How to make giving a book extra special this year
Summary
Looking to make a book gift even more personal or special? We recommend adding an inscription, annotating the margins with your own observations, covering the books creatively, and adding book-themed accessories like bookmarks or small themed gifts.
Every year, we try to give Christmas presents that have a special meaning, that tell our loved ones: “I saw this and thought of you”. After all, there’s nothing more shameful than a panic-bought scented candle.
That’s why we think books make such a great gift. Whether you choose a novel from a favourite author, or a guidebook on that subject your friend can’t stop talking about, a book is great shorthand to show that you know someone – whether that be a pal, family member, or the colleague you’ve reluctantly drawn for Secret Santa.
But once you’ve chosen the perfect book, there are plenty of ways to make the gift even more special by adding personalised touches. Need some inspiration? Below, we’ve rounded up our top tips on how to make a book gift more personal and special this year.
What are some ways to personalise books when giving them as gifts?
Write a meaningful inscription
Arguably, this is the entry-level way of personalising a book gift: you’d have to have a pretty good excuse not to write a note inside the cover of a book you’re giving to someone. From something as simple as noting the date, to a more elaborate message that explains why you’re giving this book to that person, an inscription gives a book gift context and meaning. Not sure where to start? Read our guide on how to write the perfect book inscription.
Annotate the margins
If you’re sharing a book you love, what better way to explain why you love it than on the pages itself? Using a sharp pencil, underline lines that mean something to you – and you’d like to draw the reader’s attention to – or write notes in the margins that express your enthusiasm or understanding of a certain passage. This way, your recipient will feel like they’re sharing their reading experience, even when you’re not there.
If you believe that writing in a book should be illegal, however, you can still add a personal touch by adding Post-Its or coloured sticky tabs with your commentary in the margins.
Include a bookish accessory
Chances are, if you're buying something for a bookworm, their love of literature goes beyond the books themselves. So, once you’ve got a book in mind, we recommend adding a beautiful bookmark, or presenting your present in a bookish tote bag. You could even add a book-themed mug and their favourite brand of tea – because nothing says ‘cosy night in’ like a book and a warm brew.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, the Penguin Shop has all sorts of book-themed accessories, many featuring Penguin’s iconic logo and design.
Cover the book creatively
It’s quite difficult to hide the fact that a wrapped-up book is a book, so instead capture that excitement by choosing packaging that hints at what’s inside. Have you found a beautiful copy of Moby Dick? Find some nautical paper and a whale-shaped gift tag!
Sustainable and reusable options are even better: a Furoshiki, or Japanese wrapping cloth, would be a lovely touch for a Japanese title, such as Michiko Aoyama’s What You are Looking for is in the Library. Or what about using a copy of the newspaper announcing the result of the infamous obscenity trial to wrap up an edition of Lady Chatterley’s Lover?There’s no limit to your creativity, if you’re prepared to put in a little effort…
Seek out beautiful editions
If you’re buying a book that has been around long enough to have had several editions, then good news: you have the option of tracking down the most beautiful version of the book you can find. Whether that’s a contemporary Clothbound Classic or a first edition, an unusual cover discovered in a charity shop, or even an edition in another language, there are plenty of options when you’re gifting a classic.
If the book you want to give is more modern, keep an eye out for special editions created for specific booksellers or at certain times of year.
Add small gifts that match the theme
Planning to gift David Larbi’s Frequently Happy to your philosophical friend? Why not also give a journal, with a personal message written on the first page, to go with it? Alternatively, you could pair your beautiful edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland with a box of cupcakes; or gift Yotam Ottolenghi’s Flavour with some of his more hard-to-find ingredients. These additions can be a great way of bulking out a smaller gift while staying true to the sentiment behind it.
Make an accompanying playlist
This sounds more complicated than it actually is: you can create a QR code that you tuck into the book that, when scanned, takes your loved one to a curated playlist. This is like the modern-day version of creating a mix tape – only this time, you can compile songs that share the same themes as the book you’re gifting. This is a great, free addition to your present – and one that shows you’re willing to put the effort in.
Create a personalised book subscription
If you have too many books that you’d like to share, it might be worth thinking about spreading out your gift – such as one every month, or a few every season, to keep the giftee on their literary toes. You could theme these (for instance, Victorian classics), give a book that works with the time of year, or simply give them in an order that makes sense to you. As for inscribing, writing notes, wrapping them beautifully or offering bonus experiences, that’s up to you!