A book is always a great gift … especially if you take the
time to match the recipient’s taste in fiction or nonfiction. Suddenly, your
thoughtfulness becomes part of the gift. Whether your relatives or friends are
interested in the Civil War, literature, romance novels, westerns, paranormal
fiction, railroads, guns, cooking, collecting old comic books, antique
automobiles, or anything else, there's always a book that will bring a smile to
their face.
Here are my Top 10 Tips for Book Gift Giving
- Write a personal message on the flyleaf that won't get tossed out like last year's Christmas card.
- Search out an author signing for your recipient’s favorite author or give a collector’s version of the recipient’s favorite book.
- If you need professional help or want something unique, shop at an independent book store, or specialty bookstore.
- If you subscribe to Amazon Prime then shipping is free, or mail books early to take advantage of media class at the Post Office.
- Give a book as a piece of art, like a fine print book, unique coffee table book, favorite book as a child, or collectible cover art.
- Make a highly personal photo book with ShutterFly or Apple Photos.
- Give a bookseller gift card for e-book and audio book enthusiasts.
- If you’re giving a gift to a college student, tuck a crisp $100 bill into the flyleaf as a bookmark.
- If your friend or relative already owns piles of books, give a unique set of book ends to hold them in their proper place.
- One final tip that comes close to re-gifting—find an Amazon print book that includes a “Match Book” deal. Gift the printed version and download the e-book for yourself.
Children's books are also great gifts. We search for
autographed storybooks for our grandkids. Bookstores always have children book
signings around the holidays, and this is one area where we join the crowd. The
icing on the cake is that we get to read from one of these books
when we visit.
Books are a great entertainment value. They provide hour
upon hour of personal pleasure, and then they can be passed on to another
person. What could be better?
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| You might even gift one of these. |