Choosing the right gift for someone incarcerated can be deeply meaningful. While inmates may not have access to many forms of entertainment or support, books offer something powerful: education, inspiration, escape, and emotional healing. For family and loved ones, sending a carefully chosen book shows love, care, and belief in someone’s growth and potential.
At Corrections Book Store, we specialize in prison-approved books that are ideal for gifts. Whether you’re sending a title for inspiration, education, or personal enjoyment, this guide will walk you through the best book gift ideas for inmates and how to send them directly to correctional facilities across the U.S.
Why Books Make the Perfect Gift for Inmates
Books are more than just reading material in prison, they are a lifeline to the outside world. Here's why they make one of the best gift choices for incarcerated loved ones:
- Books are allowed in most correctional facilities (if ordered from approved vendors like Corrections Book Store).
- They provide mental stimulation, emotional comfort, and a sense of hope.
- Reading encourages self-reflection, rehabilitation, and education.
- Books can inspire inmates to build a better future and prepare for reentry.
- They show your loved one that they are not forgotten.
Top Book Categories to Consider as Gifts
Here are the most popular and impactful book categories that make excellent gifts for inmates, each with suggestions perfect for supporting growth, comfort, or motivation.
1. Self-Help and Personal Development
Books in this category help inmates improve mindset, habits, and emotional intelligence, key for personal transformation behind bars.
Great picks include:
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
-
Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
Why gift it?
These books promote discipline, self-reflection, and empowerment, helping inmates reshape their futures.
2. Inspirational & Motivational Reads
Books that feature overcoming adversity and building resilience are incredibly impactful for someone facing time in prison.
Great picks include:
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
Why gift it?
They help inmates develop hope and provide encouragement during difficult times.
3. Spiritual and Faith-Based Books
For inmates looking for spiritual growth or inner peace, religious or spiritual books are thoughtful and calming gifts.
Great picks include:
- The Bible (King James or other preferred versions)
- The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
- The Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
- Daily devotionals or meditation guides
Why gift it?
These books offer comfort, faith, and direction, especially during periods of isolation or struggle.
4. Educational and Vocational Training Books
Books that teach skills or enhance knowledge can empower inmates with the tools they need for reentry and success.
Great picks include:
- GED Study Guide
- Basic Accounting and Finance
-
Entrepreneurship for Beginners
- Learn to Code or Trade Skills Guides
Why gift it?
Education is one of the strongest tools for rehabilitation. These books promote independence and confidence.
5. Fiction and Escapism Reads
Fiction offers a healthy mental escape, especially in tough environments. Books in this category help pass the time and reduce stress.
Great picks include:
- The Alex Cross Series by James Patterson
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Classic fiction: Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird
Why gift it?
Escapism helps ease anxiety, combat boredom, and offers a mental break from prison life.
6. Legal Books and Know-Your-Rights Guides
Empowering your loved one with legal knowledge can help them better understand their case, parole, or rights.
Great picks include:
- Jailhouse Lawyer’s Handbook
- Know Your Rights series
- U.S. Constitution Explained
Why gift it?
Knowledge is power. These books help inmates become more informed about legal procedures and protections.
How to Choose the Right Book for Your Loved One
Choosing the perfect book means thinking about what your loved one needs right now:
- Are they going through a hard time emotionally? → Send inspiration or faith-based books.
- Are they working toward goals or reentry? → Choose self-help or educational books.
- Do they need a break or distraction? → Fiction is a great choice.
- Are they spiritual or religious? → Pick a book aligned with their beliefs.
You know your loved one best, even a short note about why you picked the book can make the gift feel extra meaningful.
Important Tips: Sending Books to Inmates the Right Way
Each correctional facility has its own rules. Here are some universal tips to avoid rejections:
- Always order from an approved vendor like Corrections Book Store.
- Paperback only is recommended — most prisons do not allow hardcover books.
- Do not include extra items (bookmarks, photos, notes) unless approved.
- Use the correct inmate name, ID number, and facility address during checkout.
- Double-check facility policies — or reach out to us if you’re unsure!
How to Order Books from Corrections Book Store
Sending books is simple with Corrections Book Store, we ensure all books meet correctional facility standards.
Steps to Order:
- Visit www.correctionsbookstore.com
- Browse our wide selection of prison-approved titles
- Add to Cart and proceed to checkout
- Enter Inmate Details — Full name, DOC#, and full mailing address
- Place Order — We handle the rest!
We make it easy for families to send books quickly, safely, and securely across the U.S.
Final Thoughts: A Small Gift, A Big Impact
Books are more than paper and ink, they’re tools of hope, healing, and transformation. Whether you’re sending a message of love, a resource for change, or an escape from daily stress, the right book can change the course of an inmate’s life.
At Corrections Book Store, we’re proud to help families support their loved ones during difficult times. Browse our curated collection today and send a book that says: “I believe in you.”