Is a book a good gift idea or is it too 'blah'?

I would love to give books to my friends who I know very well. One of my favourite "gifts" are books by a poet named Rumi. His writings are truly inspirational. However, I tend to give gift cards to book stores to children so that they can buy a book of their choice. It encourages children to develop a likeness for books and also gives them the autonomy to choose a book. For people who I do not know very well, books would be a bit of an odd choice.

by Happy Mom

If you know that the person you are giving it to is a real book lover, and you know what sorts of books they like, then a it can be a wonderful gift. If, however, you are giving it to someone who is just a casual reader, and you don't know much about their reading habits, then it is a bit of a bland gift - better to buy them a book shop voucher so they can choose what they want.

by Bryony Harrison

Depends on the person, depends on the book I guess. I don't think I would ever give a book unless it was a title the person actually asked to receive. I would, however, give a gift card to a bookstore to any avid reader.

by DamienR

It depends on the recipient. Personally I love getting books as gifts, but I only give them to people who I think will like them. With adults you have to really know someone's taste to choose a book for them. With young kids it's fairly safe to go with a book most kids enjoy, or one you enjoyed as a kid.

by Jennifer Muirhead

My favourite gifts are always books! A book is the gift that keeps on giving. You read it once and you're left with happy memories of of it for years to come.

by meggf

I like the idea, however you really need to know the persons tastein books in order to get them something that they will really enjoy or it could turn into a disaster gift!

by Maria

To me, a book is too personal, in regards to what an individual might like to read.

Therefore, a bookstore Gift Voucher is the way I would go, even if I know the recipent's book 'tastes'. By a GV, you're giving also the 'gift of choice' & I think that's lovely.

When I left one place of employment, I received a bookstore GV worth $280......to me that was like winning the Lotto!
Everybody knew I enjoyed book reading, but my 'genres' were SO eclectic, nobody would have an idea of what I'd enjoy!

I doubt ANYONE would think of the title of just ONE of my favourite books.........
'The Effects Of Volcanic Ash On Aircraft'.......wonderful book, especially chapter by Captain Eric Moody, who got a BA 747 aircraft safely to Jakarta, after going through volcanic ash from Mt Gulaggung, on flight originally Kuala Lumpur-Perth!

by donjo

I remember on my School's Speech Night, many of the Prizes given out were Books. I never got one, as I was awarded multiple Sports Trophies' instead! But I was always fascinated how did the Teachers know which book to give to each student? Did they phone the parents? Did they actually ask the recipient? It's a question I never sought the answer to! Maybe at next Reunion, in a couple of weeks, I will ask! Lol!

by donjo