Books Make Great Gifts

I recently filmed a short video for work about why books make great gifts, and it got me thinking more personally about why I give books as gifts.

For me, it started as a practicality. In high school I worked at the local used bookstore. My work came with a decent employee discount. Many books are already affordable (at least in comparison to other gifts) but the discount was an even better savings for my part-time earnings. Also, since I saw books all the time, I constantly came across titles that made me think, "I know who would like this!" 

Back in my high school days, Amazon was just getting off the ground. My job gave me easy access to something I didn't have to order or travel a distance for. (We lived in upstate New York. Nothing was really close.) These days, books are still practical because you can buy them just about anywhere. Plus, you can find something at pretty much any price point. Heck - you can even get them for free if you visit your local little free libraries. 

I also like to give books because they let me say, I thought about you. Choosing a book means paying attention to what someone enjoys, what they’re curious about, or what kind of escape they might need right now.  (Not to spoil for my family this year... but I think I nailed the book for my mom.) Books let you extend a happiness that already exists in your giftee's life.

I also love giving books because they don’t demand anything. They don’t need to be charged, filled with batteries, or updated. And, you don't need to worry about expiration dates. They wait quietly until the moment someone is ready for them. Furthermore, there's no obligation to keep them once the giftee is done with them. Books live on because they can be shared, regifted, or given away.

Finally, as someone who is not a skilled at it, these square objects are simple to gift wrap and decorate with bows and ribbons.

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