Giving Thoughtful Book Gifts

I don’t know about you, but I love to give and receive books at any time, but especially at Christmas.  If I am ever asked about what I might like, books are always the first thing I think of.  Although I love to receive books I may have suggested I would like, I also love to receive ‘surprise books’, those books someone else has lovingly chosen with you in mind.

If you are still struggling for book shopping inspiration,  you may find some of these thoughtful bookish gift ideas helpful.

A Book You Love

Choosing a book you love, or means a lot to you and one you think someone else may also enjoy is a lovely thing to do. When I Ieft a previous job, I bought each member of the team (it was a small team) a copy of a book which meant something to me. I included a card saying why I loved it, and why I hoped they would love it too.  I know they really appreciated the gift, and I really enjoyed choosing them.  It’s also a lovely way of introducing some one who doesn’t usually read to reading.

A Hard Back Copy of a Book by a Favourite Author

I think there is still something luxurious about hard back books.  Many bookish types have shelves stuffed full of paper backs.  People who buy books will often buy paperbacks for themselves, but buying a hardback books seems much more self indulgent somehow.  Over the years I have received some beautiful hard back copies of novels by favourite authors which still have pride of place on my shelves.

A Beautiful Copy of a Classic Novel

There are some gorgeous publications of classics these days.  Penguin classics have published a whole range of classic both bound fiction.  Each one is beautiful in its own right. I was given copy of Jane Eyre for my birthday which I treasure.  Its beautiful to look at, lovely to hold, looks gorgeous on the shelf or my coffee table where it currently is, and is course also a wonderful novel.  I recently spotted a number of copies of these Penguin classics in TK Maxx for just a few pounds each.

Christmas Books

Although you may feel Christmas day is a little late to give a Christmas book as a gift, I would say it is actually a lovely gift to receive on Christmas day.  Even if the book isn’t read this Christmas, it is a lovely thing to have in readiness for the following one.  Christmas books don’t loose their appeal or go out of fashion. One of my current favourite Christmas books is The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater. Although I had it last year Christmas, it is this year, in the build up to Christmas that I am really enjoying it. Copies of books  like Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’, or Dylan Thomas ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ will always be lovely books to give and receive with lasting Christmas appeal.

A Beautiful Copy of a Childhood Favourite

All of us, probably even those who read very little as adults will likely have had a favourite book as a child.  I had lots!  Finding a beautiful copy of a book you know holds special memories for someone, or was important to them as a child is a thoughtful gift to give.

A Book of Poetry

I know not everyone likes or even wants to read poetry.  However I still think its a lovely gift to receive.  There are so many gorgeous anthologies available that finding something which appeals to the person you are gifting to, should not be too difficult.  I love sharing poems on my blog an on my instagram and I think poetry can provide great solace at times of sadness or difficulty.  Giving a book of poetry which can be dipped in and out of at will could become a very special gift indeed. How about a book of poetry as a secret santa gift?  Much better than the usual comedy mug or pair of socks!

A Box of Second Hand Books

I take no credit for this lovely idea.  My good friend Karen introduced me to this.  Every year she gathers a collection of second hand books which she puts altogether in a box and gives as a gift to her mum.  I think this is a brilliant idea for an avid reader.  Because the books are cheaper, its possible to give quiet a large collection.  Its a gift that can be worked on throughout the year and is an opportunity to buy an eclectic range of books for someone you know loves reading.  I did this last year for my mum, and after she had got over the shock of receiving so many books in one gift, I know she loved it.

I hope this has given you some bookish Christmas gift inspiration. X