Hello fellow readers,
The giving season is here, and this forum is ready to assist you with gift ideas for the book lovers in your life. Please use this thread to ask for and suggest books and book-related items for your loved ones!
Happy holidays and enjoy!
Most people here might know about it, but for gifting something special to a reader, you can’t beat the illustrated editions from Folio Society dot com.
They are stunning pieces of art. While they do come at a premium price, I usually gift 1-2 each year, and recipients are always thrilled with them.
@Emery
My biggest regret is not getting their ‘Finnegan’s Wake’ when it was still reasonably priced.
@Emery
I just checked it out, and they look amazing! I’m not really into books, but would it be nice if I wrote a small message on the first blank page or would that ruin it?
Frances said:
@Emery
I just checked it out, and they look amazing! I’m not really into books, but would it be nice if I wrote a small message on the first blank page or would that ruin it?
That’s a tough call. Some people would appreciate it while others might not. I think the best idea is to let the giftee decide.
You might just want to give the gift as is and then ask if they’d like a little dedication in it or if they’d prefer to leave it blank. Letting them know you weren’t sure might help.
@Emery
That’s a great suggestion, thank you so much!
I find most ‘book-related items’ pretty useless or just another version of something I already have (Do we really need more tote bags?).
So unless someone specifically asks for a tote bag or a book-themed candle or any of those other items, I usually opt for a gift card, especially from a local indie store, and make it interesting by wrapping it creatively.
Emerson said:
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I would love a gift card for books. Otherwise, I’d rather not have anyone take a guess at what books I might like or give me a bookmark.
Emerson said:
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I would love a gift card for books. Otherwise, I’d rather not have anyone take a guess at what books I might like or give me a bookmark.
A friend and I usually gift each other books. We send a list of 3 titles we want to read, and then one of them gets gifted, ensuring I receive something I’d enjoy while still having the surprise of which one it will be.
@Clay
That sounds awesome! Sadly, I don’t have any reader friends anymore; many have passed away in recent years.
If you enjoy crafts, I’ve made homemade bookmarks as gifts, and they’ve been quite popular.
Delaney said:
If you enjoy crafts, I’ve made homemade bookmarks as gifts, and they’ve been quite popular.
That’s wonderful! I crochet bookmarks and add buttons to them too. I love making them, and people seem to really enjoy them.
If you have a teacher in your life, especially an English teacher, they might appreciate the classic bestseller ‘Up the Down Staircase.’ It’s an engaging and humorous book about the challenges faced by a New York City English teacher.
If you’re looking at a higher budget and have someone who enjoys a little sparkle, the Sofia Zakia Library Card pendant could be a lovely choice.
I requested a custom book stamp as a gift.
Crime Reads puts out an annual gift guide that usually has some great options.
I already added the Moriarty-themed candle to my list. A few years ago, I received the Sherlock Holmes one from the same company, and it’s been a favorite.
@Emerson
This is why I enjoy this forum!
How about gifting an Audible membership?
I read a lot, but I dislike receiving book gift cards and fancy book editions. I prefer secondhand books because they’re used, worn, and eco-friendly! Or I borrow them from the library! Gifts I appreciate include:
- If I don’t have one already, a small book log or listography type book
- Bookmarks
- A page holder for keeping the book open
- Secondhand books
- Novelty earrings related to books I enjoy, or fun items like socks, pins, or mugs
- A Kindle
- Tea or snacks
@Denim
Unless it’s something you know I’d cherish as a collectible, don’t buy me anything fancy. I will definitely put it through the wringer, and it will not stay nice for long.
Seriously though, your suggestions are really good!