2021 Intellectual Freedom Gift Guide
Looking for a last-minute holiday for a book lover in your life? We’ve got you covered. These affordable items, all less than $30, are perfect for any intellectual freedom fighter. You may even want to keep some for yourself.
Under $10
This beautiful sticker ($4.99+) highlights a love for banned books and identifies its owner as an intellectual freedom advocate. The design is also available on other items, such as clothing and mugs.
No one can ever have enough stickers. This one reads “some of my favorite books are banned.” At just $4.00, you can purchase one for yourself and a friend.
These resin pride bookmarks ($8.93) are a subtle way of highlighting one’s personal freedom while enjoying a favorite book. Available in numerous pattern and flag options.
Under $20
Share your appreciation for banned books from head to toe with these socks from Out of Print ($12.00). The classic design highlights banned titles throughout the years, and each purchase helps fund literacy programs for communities in need.
Write in style with this notebook featuring the quote “A word after a word after a word is power” by Margaret Atwood ($14.00) – a message that truly cuts to the heart of why the freedom to read is so important. Proceeds from purchases help fund literacy programs for communities in need.
It looks like face masks aren’t going away anytime soon, so why not wear one and promote your love for intellectual freedom at the same time? This rainbow mask ($15.99) from the ALA Graphics shop is all about banned books.
For the magic lovers in your life, consider the Literary Witches Oracle Deck ($17.19). This deck comes with a thorough guidebook, making it accessible for beginners and seasoned readers alike, and features a diverse cast of female authors. Some frequently banned favorites include Toni Morrison, Virginia Woolf, and Octavia Butler.
Stand up to book challenges with this tote bag from ALA Graphics, which reads “Make Orwell Fiction Again” ($13.99). If you love the design, it’s also available as a shirt or drawstring bag.
Celebrate Banned Books Week all year round with this water bottle featuring 2021’s logo – a timeless reminder that censorship is never a good thing ($19.99).
Under $30
Let your loved one keep their love for banned books on display with this art print featuring the spines of several frequently challenged titles ($20.89+). Available in multiple sizes, it can work well in various settings.
A slightly different take on displaying banned books as art comes in the form of this mug, which features a collage of covers ($21.95+). This one is a good mix of classics like To Kill a Mockingbird and more recent titles such as Beyond Magenta. Available in multiple colors.
“A good library has something to offend everyone,” reads this t-shirt ($20.20). Available in six colors and sizes ranging from S-2XL.
Spice up any space with this fragrant banned books soy candle, inspired by the scent of a cozy bookstore ($20.00). Perfect to light while curling up with a good book, it has an impressive burn time of up to 50 hours.
Show your support for the Freadom movement with this definition t-shirt ($25.00+). With nearly 20 colors to choose from, there’s truly one for everyone!
This powerful shirt features a quote about the role of freedom from banned author Toni Morrison ($21.97+).

Gretchen Kaser Corsillo (she/her) is the Director of Rutherford (NJ) Public Library and has worked in public libraries in a variety of capacities since 2003. In 2013, she received her Master’s of Library & Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. She also holds a B.A. in Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing and a minor in Political Science from Ramapo College. Prior to working as a professional librarian, Gretchen worked in the marketing and legal fields; the latter, combined with her interest in writing, has made her a strong advocate for intellectual freedom.
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Thanks