I love Jane Austen.
Sure, right, so do a lot of people.
No, no, I really love her. I just finished a re-read of her complete works. I own over five copies of all of her books, a lot of them old and rare that I had to scrimp and save for that now live under safe keeping up high on our shelves so the rogue child or cat can’t harm them. Every now and then, I take them down and gaze longingly at them through their protective plastic while whispering “my precious” over and over again.
I’ve read several biographies about her life. I’ve watched ALL of the television and movie adaptations – yes, even Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (still bitter about that one).
I need to physically remove myself from my computer whenever I see some “literary” dude-bro declare on Twitter that she only wrote silly romance novels. I know I can trust my fellow Janeites to take up the torch in my stead. No one needs to see me publicly shrieking at idiots over the internet.
I even own a ton of Jane Austen swag, because my family members give me Jane related Christmas and birthday presents. Because every year I cut through the BS and not-so-subtly post BUY ME THIS INSTEAD OF THAT UGLY ASS SWEATER lists on Facebook.
So, yeah, when I say I love her, I mean it.
Lately, I’ve taken to circumnavigating the middle man. Broke my favorite coffee mug? Oh, look! One with a Sense and Sensibility quote on it. Winter lingering an obscenely long time this year? Perfect excuse for a Northanger Abbey scarf!
This post is partly my own shopping list and partly a way to give other Austen Addicts an excuse to add more Jane in their lives. Or, you know, copy it to their own social media pages so their loved ones buy them things they actually want.
You’re welcome.
P&P Phone Case
Just think, every time the phone rang, it’d be like picking up your favorite book. Makes talking to relatives you’d rather avoid just a little less shitty.
Jane Austen Socks
What better way to keep your toesies warm than wrapped in the wit and humor of a quote from your idol?
P&P Literary Pouch
This gorgeous, almost art deco pouch would be a wonderful place to store an e-reader or even to use as a clutch purse.
Literary Scarf
How about a scarf for when you’re feeling cold and also lit…erary. See what I did there?
Jane Austen Water Bottle
Binge-reading can take a lot out of you. Keep hydrated through your marathon sessions with this lovely little water bottle.
Enamel Quote Pin
What better way to declare yourself a bibliophile and a Janeite all at once?
Jane Austen Scented Candle
Okay, so there’s no way to really KNOW that this would have been her signature scent, but the combo of jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia certainly make it seem plausible that she would approve.
P&P Book Tote
This dreamy floral tote offers the perfect carry-all for not only your books, but all of your other reading essentials.
Jane Austen Wall Art
Could you imagine this wall decal framed by bookshelves or adorning your reading nook? I CAN. *adds to this year’s “What to buy me for my birthday” post*
Jane Austen Bookmark
Mark your pages with this reminder of what a badass Elizabeth Bennet was. Especially since it can serve as motivation for our own lives when facing obstacles.
I have no time for men and their self-described edgy takes on romance and the legacy of Jane Austen. SO. DONE.
I don’t know what Jane Austen’s world would have smelled like (I imagine stinky because IT’S THE REGENCY…) But I like to think it would smelly like that candle.
So over their “hot takes” on romance. Boy, bye. You’re right, it was probably super smelly back then. The horse crap alone! Hopefully Jane had plenty of floral-scented candles 🙂