things for my analog bag, bookshelf and reading life that are not books
Over this summer, I’ve ended up collecting a handful of delightfully book-ish things that made reading feel even more fun.
None of them were necessities, of course. But I’ve learned that surrounding myself with little fun things invites me to pick up a book, linger a little longer in my journal, or celebrate the reading life I want to build. They’ve added joy.
I like to think of these little finds as the kind of gift I’d surprise a dear friend with.
“I saw this and immediately thought of you.”
Sometimes it’s nice to be that thoughtful friend to yourself. 🌸
Does this whole thing sound silly?
Check out my first book-ish list post to see my reason why I collect these things and enjoy them so much:
30 Book-ish Rewards & How I’m Celebrating Progress
So, here’s my list:
{ note: this post is not sponsered, I just enjoy sharing things I like } I tried to add links where I can.
Make sure you watch the video on my Substack or YouTube channel to hear more about each item + the why and how I use it.
- book counter
- Large Pencil Case with 3 Compartments
- large pencil pouch for notecards, stickers, and tabs
- book-themed journal
- coloring book set
- Reverse Coloring: 50 Watercolors + Dotted Memo Pages
- A Book Lover’s Sticker Book By Workman Publishing, Christina Chun (Illustrator)
- Label Maker Machine
- Glue Tape
- Vintage-themed sticky notes
- Mr. Pen 0.5 pens
- also Pentel EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen (0.7mm)
- conversation card sets:
- SUSSED The Wacky ‘What Would You Do?’ Social Card Game
- 400 Conversation Cards for Friends (the summer camp favorite)
- {THE AND} Friends Edition – Conversation Starters to Make Friends Your Best Friends
- blank notecards for letter writing and notes of encouragement
- Papier tech case – I plan to put my journal and current book in it as a to-go reading case.
- watercolor travel tin
Here is my post on my Analog Bag that I mentioned in the video:
The best thing I’ve added to my routine this summer wasn’t an app or a productivity trick. It was a small collection of book-ish things that gave me something better to reach for than my phone.
Here is an honest truth: if I don’t decide ahead of time what to do in a spare moment, I usually ended up scrolling.
Planning for my future self has worked much better than relying on willpower. And I find when I lean into novelty and things that make me smile, I’m much more motivated.
These little finds have added so much delight to my reading life. And it’s fun to browse the back to school sales and find book-ish goodies! 😁
Please share:
What reading related things have you been enjoying lately?
I hope that something here sparked new ideas for supporting your reading and learning.
Or gave you gift ideas for book lovers in your life. 😁
🌻Have a great day! —
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