Buying children books for presents

[ToddlerIs2]

Is it really mean?

Bought a friends DC a couple of books for their birthday and she seems really... unappreciative? Because there educational not fun... Except books ARE fun, even at 1. Surely? It makes noise and is bright and they can play read it and books are awesome

[ScarlettFreestone]

Of course books are fun!

Books are my standard new baby gift. I buy a copy of all the books that were my kids favourites. Someone did it for me when my twins were born and it was one of my favourite presents.

My kids have always loved getting books.

[PippaFawcett]

I always buy books! Better than more plastic tat around the house and easily regiftable if they are duplicates.

[Anotherdayanotherdollar]

I love when people buy books for ds. But I like proper books, not TV characters in book version or novelty form iyswim.

[Squishedstrawberry4]

I always get books too! If i know a child hates reading, I'd get something else though.

[PippaFawcett]

Ps. My DSIS always buys mine plastic tat (cheap pound land stuff that gets everywhere) and I buy her DC books. I don't think either of us appreciate it!

[PippaFawcett]

Another, agreed!

[DissonantInterval]

It's not at all mean to buy books. I guess though some children of that age are not into books though. If your friend's DC are more the running around types rather than sitting still long enough to look at a book (or part of a book) then maybe that explains her reaction. Though it's rather off to act unappreciative. Books are fun and make great presents (there are some amazingly good ones around these days that I defy anyone to say are not fun) and it could be that these DC will love them in a few months time.

[ToddlerIs2]

I think its that they don't really own any, that she doesn't consider it something suitable? ? DS has a veritable bookshop in his bedroom at 2!

[ToddlerIs2]

Thank you all, I feel less weird

[Imaginosity]

Is the baby you bought the book for only age 1? She's not going to have perfect manners or appreciation at that age.

[wheresthel1ght]

My dd has 2 overflowing bookcases in her room and half if mine downstairs and I buy more all the time! I love e that people buy her books, especially when they buy their favourite childhood ones.

I regularly buy my friend's/family members kids books and never had an issue. Dd was given books before she was even born!

[MargaretCabbage]

I always buy books as gifts, and I love when my children receive them (we have more than enough toys, but you can never have too many books!).

[Runssometimes]

I love getting books for my DS, and we always find room for them. We have literally hundreds. I think it's a great gift, particularly when they are chosen carefully.

[holeinmypocket]

I love books as presents. Ds is nearly 2 and sits looking at his books by himself for a few minutes every day. We sat listening to dd5 reading him Little Red Riding Hood through the monitor earlier!

[Madwoman5]

I loved getting books as a kid, couldn't get enough!

[ToddlerIs2]

Is the baby you bought the book for only age 1? She's not going to have perfect manners or appreciation at that age book for 1 yo, mother far older. Mother ungrateful. Child not there when present was opened.

I love watching DD aged 2" read". Went through a book in cot stage, I loved it

[ToddlerIs2]

Im mid 30's and DH is 40's. We both have books on our present list every year

[yayayahey]

I would so rather people bought books than toys!!

[Ohyesiam]

Books are the best presents, at any age.

[user1491572121]

I love books as do my DC but unless you check, you're likely to buy something they already have. A token is better.

[wigglesrock]

I'd buy books for babies, for kids up to 3 or so but I don't buy books for kids once they're about 4 unless the child asks for them. For some kids they're not fun, reading isn't a hobby they enjoy, it's more like work than a present they would actually like. It would be a bit like someone buying me something sports related.
If the kid likes books (and when they're babies they can chew them if nothing else) then brilliant, but a present isn't for the gift giver to feel happy about. I've 3 kids, one would read all day and has a constant list of books she'd like. The youngest one - she's starting to really love to read, mind you she loves a good film/tv tie in . My eldest would rather do a million other things than read - she'd be a bit nonplussed with a book - she would be polite and full of thanks but it would be akin to buying her talc or socks.

[Gunpowder]

I love books. Best present.

[ToddlerIs2]

wiggle agree but at 1 they're still chewy so its all good haha

[bookwormnerd]

Books are brilliant presents. Both my children adore books. Its a wonderful gift. Giving children a love of reading opens up the world to them. My children both have alot of books already and their eyes light up when they get a new one. Your friend should be more appreciative.

[Fanciedachange17]

I love books and love giving them.