How the Founders of Rodan + Fields Built a Billion Dollar Skincare Brand

Apr 05, 2018

Unless you’ve somehow managed to totally quit social media over the last few years, you’re probably familiar with Rodan + Fields. While the journey to launch the skincare company began 30 years ago, the products have experienced new levels of success recently. A few bold moves from founders Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields — along with the line’s highly touted products — are largely responsible for the fact that so many people have come to recognize the brand today.

First, a brief history lesson: Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields (yes, we’re talking about the actual people now) met during their dermatology residencies at Stanford University. The doctors launched the first iteration of their shared skincare company Rodan + Fields by distributing products through boutiques and department stores, ultimately selling it to Estee Lauder. Shortly after that, they realized that business in those retailers was not booming as they would have liked. They decided that the traditional department store model wasn’t right for their products… and bought the company back.

“The biggest misconception [about success] is that business goes according to plan,” Dr. Rodan tells us. “Success is not a straight line. You need resilience and grit. People often look at me and only see the end result, thinking that I ‘have it made.’ But what they don’t realize is I made what I have. It wasn’t easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is.”

For Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields, the not-so-straight line to success led to a full revamp of their business model. Having regained control of their company, they recognized the power of mobile technology and started marketing and selling their products via social media. It paid off. In 2016, Euromonitor named Rodan + Fields the best and fastest growing skincare brand in the US. The company also surpassed $1 billion in revenue in 2016.

The founders’ unique approach to business has gained them individual attention as well. They currently share the #27 spot on the Forbes list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women. Dr. Fields credits this recognition to the duo’s agility, open-mindedness, and courage, while Dr. Rodan chalks it up to a special sort of business sense. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve had an entrepreneurial mindset, which is driven by a sense of purpose,” she says. “I believe that, in general, businesspeople are about profit, [while] entrepreneurs are driven by purpose.” Doctors Rodan and Fields put their heads together to compile this list of seven tips for anyone who dreams of being self-made entrepreneurs — not just successful businesspeople — themselves. Follow their lead, and maybe Forbes will recognize you someday too!

1. Do the right thing. This sounds like a given, of course, but actually doing it is about more than just being able to pat yourself on the back for being “good.” When it comes to business, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields remind us that you have one reputation, which you’ve probably spent your whole life cultivating. Even one instance of failing to practice the golden rule of “do unto others as you would have done unto you” can destroy that reputation, so be mindful of your actions!

2. Be open. You never know where you’re going to learn the single nugget of information that will change your business — or your life. Resist the urge to rely solely on the people and sources that feel comfortable to you, and keep yourself open to others. “Be open-minded, and leave your ego at the door,” Dr. Fields encourages. “If you have a problem, find an expert to help, and be open to receiving information from different sources.”

3. Future-proof yourself. If you’ve managed to dream up a disruptive business, that’s surely something to celebrate. But before you get too pumped up about it, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields recommend you step back and consider other disruptions that might be around the corner in your industry. By learning to anticipate other innovative entrepreneurs, you successfully put yourself a step ahead of the competition that’s inevitable for every company.

4. Plan for problems. No rise to success is obstacle-free, so come to peace now with the challenges that await you. Having coping mechanisms in place in advance will ensure you’re ready to face those challenges without fear. Doctors Rodan and Fields suggest that you stave off being overwhelmed by breaking seemingly big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. The best way to regain control is to focus on solving one problem at a time.

5. Put your aces in their places. As an individual, you probably won’t have all the answers you need to build the ventures to turn yourself into a rock star, so don’t be afraid to reach out to others who can help you and your business be their best. Then, once you have those people in place, you need to get comfortable trusting them.

6. Do your homework. You should know more about your field or product than anyone else. In this hyper-connected world, each of us has access to infinite educational resources. Use them!

7. Realize that entrepreneurialism isn’t a solo sport. Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields feel confident that their partnership has been key to their respective individual success. “Dual partners are better when there is a shared vision and passion,” they explain, “as this helps keep entrepreneurs and the business focused and accountable.” Consider your social and professional circles: There might be someone just waiting to kick butt right alongside you.

What self-made successes do you admire? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Rodan + Fields)

How To Build A Local Community When You’re A Digital Creator

Verizon

verizon

In our Take 5 series, sponsored by Verizon, we ask women in business about unexpected challenges, their inspirations, recent wins, and how the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program has helped propel their business forward. Here, we meet Rita Suzanne, a marketing strategist for health and wellness businesses who learned to network, connect with other entrepreneurs, and build her business online and IRL.

What's an unexpected business challenge that you've had to face and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing for me was my sister passed away and I ended up taking custody of my nieces. I ended up being a single mom of four kids. This is the thing that transitioned my whole entire life. I stopped doing web design and started my podcast Mom Owned and Operated. I wanted to reconnect with other moms and figure out how they were able to run their businesses and raise a family and take care of themselves because I wasn't able to do all three at the same time. Through that journey, I realized that I really needed to connect with other people and how important it was for my business. It helped me to create that community that I was yearning for that I didn't realize that I needed.

What's a recent small win for your business?

For me, the win was just pivoting back to something that I actually wanted to do. Also, I’ve started to say no to things that I no longer want to do.

Who is a woman in business that you look up to and why?

I have always admired and looked up to Amy Porterfield [author of Two Weeks Notice]. I listened to her all the time when I was starting out. I think that she's amazing and I love her stuff. She just seems like a very genuine person.

Is there a resource that has made an impact on you as an entrepreneur?

I listen to a lot of audio books. One of my favorites that has been huge for me is You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. I was told when I first started my business, by a friend who was a business coach, that I have a mindset problem. Ten years ago, I had no idea even what “mindset” was. Sincero’s book helped me to see what she meant by “mindset” and helped me adjust that mindset and fix some of the things that I didn't realize were broken.

How has the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program helped propel your business forward?

There are a lot of things that I have loved about it. There are local networking and training opportunities, and that has been great, and the online training is very valuable. It's a great resource. I find that marketing needs a three-tiered approach, meaning you need to network it locally, socially, and then also have a very comprehensive online approach to your marketing. One of the Verizon Small Business trainings that I took was all about taking advantage of your local resources. I found that to be extremely valuable because often people think they need to just focus on social media. I don't think that people focus enough on their local community.

Learn more about the free Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program and Rita Suzanne.

Illustration by Daniela Jordan-Villaveces

4 Habits Women With Tons Of Friends All Have In Common

Have you ever wondered why it seems some women always have the best friendships? We're talking about on the level of Sex and the Cityor Insecure. It's debatable whether some of those friends are toxic or not, but that's another story. The point is, it seems like some women have the best luck when it comes to building fun and supportive platonic relationships.

Are there unique qualities women in this position share? According to friendship coach Zoe Asher and licensed therapist Nicolle Osequeda, the answer is yes! Asher is host of the top-rated Accidentally Intentional podcast while Osequeda is the owner and founder of Lincoln Park Therapy Group, giving them an inside look at how people tend to approach all types of relationships!

Let's dive in!

Here are the unique qualities women with lots of friends share.

1. Women with a lot of friends value connection & community.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

The one thing everyone with a solid group of friends can agree on is how it feels like you've built your own supportive community. Friends are often the first people we turn to with good or bad news, or the ones we simply want to go on adventures with. Osequeda says, "Women with strong friendship circles often value connection, community, and the power of vulnerability."

There's a realization that women in this unique position are able to "recognize that life is richer with a support system," says Osequeda. This involves "people who will listen, validate, and be there through both the highs and lows" she adds. From the friend who stayed up with you all night after a bad breakup to the one who cheered the loudest at your graduation, women who have a huge friend circle know that life feels better when we can connect with others.

Based on her experience as a therapist, she's "observed how women start friendships by gradually sharing layers of themselves." This can look like "having children at the same school or bonding over shared interests," she adds. This vulnerability is important because it creates a foundation that signals to women they've found their tribe.

2. Women with multiple friendships are open to vulnerability.

Like Osequeda mentioned, vulnerability can deepen our friendships. "These women are open to sharing the 'messy' parts of themselves which builds a deeper, more authentic bond." Also, she notes women with a lot of friends "aren't afraid to shed layers and be real" because "this vulnerability strengthens their sense of community." The more this happens over time, the more it "helps foster the connections" women with a lot of friends "cherish," according to Osequeda.

Honestly, she says "we’re all wired to seek out connection, and friendships provide that sense of community, validation, and belonging." She believes we truly "crave spaces where we can share our thoughts and feelings about what truly matters to us."

Asher believes women with lots of friends are "usually drawn towards one another in friendship" based on two levels:

Level 1: Shared interests, appearance of confidence, a positive energy that they feel (smiling helps with this!)
Level 2: (When in conversation) the safety they feel when speaking to another person, [emotional compatibility], how engaged the person is in conversation, and a desire to learn more about them, ultimately to find shared values.

This determines how women move forward in friendships. The approach is often led with "a deep sense of authenticity and care," according to Osequeda. "This is because women want relationships where they can be themselves, sharing hopes, dreams, and frustrations without judgment."

3. Women who have a lot of friends like other people they're friends with.

Again, the fact women with lots of friends actually like the people in their chosen circle is monumental. Asher says, "An interesting Yale study done in 2003 sought to look at 'popularity' in high schools to see if they could find something that all of the most liked and most popular kids had in common (outside of being a jock, etc.,)."

The common thread? "THEY liked the highest amount of people," Asher reveals. I talk about being a people pleaser a lot, but genuinely liking others isn't the same as that. IMO, it's actually admirable when people can respect others regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, or sexuality.

She knows you're likely asking, "How does this apply to women having a lot of friends?" Her answer? "Across the board, the principle here is that women with the most friends are continuously on a hunt to find good and likable things about others."

However, this isn't based on a selfish need or want. "They've determined that the time invested in others is of mutual benefit," says Asher because "the biggest coast in adult female friendships is time — the most finite resource we all share in common."

4. These women also don't mind making new friends.

Elina Fairytale/Pexels

While making friends as adults shouldn't be hard, it definitely doesn't mean it comes easily. From overthinking to social anxiety, there's so many reasons why we struggle. Also, this idea we're doing fine without friends isn't exactly helpful or positive. Asher says, "The CDC has said that the impacts of loneliness on our bodies are more harmful than smoking 15 cigarettes A DAY! Making time for quality friendships (and the pursuit of it) is just as important for your physical state as working out is."

Where should you start if you want to forge new friendships? Osequeda says, "Start within communities that already resonate with you — whether it’s your child’s school, your workplace, a gym, dog park or a shared hobby. Places where you already belong create natural opportunities to connect." She even suggests giving "apps like Bumble BFF or local meet-up groups" a chance because they "can also help you find like-minded friends." But don't think you're limited to this!

Though Asher agrees that women tend to approach "friendships by trying to find commonalities right from the beginning," she says you don't have to confine yourself to this formula. "The reason I don't think this is best is because we are boxing ourselves in when we do this. The greatest friends could be on the other side of the stereotypes we're creating," she notes. Taking it a step further, Asher shared her own experience with this. "I watched all 3 of my best friends get married and have kids all before I ever got married. On the outside, most women would think 'They don’t have anything in common.' But on the inside, the character traits and values we each were looking for were mutual, and that became a more important compass for our friendship than the stage in life we were each in."

She was even surprised she'd become close to her best friends because of how things looked externally. "We had nothing in common, but I'm so glad I didn't box myself in," she says excitedly.

Here Are Even More Ways To Make New Friends!

Asher has three ways you can open yourself up to new adult friendships if you're interested.

The most important place to start is our mindset. We have to first decide “I don’t want to be lonely anymore, and I’m worth having meaningful friendships.” When we make that decision, then we give ourselves permission and the courage to step out and take action in that! Important note about this: there was a study done at Stanford that revealed that people are 1.5x MORE likely to accept us than we think they are! So don’t let the fear of rejection hold you back!
Go first. Make the ask, and then make the plans! Saying “We should hang out sometime” is ineffective because “sometime” isn’t a day on the calendar! We cannot wait for other people to want to pursue a friendship with us, because most of us are in this same boat — not knowing where to start! We can pursue connection, get plugged into a community (examples: book club, fitness class, church, etc), or create our own connections by just inviting someone over to our house/apartment. The biggest thing we need to remind ourselves of that is to stop making excuses, or pre-determining how we think people will respond!
Again, don’t box yourself in. Don’t let your preconceived notions of what you think your archetype of a friend will look like stop you from spending time with others who don't fit that label. As addressed above, the friendships we’ve been looking for our whole lives could be right behind the stereotypes we’ve created! It’s more about character traits than it is about the external compatibility of hobbies or stages of life.

Osequeda's last piece of advice? "If you already have a friend group, meeting friends of friends is another great way to grow your circle. They key is taking that first step with a little bit of vulnerability — start a conversation, ask a question, and show interest." She's sure "it's these small moments of openness that create lasting connections!"

Want to know if you've taken on a certain role in your friendships? Discover the 11 ways you can tell if you're an empath!

friendships personality relationships

10 Easy Ways To Avoid Burnout At Work, According To A Career Coach

Landing your dream job after crying over bowls of ice cream and a few cocktails feels like hitting the fulfillment lottery. Suddenly, those many nights spent wondering if your career goals would ever materialize seem like a thing of the past. I sympathize with you because I've been there and know what how it feels to wonder if your dreams will ever come true.

I'm also the first to let you know it's possible to give too much to your dream job because you're excited and think, "Doing what I love will never feel like work." Easy misconception aside, you'll hit a home run that leads right into a burnout hole.

How do you avoid getting burnt out from your dream job? Just refer to life and career coach Sally Anne Carroll, PCC of Whole Life Strategies!

What makes landing a dream job so exciting?

Alexander Suhorucov/Pexels

The moment you go from thinking about your dream job to actually landing it feels euphoric. You feel a mixture of "I FINALLY did it" and "I can't wait to get started" because you've wanted it for so long. Carroll offers a better explanation though.

"A dream job is often one that marries our strengths, values, and interests — so it feels meaningful and purposeful as well as presenting opportunities to grow and develop in ways that feel exciting," she says.

This doesn't mean all dream jobs are created equal. Carroll says, "Everyone’s definition of a dream job is a little different, but the idea of showing up every day to do work that feels personally impactful, challenging and fulfilling is really motivating for many of us."

What are some harmful ways people approach daily tasks within their dream role?

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I'm ambitious which isn't bad, but I've been known to be so laser-focused that I forget to take care of my basic needs. It's my way of trying to convince myself that I have to accomplish 2-3 things on my to-do list before giving something else my attention.

"It’s natural to want to succeed in a dream role, but there can be a number of pitfalls to watch out for as you try to prove yourself in the role and work at a demanding pace. It’s just as important to manage your energy and your workload as it is to manage your time," Carroll reminds.

Here's some of the harmful things she says you can do without realizing:

Piling too much on your plate each day without a coherent plan to focus and prioritize on priorities
Always saying yes to additional workload or meetings without assessing your other commitments
Working too many hours, especially without breaks or adequate downtime to recharge, or feeling a need to be “on” 24-7
Placing your work to-do list ahead of your self care, sleep or other needs
Not communicating clearly about expectations, demands, feedback and needs with managers and co-workers

How can people recognize when they're overexerting themselves at work?

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I'm beginning to think a lot of us are more introspective than we let on, but we may need help figuring out how to redirect ourselves. Carroll says, "Most clients I have worked with know on some level that they’re overdoing it. They feel the stress, and they may know that they need help in coping with it in healthier ways. But they often haven’t figured out how to unwind the situation that’s been created."

She suggests practicing self-reflection, priority and boundary setting, and often, self compassion and grace for yourself. I probably sound like a broken record, but I wholeheartedly believe we could be kinder to ourselves. Sometimes we place so much expectations on ourselves based on what society, family, or even our friends think.

Artem Podrez/Pexels

Carroll says, "Burnout isn’t always a situation of overexertion, however. Sometimes it’s a mismatch between the role and our values, ethics or needs, or toxic workplace situations that can feed burnout as well. And in those cases, you might not recognize it at first."

Unfortunately, toxic workplaces are far more common than any of us like and can add to the stress we place on ourselves to perform our duties well. This can cause us to lose sight of what's truly important to us at our core. Carroll says, "It’s important to identify your core stressors so that you can address those. Burnout is not always about being busy."

What are signs someone is experience burnout?

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Knowing that doesn't mean you're still able to understand if you're experiencing burnout or not though. "Burnout can look many ways — you might find yourself feeling stressed more often or less able to deal with your stressors," Carroll says. "There may be tiredness leading to exhaustion, brain fog, not thinking clearly, or a feeling of running on fumes."

That's always my first sign that I'm feeling burned out. I prioritize sleep because it helps me function the way I'm supposed to, but being sleepy is different from feeling tired on a soul level. There have been times where my alarm has gone off in the morning before work and it feels like I have to drag myself out of bed.

Another indicator that could be experiencing burnout is by losing enthusiasm at your dream job. "You might also be losing interest in the work, feeling like you can’t keep up or that the effort is futile. Often I hear 'I just don’t feel like myself. I’m not usually like this,'" Carroll says.

What happens when burnout completely overwhelms someone even if they love their job?

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This is the part that makes working at your dream job so difficult IMO. I've talked to people who love what they do, but can't find the motivation to keep performing at the high level everyone expects them to.

"Being in full burnout is a physical and mental crisis point. You may feel depressed, lost, numb, exhausted. Your physical and mental health suffers, as well as your joy and often this has an impact on your wider relationships," Carroll indicates.

There's nothing worse than snapping at the people you love because you're stressed and don't know how to communicate that it's because of your dream job. It can take a lot to admit things are tough because you may not want to feel like you're complaining about something you've always wanted.

How can someone have a healthy relationship with work while prioritizing their mental health?

Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

Burnout is real, it doesn't have to be a permanent thing. One of The Sims 4 characters I was playing developed the 'workaholic' trait and it got to the point where even she came home with the burnout moodlet.

She only had 24 hours to change it before it started affecting the quality of her work so I had to find ways to help her relax. The only thing that truly helped was taking PTO and allowing her to unwind at a spa, spend time with her loved ones, and indulge in hobbies that had nothing to do with work. Eventually, I helped her get rid of the workaholic trait because it was causing more harm than good.

Though that's a simulation game, I can imagine this happens to people. We have to decide we're willing to change how we approach our dream jobs so we're able to still function in our daily lives.

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Carroll says, "Setting and maintaining healthy boundaries — with ourselves and with others — is a key point. Even when it’s your dream job, even when it’s demanding, your work is still one part of the larger picture of your life. Start with what is firmly in your control and make changes there first — there may be workplace changes to consider, but that comes second."

She says this can look like:

Placing limits on working after hours
Setting technology boundaries
Being transparent about workload and priorities
Learning to say no
Reorganizing or blocking out parts of your schedule and potentially initiating new conversations with your leaders and colleagues where needed

What emotions might someone feel if they realize their dream job isn't what they expected?

Christina Morillo/Pexels

It's disappointing when certain things we thought we wanted aren't what we need or even like. It doesn't matter whether we're learning how to get over a crush or feel like our dream job has become a nightmare.

"When our dream job turns out to be less a dream than expected, it’s natural to feel disappointed, sad, disillusioned or even grief. Depending on the situation, there may be resentment and anger as well if the job was misrepresented, or self doubt and questioning yourself and your decisions," Carroll says.

It doesn't always feel good, but letting yourself feel whatever emotion or thought comes up will help you get through the breakdown of having a dream job that's not what you expected it to be. Carroll says, "It’s important that you allow yourself time and space to understand what you’re feeling and to process that before deciding what to do next. There may be ways to job craft a more fulfilling experience, or you might decide to look at alternatives."

How can someone pivot towards something different if they want to leave their dream job?

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Thinking about stepping away from your dream job in favor of telling burnout to take a hike? This is a judgement-free zone so just know you're able to do that if it makes sense to pivot in a different direction. However, Carroll does advise you to be mindful before making a potentially life-changing decision.

"The first step I always advise clients who want to step away from their role — dream job or not — is to assess the situation from a bigger picture before acting," she says.

Take the time to understand what you’ve appreciated most about the role, what you didn’t and what you’re complete with/longing for at this stage of your career. Take stock of what’s most important to you and what is fueling your desire for change.
Assess your strengths, skillsets, interests, and career values. A career coach can be a valuable ally to understand how you might you lean into these more as you decide where to pivot.
Activate your future by exploring new career roles that build on the foundation you have, but stretch you in the ways you desire and meet your larger life goals. Then do your homework. Go out and explore potential roles through research, networking, job shadowing and interviewing. Testing out your ideas helps you move forward with clarity and confidence before investing in a job search or retraining.

Your dream job doesn't have to end in detriment, but it's still important to know that burnout can happen no matter how much you love what you do. You're not incapable of doing your job just because you get tired and aren't able to do the job of 5 people every single day.

What matters is how well you're able to take care of yourself so you can show up in different areas of your life. And if you still want to give that dream job a chance or step away after you've taken time to catch your breath? That's okay.

Looking for more career advice? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

Header image via olia danilevich/Pexels

work adulting career tips burnout career advice

14 Gifts For Book Lovers & Introverts You'll Want For Yourself

Similar to finding the best gifts for your sister, I've become a pro at finding things book lovers will cherish. "It takes one to know one" positively applies to this because I'm a bibliophile too. From keeping up with the latest book club picks to seeing what's being praised (or shredded) on BookTok, there's never a time I'm not engrossed in something reading-related.

On that note, prepare your fingers to take screenshots of these fun gifts for book lovers because someone in your inner circle will love them. And if you decide to snag a few of these for yourself, I won't judge you!

Keep reading for the best gifts for every kind of book lover.

The Best Collector's Edition Book Gift: The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (On shelves November 26, 2024)
The Best Journal Gift: Book Lovers Journal
The Best Drinkware Gift: Book Lovers Themed 16 Oz Glass Cup
The Best Puzzle: 500 Piece Book Puzzle
The Best Book Lovers Top: "I Have No Shelf Control" Sweatshirt

The best gift for the book lover who loves collector's editions of books:

Amazon

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (November 26, 2024)

The Perfect Marriage follows a wild case involving a married couple and their fight for justice. Unfortunately, readers discover that not all is as it seems between Sarah Morgan and her husband Adam. When an affair and the murder of Adam's mistress rocks their marriage, Sarah will have to prove how good of an attorney she is while defending him.

This collector's edition book comes with detailed endpapers, red edges (as seen above), and a brand new chapter that features "courtroom illustrations!" Pre-order it today so it'll arrive in time for Christmas!

The best gift for book lovers who are serious about their 2025 reading goals:

Target

Book Lovers Journal

The rise of BookTok made room for readers whose strong opinions fueled a renewed interest in reading. Even retailers like Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble noticed how powerful it is!

If you know someone who needs a place to organize their books and share their unfiltered thoughts about them, don't be shy about slipping this journal into their curated gift bag.

The best gift for book lovers who always pour a glass of wine when reading:

Target

Wine Glass Set — Read Between The Wine

I absolutely love fun sayings that play on familiar ones we've grown up with. This cute glass set would be perfect to include with someone's new book journal because the two complement each other well. What's a good book review without a nice glass of wine?

The best gift for book lovers who love coffee as much as they do reading:

Amazon

Book Lovers Themed 16oz Glass Cup

Some book lovers may be on a sobriety journey so it's best to steer clear of anything that reminds them of alcohol. Instead, you can buy this cute glass cup for them as a way to acknowledge their love of reading. Although it's technically a coffee cup, the reader you know can put their drink of choice in it!

Between us, I see a lovely golden turmeric tea in my future!

The best puzzle for the book lover who wants to immortalize their bibliophile ways:

Target

500 Piece Book Puzzle

Inside of this seemingly massive book lies 500 pieces of pure fun that create the most beautiful puzzle your reader's ever seen. It's less than $15 so you won't go over budget, and will keep that special someone busy in-between their designated reading sessions.

The best book gift to keep a book lover's toes cozy during winter:

Target

Bookworm Low Cut Socks

One thing any book lover can agree on is that we love cute and silly nods to our reading habits. IMO, these socks bring the 'bookworm' title to life with its cute depiction of a worm sitting on a pile of books. The fact the worm is wearing glasses makes these socks even better!

The best gift for book lovers who love practical jokes and playing pranks on people:

Target

Bookie Cushion

Clearly I'm in a jolly (aka goofy) mood because I immediately laughed when I saw this bookmark. I grew up with a brother so I can spot a whoopie cushion from a mile away and this idea? Oh, it's such a delight for book lovers who have a unique sense of humor.

The best gift for book lovers whose bookshelves are happily overcrowded:

Etsy

"I Have No Shelf Control" Sweatshirt

I'd love to write an entire blurb about why this sweatshirt makes sense as one of the best gifts for book lovers, but it's self-explanatory. I already know there's someone in your life who won't stop buying books even though they've run out of space on their bookshelves. Yes, it's plural because I know they have two that are overflowing.

This sweatshirt is definitely for them.

The best book gift for book lovers who love buying themselves flowers:

Etsy

Personalized Eco-Friendly Book Vase

How gorgeous is this eco-friendly book vase? I've personally tried to convince myself that I don't need one, but I think I may add this to my list of Christmas demands, er, wants, so my fiancé has an idea of what to get me.

The personalization of this book vase is simple:

Choose from two styles of vases
Add 10 favorite titles to the personalization box in list form

The best gift for book lovers who still have their childhood library cards:

Etsy

Vintage Library Card Blanket

All book lovers know that falling in love with the library as a kid is like a rite of passage. It was the one place where any outside troubles seemed to fade away because you could pick up any book and be transported to another world. If you know someone who still cherishes those day, you should surprise them with this vintage library card blanket.

You have the option of personalizing it for them or you can let the designer choose which dates or authors to place on it!

The best gift for book lovers who are curating their at-home libraries full of banned books:

Etsy

Personalized Library Sign

Take things a step further and buy a book lover their own library sign, especially if they're buying as many banned books as possible. Reading can be seen as a form of resistance to the idea that books are causing people to think and live in a harmful way. Book lovers know that's not quite it.

The best gift for book lovers who'd rather be reading:

Etsy

Funny Bookish Mug

There may be a pile of laundry on the bed or things to pack if you're moving, but nothing comes before reading. Well, that's probably what you've been telling yourself and I partially agree. At least shower and brush your teeth before you descend into your undisturbed reading time.

The best gift for book lovers who can't stop reading spicy titles:

Etsy

Fantasy Book Lover Candle

I'm going to hold your hand when I say this: We know you or your bestie can't get enough of reading spicy romance books. I'm privy to this insider's information because I can't stop reading them either. They've actually made date night more fun and that's as far as I'll go.

Even if you or your bestie aren't in a relationship with anyone, the very act of reading smutty things can be a fun form of escapism from the dumpster fire that's been going on since 2020.

The best gift for book lovers who swear they're going to bed after reading one more chapter:

Etsy

Book Lover Candle

You may have heard your best friend or younger sibling say this before: "I'm seriously putting this book down after I read one more chapter." You may have said it to yourself before realizing it's 3:00 in the morning and you haven't slept yet.

Do yourself or another book lover a favor by gifting them this realistic candle. You can choose from the following scents:

Rose + Patchouli
Mimosa + Pineapple
White Tea + Jasmine
Coconut + Orange

Stop by Brit + Co's Amazon Storefront for our top 2024 book recommendations!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Black Friday Must-Haves for All the Fashion and Beauty Trendsetters on Your Holiday List

This Black Friday, treat the fashion and beauty trendsetters on your list to gifts they’ll love. From chic wardrobe staples to must-have beauty essentials, these top picks are perfect for anyone who loves to stay ahead of the trends. Explore these stylish finds and score incredible deals that will make you the ultimate holiday gift-giving pro. Don't miss out on these must-haves that are sure to impress the trendsetters in your life.

Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.

A Lip Oil That Comes in Neutral and Deep Shades

Amazon

Keep your lips hydrated and glossy with this lip oil. This nourishing formula is packed with plant-based oils that deliver a high-shine finish while protecting your lips from the season’s chilly air.

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Keep reading for the best gifts for every kind of book lover.

The best gift for the book lover who loves collector's editions of books:

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose (November 26, 2024)

The best gift for book lovers who are serious about their 2025 reading goals:

The best gift for book lovers who always pour a glass of wine when reading:

The best gift for book lovers who love coffee as much as they do reading:

The best puzzle for the book lover who wants to immortalize their bibliophile ways:

The best book gift to keep a book lover's toes cozy during winter:

The best gift for book lovers who love practical jokes and playing pranks on people:

The best gift for book lovers whose bookshelves are happily overcrowded:

The best book gift for book lovers who love buying themselves flowers:

The best gift for book lovers who still have their childhood library cards:

The best gift for book lovers who are curating their at-home libraries full of banned books:

The best gift for book lovers who'd rather be reading:

The best gift for book lovers who can't stop reading spicy titles:

The best gift for book lovers who swear they're going to bed after reading one more chapter:

A Lip Oil That Comes in Neutral and Deep Shades

An Eyeshadow Stick With a Built-in Brush

A Milky Toner That Promotes Glass-Like Skin

This Cushion Foundation Blurs Your Imperfections

A Three-for-One Lip Plumper Set

A Toner That Doesn't Dry Out Your Skin

A Hair Mask for a Deep Repair

A Niacinamide Serum That Addresses Enlarged Pores

A Perfume That'll Make Everyone Obsessed With You

A Plumping Face Serum With a Plant-Based Formula

A Cream Highlighter You Can Apply Anywhere

Unbeatable Value for Wrinkle Control Pads

This Body Fragrance Has Millions Of Fans

An Anti-Frizz Cream To Use Daily

A Skin Tint to Prioritize Hydration

A Foundation and Finishing Powder to Use Together

Get Kissable Lips with Maybelline New York Super Stay Vinyl Ink Longwear No-Budge Liquid Lipcolor Makeup

A Vitamin C Serum For Anti-Aging

This Hair Treatment To Transform Your Locks

These Hair Capsules Transform Your Hair

This Sweater Falls Off the Shoulder

Flare Leggings That Will Keep You On-Trend

This Necklace for Layering Over Other Accessories

This Bracelet Set for Stacking

Carry Your Stuff in a Vegan Leather Tote Bag

Treat Your Feet to Some New Memory Foam Slippers

This Blazer Dresses Up Your Look

Bell Bottom Pants With Embroidery

Keep It Casual With a Crewneck Sweater

Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Face Primer

These Sneakers With Eco-Friendly Material

Lounge in Style With This Pajamas Set

These Earrings With a Paperclip Design

A Loungewear Set for Casual Days

Chelsea Boots You Can Wear With Anything

New Balance Sneakers You Can Wear Daily

Add These Must-Have Baggy Jeans to Your Cart

Rejuvenate Your Skin With This Miraculous Facial Toner

A Waistcoat Vest Inspired by the '40s

This Striped Button-Up Shirt Is a Classic

Save Money on This Long Sleeve Bodysuit Dupe

A Jumpsuit With Side Pockets

A Fleece Jacket You Can Easily Crop

Add a Puffer Vest to Your Athleisure Look

This Pullover Sweater With a Fuzzy Fabric

A Polo Sweatshirt With a Collared Finish

A Chunky Knit Sweater Made With the Softest Material

Get a Flawless Complexion With This Saie Slip Tint Tinted Moisturizer

Fall in Love With This Wool Peacoat