Books make great gifts — with a few caveats.
- Don’t use a book to send a message. For example, don’t give someone a book on physical fitness to tell them they need to exercise.
- Don’t give someone a book simply because YOU loved it. Think about what they might enjoy.
- Remember that the best gifts are ones someone wants, but would not get for themselves. For books, that might mean a classic childhood favorite in a first edition, or special binding.
- Don’t write one of those “To Danny from Aunt Bessie, Christmas 2017” inscriptions in a book. (It will reduce the value of the book when Danny tried to sell it.) Use a card instead for your gift inscription.
- If you’re mailing a book, pack it carefully. Ask yourself: If a postal employee drop kicked this box across a warehouse, would the book be undamaged? If you can answer “yes,” you’ve done a good job of packing.
- Consider a gift certificate. It’s not quite as personal as a book itself, but it does the job.