels. A truly literary way to spend a few evenings. Another puzzle you may want to pre-order features illustrations from the world of Jane Austen. It’s set to release in March 2021.

Jane Austen’s Black Tea Blend from Simpson & Vail

This blend of tea from The Literary Tea Collection by Simpson & Vail features a loose leaf tea flavored with spearmint, lavender, and vanilla. The 4oz. tin averages about 50 cups of tea.

Emma by Chiltern Classics

Chiltern Classics has a beautiful and unusual collection of covers in a dark floral. You can also find Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice.