Gifting books: ideas by age and taste

Giving a book says, "I thought of you." Giving the wrong one says, "I did not really." A little thought goes a long way.

First, find out what they read

Pay attention. What is on their shelf? What do they talk about? Which films do they enjoy? Often the person has dropped hints without knowing.

If you cannot tell, ask a family member or friend, or ask the person directly what they enjoyed recently.

For children

• Toddlers and preschoolers. Sturdy picture books with big images and few words. Look for ones that are fun to read aloud.
• Early readers, six to nine. Short chapters, bright illustrations, stories with humour. Anthologies of short tales work well.
• Ten to thirteen. Adventure, fantasy, funny stories and non-fiction about animals, space or how things work.
• Teenagers. Let them lead. Graphic novels, stories about friendship and growing up, and books connected to films or games they like. Do not push a classic they will resent.

A useful trick: give a book in a language the child is less used to, but with an easy story. A Hindi picture book for a child who speaks mostly English can open a door.

For adults

• The person who reads a lot. Choose something slightly off their usual shelf, or a beautiful edition of a book they already love.
• The person who says they do not read. A short book, with a gripping start. A story collection. A book about a hobby or a topic they care about.
• The busy person. Short stories, essays, or a book that can be read in small pieces.
• The new parent. Something light and quick, which can be read a few pages at a time.
• The older relative. Large print editions, or books of memories, poetry or old stories in a language they love.

Gifts for particular interests

• Cooking: a regional cookbook with stories along with recipes.
• Travel: an illustrated book on a place they plan to visit.
• History: a readable narrative history of a place they know.
• Poetry: a small, well produced collection of a poet whose voice fits them.

Make it personal

Write a note on the first page. A sentence about why you chose it. It turns an object into a memory. If the book is one that mattered to you, say so.

Packaging

Wrap it simply. A newspaper wrapping with a ribbon, or a cloth wrap, looks warm and careful. Include a bookmark.

If you are unsure

Some bookshops and online shops offer gift vouchers or let you exchange a book. Check before you buy. A choice you can swap lowers the stress.

One last idea

Give a pair. A book and a second copy for you, so that you can read it together or talk about it later. It may start something good.