Gift Ideas for Jane Austen Fans | 2017

Need some gift suggestions for a Jane Austen lover in your life? I admit I’m not the most gifted gift-giver, but I do have a few ideas about what would make a Jane Austen fan (like me) happy. Of course you can find many items printed with Jane Austen quotes and images: T-shirts, note-cards, mugs, totes, and more. For gifts like these, browse the offerings from the Jane Austen Centre Gift Shop, Etsy, Zazzle, or the fabulous Bas Bleu catalog. I own and enjoy several such items, but for this list, I decided to dig a little deeper:

1. The Gift of Tea

While afternoon teatime came along later in the Victorian era, drinking tea was very popular during Jane’s lifetime and remains popular at Austen events to this day. Tea-related gift ideas include a subscription to Teatime magazine or the book Tea with Jane Austen by Kim Wilson, paired with some lovely Austen-inspired tea. Or give her the gift of Pembertea, a monthly subscription box of tea and Jane Austen gifts.

 

2. Jane Austen Currency

Acquire one of the new £10 notes featuring our beloved Jane (No connections in England? Some are being offered for sale on Ebay). Or choose one of the new £2 pound coins featuring Jane Austen’s profile and signature from the Royal Mint. Not sure what to give a person who already has everything? How about a donation in her name to Jane’s Fund, a fund set up to help restore and protect Austen’s home. #BringJaneHome

 

3. Complete Collection of Jane Austen Novels

Not sure if she has them all already? She’ll probably be delighted to replace her dog-eared copies with this gorgeous boxed set of the six famous novels—along with a seventh volume, a collection of Austen’s youthful writings that includes “Love and Friendship,” and more.

 

4. Jane Austen Nonfiction

If she’s read all the works by Jane Austen, consider some nonfiction about Jane Austen instead. There are several excellent biographies available, like Jane Austen: A Life by Claire Tomalin. You can also choose from a selection of Jane Austen devotionals, books of Jane Austen prayers, quotes, recipes, and many other related books.

 

5. Austen-Inspired Fiction

When she runs out of JA books, give her some engaging Austen-inspired fiction available from present-day authors like Katherine Reay, Julianne Donaldson, Sarah Ladd, Michelle Griep, Kristi Ann Hunter, and (yours truly) Julie Klassen, as well as the incomparable Georgette Heyer.

 

6. DVDs Based on JA Novels

So many movies and mini-series to choose from! And don’t forget less traditional adaptations like Clueless, Bollywood’s Bride and Prejudice, and related movies like Austenland and Lost in Austen. And as of this writing, the best version of Pride and Prejudice is available for only $5 as an Amazon add-on. 🙂 I already bought myself one.

7. Membership in the Jane Austen Society

Jane Austen societies exist in many countries, like The Jane Austen Society of North America, the Netherlands, Australia, India, and more. And most have local chapters that offer wonderful speakers and social time with people who share a passion for JA. Buying a membership for a Jane Austen lover would make a creative, thoughtful gift. 

 

8. A Subscription to Jane Austen’s Regency World

This bi-monthly UK magazine is chock full of articles, information, and illustrations of interest to Janeites. I am a subscriber myself. 

 

9. Jane Austen Jammies

Yes, please!

 

10. Book Lovers’ Candles

The Pemberley Gardens candle (my favorite) won’t be available again until the spring, but I’d be happy with the Bookstore-scented candle in the meantime, and I’ll bet she would be, too.

Which gift would you choose? Any you would add to the list?