There’s something undeniably magical about receiving a wrapped book. The anticipation, the mystery, the promise of a story waiting to be discovered—it’s like Christmas morning for book lovers. And as we head into the holiday season, I’m thrilled to introduce you to one of my favorite offerings at The Story Grove: Wrapped Reads.
What Exactly Are Wrapped Reads?
Imagine walking into a bookstore where every book is beautifully wrapped, giving you only hints about what’s inside. Maybe there’s a small tag with a few enticing details—a genre, a vibe, a mood. But the title? The cover? The author? All hidden away, waiting to be revealed.
That’s the magic of Wrapped Reads.
Each Wrapped Read is a complete reading experience, thoughtfully curated and wrapped in beautiful paper. When you choose a Wrapped Read, you’re not just getting a book—you’re getting an adventure in discovering your next favorite read.
But here’s what makes them even better: tucked inside each Wrapped Read, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect reading session.
As you can see, each one includes:
- A bookmark to mark your place (because dog-earing is a crime against books, friends)
- Stickers to add some bookish flair to your journal, planner, or water bottle
- A pen for jotting down thoughts or annotations
- A highlighter for marking your favorite passages
- Annotation stickers for those readers who love to interact with their books
- An individually wrapped drink packet—tea, cocoa, coffee, or a fruit drink—because every good book deserves a perfect beverage companion
Some Wrapped Reads might have slight variations if it better fits the theme or vibe of the book inside. The goal is always the same: to create that cozy, “everything I need is right here” feeling.
Why Mystery Books Make the Best Gifts
I know what you’re thinking: “But what if I pick the wrong book?” Here’s the beautiful secret—you won’t.
For the adventurous reader in your life: Wrapped Reads are perfect for the person who loves trying new authors, genres, and stories. They’re readers who trust their gut and love the thrill of discovery. These are the people who will absolutely love the surprise element.
For the overwhelmed gift-giver: Let’s be honest—buying books for other people can be stressful. What if they’ve already read it? What if it’s not their style? What if they hate the ending and blame you forever? (Okay, maybe that last one is dramatic, but still!) With Wrapped Reads, the mystery is part of the gift. It takes the pressure off and adds an element of fun.
For introducing someone to clean fiction: One of my missions at The Story Grove is to make it easier to find great stories without worrying about explicit content. All our books are rated 0-2 on the spice scale, which means you can confidently gift a Wrapped Read to your mom, your book club buddy, or your coworker without any awkward moments. The focus stays on the story—whether that’s a cozy mystery, an epic fantasy, a gripping thriller, or a heartwarming romance.
For creating memorable moments: There’s something special about the unveiling. Picture this: It’s a cold winter evening, and your gift recipient settles into their favorite reading nook, hot cocoa in hand (from the drink packet you included!). They carefully unwrap the paper, revealing the book inside. That moment of “Oh! I’ve heard of this!” or “I’ve never heard of this, but it looks amazing!” is pure magic. You’ve given more than a book—you’ve given an experience.
Perfect for the Holiday Season
As we roll into November and December, Wrapped Reads are ideal for:
- Secret Santa gifts (they fit most budget ranges and please any book lover)
- Stocking stuffers (a slim book box that brings huge joy)
- Hostess gifts (way better than a bottle of wine—sorry, wine)
- Teacher appreciation (because teachers deserve all the cozy reading time)
- “Just because” gifts (the best kind, honestly)
And here’s a bonus: if you’re shopping at one of our craft markets, you can browse the Wrapped Reads in person, feel the paper, see the different sizes, and ask me questions about what might be inside. I’m always happy to give hints based on what your gift recipient loves!
A Sneak Peek at Our First Batch
I am SO excited to show you our first batch of Wrapped Reads! Each one has its own unique personality, from the wrapping paper to the stickers that adorn the outside.
Look at that gorgeous vintage floral kraft paper! The bookish stickers and The Story Grove wax seal tag add those special finishing touches. This is the style that started it all—the one you saw unwrapped in my original sneak peek.
And here’s one wrapped in cozy autumn plaid—perfect for fall! I love how the “Just One More Chapter” bookmark peeking out and the playful “My weekend is Booked” sticker give each Wrapped Read its own character.
Each Wrapped Read in this first batch features carefully selected books spanning multiple genres—cozy mysteries, fantasy, contemporary fiction, and more—but they all share one thing in common: they’re compelling stories with minimal sexual content, perfect for getting lost in without any surprises.
The variety of wrapping papers means there’s something for every aesthetic. Whether you’re drawn to vintage florals, modern patterns, or cozy plaids, each one is carefully curated to feel special and giftable.
I can’t wait to see these Wrapped Reads find their homes and readers! And honestly? The hardest part has been wrapping them up instead of just rereading them myself.
Where to Find Wrapped Reads
You’ll be able to find Wrapped Reads at our upcoming craft markets throughout West Michigan. Check out our market schedule to see where we’ll be, and come say hello! I love talking books with fellow readers and helping you find the perfect Wrapped Read (or three… or five… no judgment here).
Can’t make it to a market? No problem! Wrapped Reads will also be available online once we officially launch on November 15th. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter (below!) so you don’t miss the announcement.
Join The Story Grove Community
Whether you’re a mystery-loving reader who’s excited about the surprise element, or you’re already planning your holiday gift list, Wrapped Reads are here to bring a little magic to your reading life. Because at the end of the day, that’s what The Story Grove is all about—sharing stories worth sharing, creating cozy reading moments, and building a community of readers who love getting lost in a good book.
Have questions about Wrapped Reads? Curious what genres might be hiding inside that beautiful paper? Drop a comment below or send me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!
Happy reading, friends! 
What do you think? Would you try a Wrapped Read, or do you prefer to know exactly what book you’re getting? Let me know in the comments!
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