Wednesday 28th November 2018

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Books make perfect gifts, they say. At Christmas time, however, finding the right one becomes a whole new headache for me.

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It helps hugely, of course, if your giftee actively enjoys reading. They might have a series that they're into or have their own wish list which they'd happily share (or part of a never-ending one in my case). If you belong to a social readers' or writers' group, a festive book swap is also something on the cards that can cheerfully change things up.

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What I find tricky is buying books for people whose taste is more casual, or rarely read at all (we all have a few in our families). Of course I don't have to buy a book, but when family or friends don't give any specific hints about what they would like, a book is a perfect idea ... if I can figure out which one to get.

 

Helpfully around this time of good will, bookshops and stationers miraculously fill with new releases. Unfortunately, these tend to be mostly memoirs/autobiographies or celebrities trying their hand at recipes in lovely large hardbacks with extra large font. Easy to read. Easy to wrap. As I walk around the shop, I pray that I see a book by someone that my giftee likes. If I do--bonus--they'll read it at least once and have something to keep them occupied over the holiday. But if I don't ... I know where it's going. On that shelf ... the dreaded shelf of forgotten TV series companion guides and 100 Things to Do with Cabbage. 

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Luckily for me this year, I've made a few finds so can relax this season. If you struggle like me, I wish you all the best in your quest and hope that in return your new reads will be what you wished for!