Valentine Day Gifts for Book Lovers

The Nostalgic Joy of Valentine’s Day

Ah, Valentine’s Day in middle school and elementary school—a time of innocent fun, colorful cards exchanged with classmates, and the thrill of opening tiny envelopes filled with cheesy puns or heartfelt messages. I still remember the excitement of carefully selecting just the right card for each friend, hoping it would bring a smile to their face. There was something magical about those simple exchanges, moments that reminded us all of the joy of connection and kindness. Today, I long for young readers to experience that same joy and innocence, perhaps in a way that endures even longer—through the gift of books.

Valentine Day Gifts for Book Lovers in Middle Grades

Books make exceptional Valentine’s Day gifts for middle schoolers because they last far longer than chocolate or flowers, and they nurture the imagination and heart. A Valentine-themed book can offer a dose of humor, adventure, or even a little romance that speaks to the tender, curious hearts of preteens. Gifting books encourages a love of reading while giving kids a meaningful and personal keepsake to treasure. (This post contains some affiliate links to help us keep the PurdyBooks website up and running.)

Here are a few types of books that make great Valentine gifts:

•Funny Books: Lighthearted novels or joke books bring laughter and joy.

•Romantic Reads: Age-appropriate love stories or friendship-centered tales.

•Interactive Books: Journals, activity books, or creative prompts with a Valentine’s twist.

•Short Story Collections: Bite-sized stories perfect for young readers to enjoy in one sitting.

Picture Books for Valentine’s Day

Picture books, including graphic novels, illustrated joke books, and even comic books, are an excellent choice for middle grade students during Valentine’s Day. They combine visual storytelling with engaging text, which can make reading feel less intimidating and more fun for reluctant readers. Graphic novels like Roller Girl or illustrated joke books like Ralph Lane’s Dad Jokes Valentine’s Day Gift Book are both entertaining and enriching. For middle schoolers, picture books offer the chance to enhance reading comprehension by pairing words with images that bring the story to life. Plus, the artwork adds an extra layer of charm to Valentine-themed stories, making them even more memorable.

Great Valentine’s Day Books for Preteens and Teens

Here’s a list of fantastic Valentine’s Day books perfect for middle schoolers and teens:

• Would You Rather Valentine’s Day Game Book for Kids Ages 7-13 – This interactive book offers a collection of silly questions that provide fun for children and the whole family.

• Valentine’s Day Coloring Book for Teens, Tweens, and Adults – Featuring sweet and sassy Valentine’s illustrations, this coloring book provides detailed pages suitable for teens and tweens.

• Dad Jokes Valentine’s Day Gift Book by Ralph Lane – Valentine’s Day only comes once a year, but these hilarious dad jokes will last for eternity.

• To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (romantic and relatable for teens)

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden (for those who love a little suspense with heartwarming twists)

Valentine’s Day Books for Adults

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for kids—parents, teachers, and librarians also deserve some bookish love. Whether it’s a romantic comedy, a heartwarming novel, or even a lighthearted gift book, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself or a loved one. Books make thoughtful gifts for colleagues, friends, and spouses, offering a moment of escape or inspiration. Consider pairing a Valentine-themed book with a cozy bookmark or a handwritten note for an extra touch of love.

Here are some great picks for adults:

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (a timeless romantic classic)

• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (quirky and heartfelt)

• Dad Jokes Valentine’s Day Gift Book by Ralph Lane (perfect for a laugh)

• The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (a tear-jerking love story)

• Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston (witty and romantic)

The gift of a book, whether for a child or an adult, is a gift of adventure, imagination, and love. This Valentine’s Day, share the joy of reading with someone special!

Valentine's Day Book Lists on Goodreads & Elsewhere

Check out these Valentine booklists for Valentine’s Day book gift ideas including kid valentine books, teen books for Valentine’s Day, and February 14 books for adults. The following links include valentine book lists from Goodreads, PurdyBooks and other specialty book websites.