by Crystal Bowman
The Best Birthday Gift
My sister celebrated a milestone birthday a few months ago and I struggled with what kind of gift to give her. Flowers die, clothes go out of style, and who needs another “thing” to set around the house? Then the obvious occurred to me! She loves reading novels and I know a few authors who write novels. I typed a quick email to bestselling author, Eva Marie Everson, and asked her for suggestions. I not only purchased two books from her, but I asked her to sign them and personalize them for my sister. In a few days, they arrived at my house. I tucked them between pink and yellow tissue paper, placed them in a sparkly gift bag, added her favorite chocolates, and voilà—the perfect gift for a special sister. When she opened the gift at her birthday party, I took a picture of the two of us holding the books and sent the picture to Eva to use on her social media. A win-win-win for all!
Obtaining Autographed Books
In the past, it was necessary to attend a book signing or event where the author would be selling and autographing books. But in these days of social media, contacting an author is not that difficult. Facebook, Linked In, and author websites offer quick ways to send a message and make a request. Not all authors are open to selling autographed copies of books directly to the consumer, but many are, and you don’t know until you try.
Out-of-print Books
Last week I received an email from a teacher who used the contact form on my website to reach me. She was searching for one of my picture books that has been out of print for a few years. She asked if I had any I could sell her because she wanted to give them as Christmas gifts to some of her teacher friends who wanted copies of the book. I had a few in my book closet, signed them, and sent them her way.
Meaningful Stocking Stuffers
If you have kids or grandkids, adding a small board book to a Christmas stocking can provide quality reading time as well as eternal value. From A-B-C Bible stories and snuggly prayers to Noah’s ark and Baby Jesus, board books are just the right size for Christmas stockings and little hands.
Inspiration and Encouragement
For the adults in your life, a book of inspirational devotions can offer weeks or months of encouragement as well as spiritual growth. Before you give a book, however, read it yourself or be familiar with the content to be sure the messages in the book are right for the person receiving the gift.
Entertainment
For those who use reading as a form of entertainment (or escape) the list of titles is endless. Si-fi thrillers, mysteries, romance novels, fantasy, and historical fiction will provide hours of entertainment for fiction enthusiasts. If you don’t know the person well enough, find out from someone close to them what their favorite genre is. I once received a 600-page novel that did not interest me and ended up in my Goodwill box.
As you wrap up your Christmas shopping, consider giving the gift of reading. You know what they say: “It’s the gift that keeps on giving!”
TWEETABLE
I LOVE giving books for gifts from authors I know personally. I love telling the recipient, "I know that author personally!" It often endears the recipient even more to the book. And I especially love giving board books and picture books as gifts. I have several great-nieces and nephews now, and my amazing grandson, so I have lots of opportunities! Thanks for the reminder. As a matter of fact, I have a party tomorrow to go to, and I'll add a board book to sweet Ella's gift!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Julie. When the giver knows the author, it means so much to the person receiving the book. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteWell, that was sweet!!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the various ideas of gifting books. It is one of my favorite ways to remember friends and family. As always, you are the best!
ReplyDeleteParents and Grands are always looking for quality books to read to/with their little ones. As Christian writers, we can help with that…Two weeks ago, I passed along the link to your devotional, Our Daily Bread for Little Ones, to the women in my Circle at church…Then, my Angel Tree child this year wanted “anything dinosaur,” so I gave him Michelle Medlock Adams’ “Dinosaur Devotions” book, along with his other gifts. Because so many children are fascinated with dinosaurs, I also passed along the link for Michelle’s book to the women in my Circle.
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