As we close in on the big day where the hustle and bustle has us frantic to choose the “perfect” gift for those we love, and sometimes for those we tolerate, I just wanted to remind all of you that books make very good gifts. Here are my top reasons that books are great multi-purpose gifts:
With a book…
- Someone can plan their ultimate vacation—find them a beautiful picturebook about Africa, Hawaii, Australia… pair it with a Guide book and let them dream.
- A child can learn to read—see the excitement in their eyes as they sound out that first word in the phonic book(s) you gave them. That’s joy right there.
- You can help a cook diversify their menu or learn to boil water. They can make fabulous chocolate treats for you from that “all chocolate, all the time†cookbook. And that makes it a gift for you too!
- A friend can find their roots (that’d be ancestors, not hair—although you can probably find a book about hair roots too!) This may take more than one book, but all the better.
- You can gift the gift of an exotic pet without the mess, breaking any laws or putting them in danger. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!
- You may be able to indicate to your smelly co-worker that in fact bathrooms are modern day fixtures and s/he need not be afraid of being sucked down the drain.
- Your price point goes from fairly little to extremely high and you can generally always find something to fit your budget.
- There is love, heartbreak, thrills, chases, romance and knowing that in the end the bad guy will be caught and love will be found. Give a romance and guarantee a happy ending.
There are likely as many reasons that books are great gifts, as there are genres of romance. For me, I always give books. For every birthday party my children attend they give a “cool†toy/gadget or whatever and the recipient will always a book snuggled alongside.
Books are versatile and can take you to worlds you’ve never seen and may never see. They can transport you. They can teach you. They can heal you.
So, if you still have a few last minute gifts to grab, may I suggest a book. They also make perfect stocking stuffers! Santa loves books.
Happy Holidays to all!
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DD gave me a Borders gift card, which is already gone. And I just got a ‘gift’ of my own — finding out 2 of my books are now formatted for the Kindle, so folks can get them without leaving home, or even waiting for the UPS guy.
My grandson’s only two, but he’s been getting books from Gram since he was born.
Every year I always give books — I just have to promote reading wherever I go. Even for my non-reading husband, this year I got him the originals of his beloved Watchmen graphic novels.