19 Unique Bookish Things To Do That Will Cure Boredom
From my personal experience, readers are the most creative people when they are bored. Like seriously, maybe there is just an endless list of bookish things to do, or maybe readers are just hardwired for creativity. But without a doubt, when the electricity goes out, these people are most definitely not bored.
However, many of us reach for the same 3-4 hobbies. That is completely normal, there is a lot of comfort in sticking with what you already know. Well… there is one problem-you are missing out on endless bookish things.
So save this post for a rainy day, and lets dive into the endless possibilities of bookish things to do when bored. Why not try some of these ideas with your book club.
This post is all about bookish things to do.
Some links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and purchase a book, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the blog and allows me to keep creating free content.
Bookish Things To Do
1. Research your favourite book
Starting off academic, and paying tribute to my former English Literature student self, is researching your favourite book. With websites such as JSTOR (not free), university research libraries or YouTube book channels such as GlutenberBible, this has never been easier. Learn about your favourite author, research tropes and the history of the genre. I guarantee you will end up in a rabbit hole of information.
2. Start a book review blog
Starting a blog where you review books is a great way of creating a digital analogue of all the things you have read.
3. 24-hr readathon
I loveeee watching these on youtube, my humour may be broken but I find these so funny and entertaining. I really want to try one myself… except I really love sleep. But challenging yourself to read for 24 hours straight is a fantastic way to get through your TBR quickly, catch up on reading and, yes, lose your mind ever so slightly. Do you think you can do it？
4. Complete a bookshop themed reading challenge
Alternatively, you don’t need to sacrifice you sleep for a reading challenge when many can be completed in a day. For example, click here to learn about the solo winter reading challenge for when you just want to take yourself to a coffee shop with a cozy book.
5. Start a Reading Journal
This is a great way to use up empty journals. Here you can track books you’ve read, books you want to read, genres you have enjoyed and so much more. Click here read all about How To Start A Reading Journal and 64 Creative Page Ideas to get you started.
6. Join an Online Bookclub.
Did you know online books clubs are a thing？It’s pretty amazing, many online book clubs offer themed book picks, annotation guides, community chat rooms and so much more. If you like witch books then you should definitely check out The Witches Book Club on substack.
7. Complete a book themed Jigsaw
Waterstones have the cutest bookish jigsaw puzzles I can’t get enough of.
My favourites include:
2. The World Of Grimm’s Fairy Tales 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
3. The World Of The Great Gatsby 1000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
8. Create a book nook space in your home.
Create a perfect reading nook/ sanctuary that is just for you. Building a cozy reading nook can be so much fun, but getting it just right isn’t easy. That is why I have compiled this guide to help you get started- Click here for 21 Affordable Cozy Reading Nook Ideas For The Perfect Sanctuary
9. Refresh and reorganize your bookshelf.
Try new ways to re categorise your books, by colour, by theme, by order of enjoyment. The options are limitless.
Bookish things to make
10. TBR jars.
This is something i’ve seen circulating on pinterest and i’m so excited to try it. You need a mason jar, and some cut up pieces of paper. Decorate the mason jar to be super cute on your bookshelf and fill it with names of books on your tbr. I love this idea as it provides a great method of choosing your next read.
11. Build a miniature book nook
If you are in the bookish world i’m sure you’ve seen these everywhere. These are adorable additions to bookshelves, especially the ones that light up. You can get kits from etsy, amazon and sometimes your local bookshop, and they really bring magic to your bookshelf. For me these aren’t a want they’re a literal need, Christmas can’t come soon enough!
12. Sew or crochet a book sleeve.
Did you know you could sew your own book sleeve with minimal expenditure. These are super fun DIY bookish things that take under an hour… or two if you are like me. And the result is adorable and unique. The Maiden Mother on YouTube has a brilliant, easy to follow tutorial.
13. Create Beautiful bookmarks.
Visit your local craft store and acquire everything you need to create stunning artworks that doubles up as bookmark designs. Alternatively, click here to use my printable bookmarks, simply print on to card for an easy gift idea.
14. Clay Coasters.
Turn your favourite book cover or quote into clay coasters. With a good vanish, air dry clay can look super high end and durable, and create a super cosy and cute addition to your reading routine.
Bookish things to paint
14. Paint in your books.
This works especially well for poetry books, or fantasy books. Decorate the insides of your books with beautiful sketches to make them extra unique and special. I would recommend acrylic paint for this as it’s fast drying and unlikely to bleed through the same way water colour paint might. Remember to isolate each page as you paint.
15. Design tote bags
When done well this idea is adorable! You will need fabric paint and a plain Tote bag. I personally really like the nature themed designs with subtle refrences to books. This is such a relaxing activity and perfect for a rainy day. Click here to watch Bri Forcier’s tote painting vlog to get inspired!
16. Paint the fore edges of you books.
Warning, you will need a clamp in order to not ruin the pages, but these turn out super cute and make great personalisation’s for your favourite stories.
Bookish Things to Buy
(Sometimes you just need to treat yourself).
17. Cozy Bookshops: Colouring Book
18. Agatha Christie Death on the Cards Card Game
19. Lord Of The Rings Adventure Book Game
