Why books make the best presents

Two beautifully wrapped parcels containing books

 

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, books make the best gifts. Whether it’s a party favour, a birthday gift, stocking stuffer or part of a treasured family ritual, you can’t go wrong with a book.

We couldn’t help but smile when we read that author Neil Gaiman says “Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!”

So, with this in mind, we thought it would be fun to share our top 8 reasons why books make the best presents:

  1. Books are so much more than some words and illustrations bound together. You’re giving the reader the chance to explore new worlds, learn about amazing things and let their imaginations run wild.

  2. A book is a gift that they can enjoy again and again. It doesn’t get used up, there’s no time limit or expiration date. And perhaps most pertinent to the parents of young children, books don’t make a noise and require no batteries!

  3. Books make relatively small and easily-wrappable packages. But looks can be deceiving: there’s so much going on in each small but mighty parcel as reading is enormously beneficial. Read more about why reading is important here and here.

  4. You needn’t worry about the recipient having too many: the more books the merrier! But also, if someone does receive a duplicate it gives them a wonderful opportunity to continue giving the gift of reading by passing it on to someone else. A book will bring just as much joy to the next person, and the next and the next.

  5. For children in particular, new books are just the start of the adventure. Fantastic stories and characters can stimulate amazing, open-ended play and spark discussions with family and friends.

  6. There’s a book out there for everyone. From babies to octogenarians you will be able to find a great book for them. Though if the thought of selecting just the right book for picky primary school children is a little daunting, don’t forget that with our book subscriptions we make all the selections so you don’t have to. Find out more about our subscriptions and gift voucher options here!

  7. Books often get more exciting and engaging the further on you read, rather than the excitement of a new toy which can sometimes wear off quite quickly.

  8. Particularly when giving books to children, you’re demonstrating their value and the value of reading, that they’re something special to be shared and recommended. There’s also usually a story to tell about how and why each particular book was chosen, which adds to their value.


With a Parrot Street Book Club subscription a child receives a carefully chosen new children’s book and accompanying activity pack through the post each month. They receive a stream of varied and exciting books, whilst the book club-style questions and activities are perfect for sharing. Find out more here.


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