Bookbinders are a pragmatic people. Making “nice to have” or “quality of life” purchases is not our forte. This can make it hard to find gift ideas for bookbinders, especially if they’re your spouse/partner, family member or friend. If you need proof, just ask my hubby. He begged me to write this post as a way to give him SOME kind of insight into what I want and not necessarily need in my bindery. Since I’m a merciful wife, I agreed.
Before I jump into the list of unique gift ideas for bookbinders this season, I want to illustrate how our minds work when it comes to spending money on tools and equipment:
With this flow chart in mind, here are a few tools we bookbinders may want but don’t necessarily need but seriously would like to have in our binderies: (from least to most expensive)
*please note – I do not have any affiliation with the sellers of these tools. These are purely my recommendations.
1. Complete Bookbinding Kit
Before we jump into gifts for the seasoned bookbinder, let’s chat about you or someone you might know who would like to try their hand at making a book, journal or photo album. I spent many months sourcing high quality tools for my Complete Bookbinding Kits so I know the ones you care about will enjoy every tool and material tucked inside the cute cotton burlap sack. Everything they’ll need to create at least three or more books is included with a free video tutorial so the kit can be used right away.
Each kit is reasonably priced at just $36 (with free shipping too) and includes a personalized card with a few fun extras to inspire your bookbinding passion. Oh, and maybe a cute panda sticker… it’s a surprise!
Here is where you can pick one up: Etsy – Papercraftpanda – Complete Bookbinding Kit
2. Solid Brass Weights
Brass weights are like GOLD to a bookbinder. There are tons of different reasons to own these, but here are a few of their top uses:
- keeping pages flat between adhesive treatments
- lining up signature pages during sewing
- supporting a book while it stands vertically to dry (usually after leather treatments)
- setting box corners at 90 degree angles
- + many more
The brass weights I’m recommending are machine cast and offered in different sizes and weights. The edges are sanded with corners rounded to protect papers and box corners from sharp points or burs. They’re offered in three different weights and sizes and range in price from $38 to $59 each.
Here is where you can pick some up: Talas Online – Solid Brass Paper Weights
3. Agate burnisher
Burnishing tools are used for several different processes in bookbinding. When gilding, agate burnishers are used to smooth gold leaf onto a book edge after adhesive has been applied. They’re also used to rub beeswax into delicate cover papers and endsheets to fill pores, add shine and strengthen them for use over time.
Agate is a very strong stone made of two minerals, chalcedony and quartz. Once smoothed, the stone remains cool, applies even pressure and won’t nip, mar or tear sensitive surfaces. It’s a priceless item to have in one’s bindery.
Burnishers with an agate end can be difficult to locate in good quality. J. Hewitt & Sons, a reputable UK-based company specializing in leather and other goods, ships worldwide and offers two different tips. Your bookbinder friend will benefit most from the flat No. 28 tip, which runs about $52 US dollars.
Here is where you can pick one up: J. Hewitt & Sons – No. 28 Agate Burnisher
4. Loaded Stick (aka: knocking stick)
A loaded stick (or, knocking stick) is used to compress signatures while sewing. After each signature is sewn (and before the next is added), the binder gently knocks the stick along the spine between the supports. This packs the signatures and reduces spine swell.
This tool is amazing for a few reasons:
- It’s very well balanced for an even impact every time
- The handle has a wide, flat area used to align the signatures
- Very few (if any) retailers sell these, so finding one is a bit hard
Jeff Peachey, a well-known bookbinder and conservator, created this tool himself. While the price of $165 is pretty steep, Peachey’s tools are known for their ergonomic design and high quality construction. Your bookbinder friend, spouse or family member will not be disappointed!
Here is where you can pick one up: Jeff Peachey Tools: Loaded Stick
5. Versatile Type Holder
A type holder is used to carefully tool whole words onto a book’s surface. The head (or, jaws) holds the set type in place while the binder carefully hand stamps lettering onto a book or object. Most type holders are 2, 3 or even 4 inches wide to allow for whole words and can be cumbersome to use. It’s especially painful when you’re trying to stamp or redefine just one letter. Enter: this nifty tool!
This tool is a dream for the new or established bookbinder for a few reasons:
- Great for re-tooling a single letter or two
- Perfect for miniature books, narrow spines or small objects
- It’s lighter and smaller than standard type holders, making it easier to control
- The upper sides form a rounded corner, increasing visibility (making it easier to see where you’re stamping!)
- Made of solid cast brass, so it will heat evenly and won’t mar the surface
The creator of this lovely tool is currently selling each one for $174 on Etsy. This sounds like a *high* price tag until you realize that most type holder tools run around four hundred dollars each! Given the quality of this tool, I believe the price makes sense. It’s definitely something I wish I had in my bindery!
Here is where you can pick one up: Etsy – TheBookBindersBench
Need more gift ideas?
If you’re hunting for more fun gift ideas, check out my post, 3 Unique Handmade Book Gift Ideas for the Holidays
More bookbinding goodness
✨ What tools do I need to get started bookbinding?
- Bookbinding Tools & Supplies Quick Start Guide – learn all about book making tools, which to buy first & where to go online
- Pick up my popular Complete Starter Bookbinding Tools Kit – all the bookbinding essentials in one spot
🌟 Looking for a simple way to start making books?
Try a Complete Book Materials Kit. Each one has everything you need (+ tutorials & videos) to make a beautiful book without all the fuss.
Thank you for taking me along on your book making journey!
Misty
