“Black Friday,” the
busiest shopping day of the year, will arrive next week. Whether you enjoy
braving the crowds or prefer to stay home that day, the holiday shopping season
will have officially begun.
Are you struggling to come up with just the right
gift for each person on your shopping list? In the interest of offering a
suggestion, let me ask you another question: Is someone on your list a reader?
If so, here are a few reasons to give that person a book – or books – for Christmas.
- Readers (including myself) love nothing more than getting a book as a gift. Trust me on this one; they will be very happy and appreciative.
- Books last forever, unlike an article of clothing that will eventually wear out. The book you bought will be placed on a bookshelf, a constant reminder of your thoughtfulness.
- You get a lot of bang for your buck. Most books aren’t expensive, especially when you consider the hours of pleasure a book offers a reader.
- There are thousands of books in different genres out there, which means you can choose the type of book each person likes to read. Some people are mystery lovers. Others read romance, etc. By tailoring your choices to their individual preferences you’re showing them that you put thought (and love) into your gift.
- You’ll be providing someone with hours of escape and entertainment and, let’s face it, that’s something most of us could use these days.
I hope I’ve convinced you
to consider giving books as gifts for Christmas. Most titles are available on
Amazon and other online sites and/or can be ordered through your local
bookstore. And, who knows, while you’re searching for a gift, you might just
find a book you want to read.
Books--the gift that keeps on giving. Good suggestions, Pat.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John! We readers (and writers) love nothing more than getting a book for Christmas - or any other time. :)
DeleteWell said, Pat. I love receiving books for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in, Carol.
DeleteTruthfully, other than really expensive jewelry or a new car, I can't think of a better gift than books. :)
I have always given my published books to family and close friends for Christmas. However, I haven't published anything lately. But I will give books to my two youngest grandchildren who are teenagers and will ask them what they want to read.
ReplyDeletePat,
DeleteI've been known to give my books to friends and family members too and I also like to give them books by authors I've read and know they'd enjoy. You know, pay it forward! :)
Enjoyed your post. I do give books for Christmas gifts. They are usually in addition to another gift, but I enjoy shopping for them. I also enjoy helping book sells for individuals, for bookstores. My grandkids get a lot of book gifts.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
DeleteNow that's the Christmas spirit! As you well know, without sales, authors make NO money. In this competitive market, especially with so many free eBooks, most of us are feeling the pinch. When someone buys our books, it gives us the encouragement we all need.
I also give books as gifts. I consider books excellent presents for the holidays. My latest novel The Inheritance will be published Dec. 1st in time for the holidays. I hope readers discover it, a "clean read" romantic mystery.
ReplyDeleteJacquie,
DeleteI pre-ordered your book. Can't wait to read it! Unfortunately, my fifth Malone mystery, Marnie Malone, won't be out until after Christmas. Sometimes, that's how the Christmas cookie crumbles. LOL
I'm with you, Pat. Whenever I do a Christmas craft show, I always put up a sign that says, books make great Christmas gifts. And they do.
ReplyDeleteEvelyn,
DeleteThat's a great idea. When I did the craft show this past weekend, I put all four of my books on display in a Christmas bag with a red/green tablecloth on the table. I sold a lot of books!
Love this post, Pat! People should also think of books for birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. Any excuse... LOL
ReplyDeleteYou won't get an argument from me, Marja. Books make great gifts for any and every occasion. Another alternative, if you don't know what book/s to buy for someone, is to give them an Amazon gift card and, on the tag, write "so you can buy the book/s of your choice."
Delete