World Book Day 2025: Original Ideas for Celebrating (and 10 Perfect Books to Give as Gifts)

As you well know, every April 23rd, reading lovers have a date of honor: the Book Day, a day to celebrate the stories, knowledge, and imagination that books give us.

The UNESCO declared this date as International Book Day in 1995 as it coincided with the death date of universal writers such as Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare.

In Spain, April 23 is also the holiday of Sant Jordi In Catalonia, where tradition dictates giving roses and books in honor of literature. Normally, cities are filled with fairs, book stalls, and author signings, but Who said that's the only way to celebrate?

If you're passionate about books, there are many creative ways to commemorate this date beyond traditional events. Here are a few. original ideas —from individual plans to group or social media activities—so you can celebrate your love of reading in a unique way.

And as a finishing touch, I have also compiled 10 recommended books of different genres that are ideal for giving as gifts (or treating yourself!) on this Book Day.

Beyond the Fairs: Creative Ideas for Celebrating Book Day

1. Surprise book exchange

For me, the best of all. A fun way to celebrate with friends or family is to organize a literary secret friendBefore World Book Day, each participant wraps a book they loved.

On April 23rd, the packages will be exchanged at random: each person will discover a new surprise book. It's a great opportunity to leave your reading comfort zone and discover stories you might not have chosen on your own, while sharing your favorite titles with others.

2. Free a book (Bookcrossing)

Share your love of reading with strangers by “releasing” books in public places. bookcrossing It consists precisely of leaving books in public places so that other readers can find and pick them up.

Choose a book you really enjoyed, add a note inside to the person who found it, and leave it in a park, on public transportation, or at a coffee shop. Imagine how surprised someone would be when they found this unexpected literary treasure!

In my city, Córdoba (the Spanish one), the friends of Free Book.

With this wonderful tradition, you'll be giving a story and perhaps spreading the love of reading to whoever discovers it.

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3. Literary picnic outdoors

If the rain stops soon, we might be able to enjoy this wonderful way to spend World Book Day, as April typically brings spring days ideal for reading in the sun. Invite your reader friends to a literary picnic: Each person brings a book, some snacks, and a blanket, and they settle down together in a park or garden.

You can read in silence for a while and then discuss interesting passages. Enjoying nature while sharing readings is a relaxing and enriching plan. It's very much in the style of Reading Party but outdoors.

4. Dramatized reading or storytelling

This way of enjoying World Book Day depends more on how things are organized in your city, but I think it's excellent if you're lucky. Some city councils organize storytelling sessions in the streets to commemorate this day.

If this isn't the case and there are children at home (or adults with children at heart), a fun activity is to organize a storytelling session at home. Choose a funny story or chapter and read it aloud, using your best voice and emotion for each character.You can even improvise a small costume or use a prop to add more atmosphere.

It is about interpret The story is told in an entertaining way so everyone can immerse themselves in the magic of the tale. This experience will help the little ones, family members, and friends rediscover the joy of listening to stories just like when we were children.

5. Literary challenge on social networks

Social media can be a great ally in spreading the love of reading. Launch a literary challenge on social media for World Book Day to spread your reading passion. For example, share quotes from your favorite novels or a creative photo of your library on Instagram or Twitter with the hashtag #BookDay, and invite your friends to join in by sharing theirs. The important thing is to encourage the reading community and celebrate together virtually.

6. Write your own story

Do you have a writer inside you? World Book Day could be the push you need to bring it to life. Dare to write a short story, a poem, or at least the first page of that novel you've been imagining.

Check out the Creative Writing courses I have on the Blog

If you're feeling brave, share your creation with your friends or on social media; celebrating literature is also creating it. Who knows, you might discover a potential author within yourself!

10 recommended books to give as gifts for World Book Day

Now that we have plans to celebrate, it's time to choosing the perfect giftA book is, without a doubt, the soul of this celebration. We offer a varied selection of 10 extraordinary titles—of different genres and styles—that any reader would be delighted to receive. From exciting novels to poetry and essays, there are options for all tastes!

Infinity in a reed, by Irene Vallejo

A beautiful essay that explores the history of books and libraries throughout the centuries. Vallejo takes us on a journey from the ancient Library of Alexandria to the present day, revealing fascinating anecdotes about how humanity has stored knowledge. It's a love song to reading that any book lover will love.

The shadow of the wind, by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Mystery and adventure novel set in post-war Barcelona. It follows the story of Daniel, a boy who discovers a cursed book in the mythical “Cemetery of Forgotten Books” and becomes obsessed with unraveling the secret behind its author. This work is a love letter to books wrapped in gothic intrigue, endearing characters, and exciting twists.

The Little Princeby Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

My wife's favorite and the one she was most excited about when I gave it to her. This short novel tells the story of the encounter between a pilot lost in the desert and a little prince from another planet.

With a simple prose but full of philosophy and tenderness, The Little Prince It tells us about friendship, love, innocence, and the wisdom we sometimes forget as we grow up. It's one of those books you enjoy as a child and as an adult, providing new lessons with each reread.

Maus, by Art Spiegelman

I haven't read it, but I'm looking forward to it. This is an essential graphic novel that marked a before and after in the world of comics. Maus, Spiegelman tells the true story of his father, a Holocaust survivor, depicting Jews as mice and Nazis as cats.

The result is a visually striking, profound and emotional narrative that He even won a Pulitzer PrizeEven though it's in cartoon form, this book is as moving and thought-provoking as any great novel. Perfect for introducing someone to the graphic novel genre or for history buffs.

Twenty love poems and a desperate song, by Pablo Neruda

Oh, poetry. Quite forgotten among readers. For hopeless romantics and poetry loversThis book by the Chilean poet is a treasure. It contains some of the most famous love poems of the 20th century (who hasn't heard of it?) “I like it when you are silent because you are almost absent…”?). Neruda's verses exude passion, melancholy and beauty.

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

A short but shocking dystopian novel that every book lover will love. should read at least onceBradbury places us in a future society where firefighters, instead of putting out fires, are dedicated to burn books because reading is prohibited.

The protagonist, Montag, begins to question that norm and embarks on a dangerous quest for clandestine knowledge. a song to freedom of thought and a warning about the value of literature.

Red Queen, by Juan Gómez-Jurado

A thriller contemporary Spanish novel that has become a sales phenomenon. Its protagonist is Antonia Scott, a brilliant but tormented woman, who, together with a charismatic police inspector, faces a mysterious series of crimes in Madrid against the clock.

The novel is full of action, wit, and surprises, ensuring that the reader can't put it down. If you're looking to hook someone with an addictive and contemporary read, Red Queen is a safe bet.

Sapiens: From Animals to Gods, by Yuval Noah Harari

One of my favorite books without a doubt. A fascinating journey through the history of humanity, from the earliest Homo sapiens to the 21st century. popular essay It has become very popular because of the entertaining way in which Harari explains how our species conquered the planet and developed societies, beliefs and technologies.

Full of interesting facts and reflections on our evolution, Sapiens It captivates even those who don't usually read non-fiction. A book that sparks curiosity and opens the mind; perfect for giving to inquiring minds.

If you want to give me something this World Book Day 2025, this is a great option. I've read it, but it's not on my shelf...

The house of the spirits, by Isabel Allende

A great exponent of contemporary Latin American literature that combines family drama, magical realism, and history. Through several generations of the Trueba family, Allende weaves an exciting saga set in a South American country (inspired by Chile) marked by social and political changes. It's a moving and imaginative book that will delight those who enjoy family sagas with a historical background.

The danger of being sane, by Rosa Montero

Half essay, half memoir, in this book the author reflects with freshness and humor on the fine line between sanity and madness, especially in creative people. With personal anecdotes, literary references, and psychological studies, Montero explores how imagination fuels artistic creation sometimes coexists with instability.

Far from being dark, it does so in a relatable and entertaining way, inviting us to better understand our own minds and appreciate creativity. A different, recent, and very inspiring book, a great gift for curious souls or fans of this great writer.

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What else can I tell you? Happy Book Day! I hope these ideas inspire you to celebrate April 23rd in a special way. Whether it's losing yourself in the pages of a fascinating novel, sharing your readings with those around you, or gifting one of these wonderful titles, the important thing is Experience the reading festival in your own style.

Every reader celebrates in their own way, but we're all united by the same love of stories. And you, How are you going to celebrate this Book Day? Go ahead and put some of these ideas into practice and, above all, enjoy the magic of reading!