Christmas has a habit of arriving more quickly than expected. One moment we are enjoying the last days of summer, and the next we are searching for thoughtful presents that will not be forgotten by Boxing Day.
For anyone who loves stories, mysteries, history, cookery or learning something new, a digital book reader can make a wonderfully practical Christmas gift.
An e-reader may be small enough to slip into a handbag or coat pocket, but it can hold an enormous personal library. It is ideal for reading in bed, taking on holiday, carrying on the train or enjoying beside the fire on a quiet winter evening.
Unlike a tablet, a dedicated e-reader is designed primarily for books. Its paper-like screen is comfortable to read, even for longer periods, and most models can go for weeks between charges. Readers can also enlarge the type, adjust the lighting and carry dozens—or even hundreds—of books without filling another shelf.
Which digital book reader should you choose?
There is no single perfect e-reader for everyone. The best choice depends on where the recipient buys books and how they like to read.
Amazon Kindle
A Kindle is the most straightforward choice for someone who already buys Kindle books from Amazon.
The standard Kindle is compact, lightweight and suitable for everyday reading. It is a good entry-level gift for someone who has never owned an e-reader.
The Kindle Paperwhite offers a larger screen, adjustable warm lighting and waterproofing, making it particularly suitable for enthusiastic readers, travellers and people who enjoy reading in the bath or beside the swimming pool.
For readers who enjoy illustrated books, comics or colourful book covers, the Kindle Colorsoft adds a colour display. The Kindle Scribe range is intended for people who also want to make handwritten notes on a larger screen. Amazon’s current UK selection includes the Kindle, Paperwhite, Colorsoft and Scribe families. See Amazon’s Kindle range.
Kobo Clara BW
The Kobo Clara BW is an attractive alternative for readers who do not want to remain entirely within Amazon’s book ecosystem.
It is compact, waterproof and designed for comfortable black-and-white reading. It is particularly well suited to novels, biographies, folklore, history and other books where a crisp text display matters more than colour.
Kobo devices also support a broader selection of common e-book formats, although buyers should still check compatibility with the recipient’s existing book collection.
Kobo Clara Colour
The Kobo Clara Colour is a compact choice for readers who would enjoy seeing covers, highlights and illustrations in colour. It retains the comfortable qualities of an electronic-paper display, although e-ink colour is softer and more muted than the bright screen of a tablet.
It could be a good present for someone who reads illustrated non-fiction, children’s books or graphic stories but still wants a lightweight, distraction-free device.
Kobo Libra Colour
For a more substantial gift, the Kobo Libra Colour provides a larger colour screen, physical page-turn buttons and optional stylus support. It may appeal to keen readers who like highlighting passages, making notes or holding their reader in one hand.
Kobo currently lists the Clara BW, Clara Colour, Libra Colour and larger Elipsa 2E among its e-reader range. Explore Kobo e-readers.
PocketBook
PocketBook readers are worth considering for technically confident readers who want broader file-format support and greater freedom in managing their own digital library.
Models such as the Verse Pro and Verse Pro Colour offer compact e-ink screens, while larger models cater for illustrated books, documents and note-taking. PocketBook may not feel quite as immediately familiar as Kindle, but it can be a flexible option for readers who already own ePub files or books from several sources. Explore PocketBook devices.
Do not forget the recipient’s existing books
Before buying an e-reader, quietly discover whether the recipient already owns digital books.
A collection purchased from Amazon is easiest to read on a Kindle or through the Kindle app. Someone who already uses Kobo will probably appreciate another Kobo device. Independently purchased ePub books may work more easily on Kobo or PocketBook, depending on their format and digital-rights restrictions.
The device is only half of the gift. Access to the books matters just as much.
A thoughtful Christmas e-reader bundle
You can make the present feel more personal by including:
- A protective cover
- A screen protector, if appropriate
- A comfortable reading cushion
- A small clip-on light for printed books as well
- A bookmark for those occasions when only paper will do
- A gift balance or book voucher
- A handwritten list of recommended books
- Help setting up the device after Christmas dinner
You could even download one or two suitable books in advance, provided the recipient’s account and device allow it. Choose something connected to their interests rather than simply selecting the latest bestseller.
A mystery lover might enjoy a cosy village murder. A young reader may prefer a magical adventure. A keen cook could keep a collection of recipes close at hand, while a history enthusiast might enjoy exploring Britain’s forgotten stories.
An excellent present for older readers
An e-reader can be especially useful for someone who finds the print in ordinary books too small. Adjustable type size, screen lighting and font options can make reading more comfortable without requiring special large-print editions.
However, it is worth helping a less confident user with the initial setup. Connect the device to Wi-Fi, explain how to open and close a book, demonstrate how to change the print size and write the charging instructions on a simple card.
A little help on Christmas Day can turn an unfamiliar gadget into a much-loved companion.
Should you choose colour or black and white?
For novels and most general reading, a black-and-white e-reader remains an excellent choice. The text is usually crisp, the battery life is strong and the device costs less.
Colour is most useful for illustrated books, comics, maps, diagrams, highlighted passages and attractive book covers. Colours on e-ink screens are deliberately softer than those on phones and tablets, so buyers should not expect the same brightness.
If the recipient mainly reads novels, spend the budget on comfort, waterproofing and a good cover. If illustrations are important, consider colour.
A library that fits beneath the Christmas tree
Books remain among the most personal presents we can give. They entertain us, comfort us, teach us and occasionally keep us awake long after we promised ourselves we would read only one more chapter.
A digital book reader does not replace the pleasure of opening a beautifully printed book. It simply provides another way to read—one that is portable, adjustable and remarkably convenient.
This Christmas, you may not be able to wrap an entire library.
But you can come surprisingly close.
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