This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Jordyn Centerwall. Find her on Instagram at @jordyncenterwall. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Once upon a time, I cried on Christmas morning upon receiving a Nook e-reader. To be fair, I was seven. At the time I was afraid that reading digitally would mean I had to give up my beloved physical copies of the stories I loved. Cut to fifteen years later, the same Jordyn received a Kindle for Christmas. This time there were no tears. Upon receiving my Kindle though, I faced the most anticipated task: making it my own. And to do that I sought to find the best Kindle accessories.
Many Millenials and Gen Zers alike have rediscovered the joy of reading in their early adult lives. Thanks to the renewed interest and the aestheticization of the hobby on social media, digital communities like BookTok, Bookstagram, and BookTube have grown considerable followings. These accounts have become a treasure trove for book recommendations and commentary. They’ve also become platforms to advertise bookish products that allow consumers to identify themselves as readers. I’m not endorsing overconsumption for the sake of aesthetics, but there are some pretty nifty products out there, as well as decorative ones to showcase every reader’s personality. Keep reading to find out where to get all the best Kindle cases, charms, and other accessories to customize your reading experience.
Cases
If you’re anything like me, when considering what case you want to put on your Kindle, two things come into factor: protection and cuteness. To achieve both there are plenty of options. Some fit more like a phone case, hugging the edges and leaving the screen open air. Others are more like a book with a fold-over design. I personally went with a fold-over design from KleverCase on Amazon, but there are pros and cons to each. It really depends on how you want to hold your Kindle.
If you go with a hugging design with a solid or clear color there’s plenty of room to affix PopSockets, stickers, and other best Kindle accessories. This might be the right option for you if you value personalization. If you prefer simplicity and full protection though, the fold-over case might be a better fit. My case is modeled to look like a book. Cute right? I’ll admit I somewhat lamented not being able to add a PopSocket at first, but I like that I can hold it by its edges like a hardcover, or fold it back like a paperback.
Kindle Inserts
I had no idea Kindle inserts were even products on the market, but they’re kind of genius. These sheets are designed to be inserted inside a clear Kindle case. Inserts allow fun patterns to be swapped out, while also allowing for grips to be attached to the case. These inserts can also be used as a place to adhere stickers so that they are protected and don’t deteriorate over time.
PopSockets and Other Grips
PopSockets and the other grips I came across might be the best Kindle accessories on this list. There are so many creative bookish designs to choose from that speak to any kind of reader. This Smut Readers Club one in the heart shape is one of my personal favorites on Etsy right now along with this Enemies-to-Lovers Tarot card grip. Both have me seriously rethinking my own choice of case.
MagSafe rings are another solid option. The magnetic stickers allow grips to be switched out or removed if using a stand. The grip options are varied too with some including finger loops that double as stands and that you can also add a traditional PopSocket to.
Stands
I don’t know if I’ll ever hop on the Kindle stand trend, but they made the list of best Kindle accessories because of the cozy reading experience that they cultivate. Stands fall into two categories: lap stands and flexible arm stands. Lap stands typically have pillow-like bases. Many even have a bowl for snacks, your phone, or other items you might want on hand while reading. The flexible stands feature a manipulable arm and a clamp that can be tightened around bed frames, tables, and other furniture.
Page Turners
Page turners are the real game-changer as far as Kindle gadgets go. These tools simulate the pressure needed to advance to the next page on a Kindle Paperwhite or another model using a remote and a sensor clip that gets attached to the device. Page turners are available in a handful of different colors. When paired with a stand they can even alleviate neck and wrist discomfort from prolonged reading sessions.
Charms
I also hadn’t heard of charms as Kindle accessories before this. Nevertheless, I came out of my deep dive with so many in my cart. Similar to the beaded wrist straps for phones, these charms can add an extra layer of personalization to your Kindle or other devices. The charms are attached to a clear piece of plastic meant to be inserted into the charging port. There are a few options on Amazon, but Etsy is the place to be to find more niche charms. There’s truly a charm for every reader. From bows and cutesy heart charms to more bookish do-not-disturb signs, or charms specific to certain characters and series. My only concern with these charms is that they could get tucked under if you rest your Kindle on your stomach, and it could be annoying to constantly have to fix the larger charms.
Sleeves
Another of the best Kindle accessories to protect your Kindle are sleeves. Similar to laptop sleeves, these smaller pouches can protect Kindles from scratches when thrown in purses, luggage, or from environmental factors when out and about. These sleeves are a great way to support crochet small businesses and they’re even DIY friendly too!
Kindle-Friendly Purses
When I went on a solo trip earlier this year, the only criteria I had for the bag I planned to carry around with me during the day was that it had to fit my Kindle. Well, everything else I needed had to fit too. However, I seriously did my research when it came to what sling bag I chose. I originally just planned on getting the Lululemon crossbody. After coming across reviews though on how tight a fit it was, I started looking elsewhere. I ended up going with the Packsafe Antitheft Sling Bag, for its RFID blocking pouch and clip to lock the zipper. If you’re looking for more everyday use as opposed to travel though, the Hello Clio Belt Bag has a pocket specifically made to fit your Kindle, with plenty of other space for your everyday essentials.
Do you love your Lulu crossbody or still think your current Kindle case is still functional and cute? There’s no need to switch! Reading shouldn’t and isn’t just an accessory to your already fabulous personality. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun to personalize your reading with the best Kindle accessories and see what’s out there, but the real fun comes from the stories within.
What Kindle accessory do you think is the best? Let us know down below which one you want to try!
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