We already reviewed a few online sites where you can create physical cards that ship internationally; now let’s talk presents. My go-to gift, especially nephews and friends, is books. I love sharing books. Books that I have loved, books I think people will love at different ages, books I wish I could read again for the first time.
So in the spirit of giving (and planning ahead), here are my picks for online stores that ship internationally (and aren’t Amazon)! Nearly every website does state there are still delays in shipping due to COVID-19, so start your shopping now.
Better World Books
I love this bookstore the most because you can buy used books as well as new or “like new” copies, which increases the chances of finding a more obscure or out-of-print book for someone. I like to send my friends’ kids titles that helped me through a certain age. The best part? A portion of your purchase goes towards literacy programs, with over USD 31 million raised so far.
Shipping: International is free, 10-21 days
Book Depository
This website is very organized, with lots of different categories you can browse to find cool gifts, including Beautiful Books, Best Books of 2020, Graphic novels, Black Lives Matter, and Home Learning. They even tell you what date you need to order books by for them to arrive in all their different countries by Christmas! They understand international shipping.
Shipping: Timing varies based on location, check the website
Blackwell’s
Blackwell’s is a well-known UK bookseller with a good and robust international shipping capacity. You can browse well-curated collections to take a lot of the guesswork out of the quality of your gifts. They also offer special signed copies and have a gift and stationery section.
Shipping: 2-15 days for international orders, give more time for Christmas
AbeBooks
For the book nerd who has nearly everything or the emerging reader who you want to dazzle with gorgeous books, AbeBooks is the right stop for you. Vintage dust jackets, collectible Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen, Mark Twain, and even books about collecting books — it’s a haven for the word lover.
Shipping: Varies for international, but rare books have a limited supply
KEEP READING: Easy Peasy Holiday Cards You Can Send Online to (Almost) Anywhere in the World
Photos: Pexels, from the websites
