I love gifting books. There's a book for almost everyone and almost any occasion, which pretty much makes it as close to a perfect gift as you can get! In honor of this weekend's National Book Festival, here are a few ideas for gifting books:
If you know someone who loves to read, plan a get-together for their birthday and ask everyone to bring a copy of their favorite book to give as a gift. The books can be wrapped individually, but I love the idea of putting all of the books in one big box with a bow. (This is one of my favorite ideas for the person who has everything!)
For a special celebration, take time to write a message on the inside cover of the book. I still have a much-loved book that was a gift from my Grandfather. I love that he signed the book and how he wrote "Tober" instead of October. It's a snapshot of his personality that I might have forgotten without this wonderful memento that he gave to me.
My dog-eared copy of Shel Silverstein's book Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Make it a gift pairing, and find a nice bookmark to pair with the book. (You can even use the bookmark as decoration for the gift instead of a bow.) Museums are a great place to find a gift-worthy bookmark.
An autographed book can become a keepsake. Not sure where to start? Check to see what authors will be doing book signings at bookstores in your city, attend a book fair, or write to an author to see if they sell autographed copies of their book. If you are pressed for time, bookstores like Barnes & Noble and Book Soup sell signed books.
And if you need some help finding a great book to give, take a look here, here, here, or here.