The Art of Gifting a Book
Everyone should gift a book at least once in their life. As book lovers, we often feel compelled to spread love by sharing books that are near and dear to us. Or maybe you aren’t a reader but you want to show a reader in your life how much they mean to you. Either way, the art of gifting a book is simple, put some thought into it.
1) Gift a book based on their favorite song or artist.
In the past when working with little information, I have found this to be an easy and thoughtful gift. Google their favorite artists' inspiration and often a book or movie will come up. For example, Taylor Swift has said she has found inspiration for songs in books like Romeo and Juliet, Peter Pan, Jane Eyre, and many many others. To make this gift extra special, put the quote or article that you found the book in with the gift. Another way to do this is to find books that are named after popular songs. Such as “All My Love” by Morgan Elizabeth named after “All My Love” by Noah Kahan.
2) Gift what they are interested in, but with a twist
If there is someone in your life constantly talking about World War 2, this is your chance to look through thousands of greatly acclaimed books. However, they have likely read at least some of them, so if you aren’t able to find out exactly what books they have read, try adding a twist to your search. For example, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross is a magical realism book that takes place during a war that is loosely based on World War 1 and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is set during World War 2. Both of these books offer World War feelings and warfare, without being “about” the war itself. Furthermore, you can look into other history books by popular authors like Kristen Hannah. If your giftee loved her WW2 Book, Nightingale, they might enjoy The Women which takes place during the Vietnam War.
3) Buy them a book you loved
If you are an avid reader, or not, you likely have a favorite book. Gifting your favorite book can be a way to get to know someone, show your interests, and maybe convert them to being a huge fan too. I have gifted my favorite book to friends, and found out they later gifted the book to some of their friends. It can be a great way to spread your love for reading. It also makes a good conversational topic for future hangouts or gatherings. Since you can vouch for the book, it can be about something broader than your giftee’s main interests.
4) Don’t be afraid they will hate it
My final piece of advice is not to worry about whether or not they hate the book. Gifting a book is gifting an experience and we have no control over how our giftee experiences things. Books are highly subjective and can be loved and hated by many. If you put thought into what book you gift, then it’s ts already an amazing present whether or not they love the book.