Thursday, December 18, 2008

Booking Thrugh Thursday - Generosity

Do you give books as gifts?

To everyone? Or only to select people?

How do you feel about receiving books as gifts?


My Response:
I carefully choose each gift for each person. Like most of you, I've spent hours trying to find the perfect gift. I have given books as gifts and plan to continue in the future, but I am very careful about matching the book with the reader. Some people on my gift list don't like to read, and I'd never give those people a book; that would be thoughtless.

Once I was part of a group that received the same book for a Christmas present. A member of my book club gave everyone in the group the same book with the intention that the gift would be our next group read.

My family and friends know the way to my heart. Most special occasions in my adult life have been punctuated with me receiving books. There's something about opening a book-shaped package that causes me to twitch with excitement. I generally squeal and hug the precious tome once I've seen the title. That's my Perfect gift.


BTW: I'm having several book giveaways now. Check my sidebars.

27 comments:

Dawn said...

I have given away books. Tim is the only one I've bought books for this Christmas. My mother used to get me the new Stephen King book for Christmas or my birthday.

take care,
Dawn

Unknown said...

So far I haven't bought any books yet, but I'm not done yet. LOL

Diane

Unknown said...

I love, love, love recieving books as gifts!!! I never give them because I don't know anyone who loves them like I do!

Missy Wertz said...

We tend to give book gift cards. We have several family members and friends who love to read and we will buy a book hot off the shelf to give them only to find out they have already purchased and read the book. So, we will purchase a Books of a Million (clients of DH's company and local) card and give it to them. If they do not have a store locally, they can always order online. The gift cards always seem appreciated.

Anonymous said...

Morning, Most Smiling One! Oh, I do love books. I give them as gifts though, just to certain people. I enjoy recieving books, but don't always read what I'm given if it's not down my alley!
Be a sweetie and thank's for popping by. Yeah, the sweet man with the funny bald head just ducked out of view! I loved his show.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)

sara said...

I love giving and receiving books as gifts!!!

Libby's Library said...

I love giving and getting books for any occasion. In the past I have given my father a nonifiction book for Christmas (Like LIFE magazine books, hisotricals, etc. and my husband's mother would get an autobiography).
I had the most wonderful bookstore, just 5 minutes from my house, when we lived in Florida. I loved that place. I could spend hours wandering around, checking out what had come in since my last visit. The staff would always come up with a suggestion for a book, that I would just have to take home with me!!! When I go to Florida in April (for daughter #1's wedding, and son #2's new baby) I will be brining an extra suitcase or two, just so I can stock up on books while I'm there.

Anonymous said...

No one reads as much as I do and did and will except maybe you!

I prefer to get a gift certificate towards books because I am sooo picky when it comes to books for myself.

And yes I have given books but I KNEW the person would love the book I had picked for them, otherwise what would be the point ...right..

I think your giveaways are just fantastic and generous!
Diane

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Hi, Sally! I'm not done shopping, and there will be a book on the list for my husband, an avid reader! I love to read, too. We like histories the best! :-)

XO,

Sheila

Shimmy Mom said...

Like you, I buy books for each individual. My hubby for example, does NOT like to read, so I've never bought him a book. (Until this year, because he actually asked for one- I'm still in shock) I do like to give books as birthday gifts to my nieces and nephews.
I LOVE to recieve books. My husbands parents always get their kids a religious book as part of their Christmas gift every year and I love getting them.
Last year my kids each got me a book from Barnes and Noble (the author collection books) I know have all of Charles Dickens, Mark Twains, Jane Austens, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Nathaniel Hawthornes works. I think it's my favorite gift I've ever received.
*hugs*

nikkicrumpet said...

The only gift I like better than a book is a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble so I can pick out my own!!! I have one of those little $50 nuggets just burning a hole in my purse as we speak lol...can't wait to use it!

Cathy said...

Sometimes I give books, Sally, if I think it is something the person will really enjoy.

ShannonW said...

Books make any day or celebration happier.

Anonymous said...

I also love to give and receive books. I especially love to give them to children and then read along with them.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sally!
I haven't given books as gifts...oh no I shouldn't say that. I have given picture books like Canadian scenery...decorating...old model cars intended for reading and as table books as gifts. I love those myself.

You are such an avid ready wonderful that you do receive them also!

Thank you Sally so much for the book I won from your giveaway..*hugs*. Thank you sooo much!

Have a lovely day.
Judi

Musings of A Minister said...

I give books to those who I know like to read. I love to read and I love to receive books as gifts. Like you I get excited to just see a package the shape of a book. I keep a wish list of books I hope to buy or receive as gifts.

Anonymous said...

Hu Sally, with my sisters here I am just not getting to my computer in the AM. It is quiet here now as all are gone. Now I hope my life will somewhat get back to normal.

I enjoyed reading about your selection of gifts for your favorites. A book is a personal gift in my opinion and should be selected according to the person's preferences. I do not usually receive books as a gift. I would probably rather go to the library.

We did have a blast cookie baking and I will show some pics tomorrow.

Christmas hugs...Jeanne

Salmagundi said...

I've always given books to my kids, then my grandkids as presents. I don't do it as often any more for my kids - with their own incomes, they buy what strikes their fancy. My son has a Kindle, and does most of his reading on that now. He still buys coffee table books, though. It is just harder to buy for my adult kids; but the grandkids is another story!!! Sally

Anonymous said...

My hubby, daughter and son all have books on their wish list every Christmas. Of course they always get their wish. Me, I like to read also, but there are always so many books around our house I don't need to order any extra ones. Clif has gobs of books but he never has enough. I just got through reading Billy. What a great book. Now I'm reading the one about Josh Hamilton. If I didn't spend so much time on the computer I could do a lot more reading.
Hugs,
Charlotte

Yvonne said...

I prefer the gift cards myself and, unfortunately, nobody on my list enjoys receiving books. Sad, but true :(

Darlene said...

I have given books to certain people. I LOVE to receive "my type" of reading material....my mom does great with giving me books.

Anonymous said...

I didn't get to the BTT yesterday, but my answer would be much the same. I love giving and receiving books, but I wouldn't give a book to someone whom I know doesn't like to read.

P. said...

Such pretty things.

Alfazema

P. said...

Such pretty things.

Alfazema

Alexandra MacVean said...

I have given books as gifts...mainly to my husband who is an avid book reader. :)

Josette said...

I agree with you. We should give gifts to people according to their tastes. I wouldn't like to receive something I wouldn't like myself! But then, it's the thought that counts. If anything gave me anything good, I'm grateful that they even bothered to give me anything at all! :)

The Muse said...

Of course i love giving and getting them....! :)