Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Unconventional Bookmarks

Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl

I’m modifying this week’s prompt a little bit because I’m the sort of reader who gleefully makes bookmarks out of all sorts of unconventional things when I read physical books. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I bought or used a traditional bookmark!

No, this post isn’t going to be about me using oreos and milk or a soft taco as bookmarks. None of the things I’m about to mention have damaged books in any way. They’re just a little off the beaten path.

1. Toilet Paper

It may be unnecessary to specify that this is clean, unused toilet paper, but I’ll do it anyway. Sometimes it’s the best available bookmark when you’re in the washroom reading, need to get up, and don’t have any other way to mark your page.

red maple leaf lying on a wooden floor2. Receipts

They’re bookmark shaped, right? Why not put them to use once you’ve bought your products.

3. LeavesΒ 

Like the toilet paper, I only ever used clean, dry leaves. The bigger they were, the better.

4. Greeting Cards

They’re generally taller and wider than traditional bookmarks, but they seem to have about the same thickness. This is a good thing in my opinion. They won’t tear easily, but they also won’t damage the spine of a paperback.

5. Tissue Paper

I was desperate, and it did not work well due to how easily tissue paper tears.

6. Playing Cards

My family always had extra packs of playing cards lying around when I was growing up. Sometimes I’d grab a card as an impromptu bookmark.

How about all of you? What unconventional bookmarks have you used?

64 Comments

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64 Responses to Top Ten Tuesday: Favourite Unconventional Bookmarks

  1. Great list! I’ve used receipts a lot, too. You’re right – they’re bookmark-shaped!

  2. YES!!!! Someone else in the unconventional club!!!! Yes clean unused Loo roll or tissue(Kleenex type) is my most used bookmark!!

  3. Great list, Lydia! The only ones I haven’t used yet are toilet paper and playing cards. Earlier today I found lots of money in my books though πŸ˜‚

    My TTT post

  4. I’m seeing this take on this week’s topic a lot – and I’m loving it. I’ve used receipts – especially the ones my library gives me when I check out books!

  5. LOL! My collection!! Bank deposit slips–the ones you actually pick up at the counter are a favorite–you can scribble quotes on them. Grocery coupons are good too and church bulletins. Love your list! Bravo!

  6. Great list! I’ve definitely used tissue or toilet paper before. Probably receipts, too.

  7. I use receipts ALL the time for bookmarks! It’s the easiest thing since they basically come with the book when you buy them. Nice list!

  8. You’re the second person I’ve seen mention greeting cards. I think that’s a great idea!

  9. Definitely with you with the receipts. If I misplace my bookmark (which I often do), I will reach for a receipt in the meantime.

  10. I’ve used receipts before, lots of times. Most of the other things I haven’t though. Thanks for sharing, and thanks for stopping by my Top 10 on Lisa Loves Literature earlier!

  11. Toilet Paper?! HAHAHAHA, I cannot remember if I ever used toilet paper as a bookmark. We have some very similar responses, lol.

  12. I don’t tend to take things into the bathroom with me, so I’ve never had a need to use TP, but I have used a (clean) Kleenex before!

    Also, playing cards because there always seems to be a loose one around the house for some reason.

  13. I tend to use actual, store-bought (or hand-made) bookmarks, but my dad is well known from using a blank strip from the end of a roll of film negatives. You know. From back when cameras all actually used film. (He still has the blank negatives, because he says they’re perfect bookmarks.)

  14. Ha-ha. You are very honest. I have used candy wrappers,receipts, bobby pins, paper clips, sunglasses…you name it. Thanks for visiting my blog. My favorite bookmarks

  15. Yep, I used some of these myself. Playing cards would make a perfect bookmark! πŸ™‚

    Thank you for stopping by my blog! TTT

  16. Yes, whatever is handy. Haven’t used TP or tissue yet, but it’ll work.

  17. I used to use a deck of mini playing cards as a book mark. Or, that’s how it ended up anyway. πŸ™‚

  18. Ha ha, I can definitely relate to all of these! Basically, I’ll use anything flat (ish) that fits inside the book. πŸ™‚

  19. I’ve also used a (clean) Kleenex tissue because I didn’t have a conventional bookmark on hand, lol. I don’t know why I’ve never thought to use a playing card before- it’s perfect! πŸ˜€

  20. Toilet paper haha- love it! And receipts- yes I’m ALWAYS using those. Playing cards are a good one too!

  21. LOL! I’ve never used toilet paper as a bookmark but I have used tissues and paper towels. I also use receipts fairly often.

  22. Love your take on this subject. I have actually never used toilet paper myself, but why not? I’ve used tissue.

  23. I’m glad no books were injured in the making of this post. πŸ˜‰ I am totally guilty of using all of these at some point, except the leaves. Never tried that one. My go-to is often mail or a little slip of torn-off journal paper. xD

  24. Lau

    Amazing list.
    I’ve actually used a strand of hair once before because I really needed to leave my book but didn’t have a bookmark with me πŸ˜‚

  25. Haaa, I like your specifications in regards to the toilet paper lol But this list is awesome — I am more of a whatever’s handy (and off the beaten path) bookmark-er too. I keep losing everything else!

  26. Well, guess I belong to the boring kind of type when it comes to using unconventional bookmarks. Because I only use real bookmarks. No cards, no toilet paper or whatever comes my way. Guess I am oldfashioned.

  27. What a fun list! I’m like you and don’t tend to use traditional bookmarks. The weirdest one I use regularly is my TV remote haha I read laying on the couch and the TV remote is always on the coffee table, so its always within reach if I need to get up for a bit!

  28. Love your list! Unconventional bookmarks are commonly underappreciated. 😏

  29. I love these. It’s a fabulous list.

  30. Great list! Yes to receipts and greeting cards as bookmarks. Happy reading!

  31. I like your interesting improvisations for bookmarks πŸ™‚

  32. Aww, leaves! That’s a cool one. I’ve never personally used a leaf, but I have found some in used books.

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