Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Christmas

From present ideas to party food, find all your Christmas inspiration here.

Original poster

to buy books as Christmas Presents for nieces/nephews?

31 replies

harassedandherbug · 19/09/2011 12:01

I don't think so, but not sure everyone will agree!

I have 7 nieces/nephews, all on dh's side of the family as he is one of five. So they all get a lot of presents for birthday's and Christmas.

Instead of rooting around trying to decide what to buy, will they like, will someone else have bought the same I thought that this year I'd buy them all a nice book.

I'd love it if someone did this for dd, she has more than enough toys believe me!

What do you think? Nice or a bit of a meanie??

OP posts:
dmo · 19/09/2011 12:03

i buy books as gifts alot as i just love books
go to redhouse you get free delivery too Smile

MrsRobertDuvall · 19/09/2011 12:03

Not mean at all! Maybe ask parents what they have already.
There's always vouchers.
If anyone gets sniffy, don't do presents next year.

borderslass · 19/09/2011 12:03

No I think that's really nice DD1 now 20 has some lovely nursery rhyme and christmas story books that she got when little that she wont part with.

cantspel · 19/09/2011 12:04

Do the children need/want or even like books?

if you can answer yes to any one of the above then buy them a book if no maybe get them a wh smiths voucher

fedupandtired · 19/09/2011 12:04

Of course that's not unreasonable. My kids love books and would be thrilled to get one as a present.

Shanghaidiva · 19/09/2011 12:05

YANBU - books make great presents.

Sewmuchtodo · 19/09/2011 12:06

Our DC's love books and their aunt buys them a book or a book token every year as a part of their christmas (she only has our dc's to buy for so spoils them a tad). They really look forward to having a new book and even more so when their aunt or uncle reads it with them!

Gonzo33 · 19/09/2011 12:08

I'd love people to buy my kids books. You have just given me a great idea for Christmas too.

crystalglasses · 19/09/2011 12:13

My dc have always loved getting books as presents. I think it strange that the op would think it could be regarded as an unacceptable present. There are some lovely gimmicky gift books around if you don't want to buy a straightforward story book.

squeakytoy · 19/09/2011 12:15

I would buy book tokens (waterstones) so that the money can be spent on books, but leave the choice up to them, and it also gives the child the opportunity to pick a book they like, in the sales after christmas..

Nothing at all wrong with giving a book or tokens for one as a present, it is a very good idea.

Illegitimate · 19/09/2011 12:15

I do books for children. I never know what toys to buy children what with things going out of favour so quickly

Ephiny · 19/09/2011 12:19

Why would it be unreasonable? I thought books/tokens were perfectly normal things to give as presents, especially for children! Is that not true any more?

slavetofilofax · 19/09/2011 12:19

My dc love books, but they do have reading preferences, and as they have books at home and have read loads from the school library, I think it would be best to ask what they would like when it comes to older children.

whoknowswho · 19/09/2011 12:22

books are the best presents imo or book tokens. My DC love getting them as gifts!

munstersmum · 19/09/2011 12:24

YANBU
Books are a great present. Choosing the books is also acceptable. It can often introduce the reader to a new author.

Original poster
harassedandherbug · 19/09/2011 12:27

I've already sounded out what my eldest niece would like, and all the others are under 5 so that makes it easier!

The reason I asked if it would BU, and one of the reasons I'm even thinking about Christmas in September Hmm, is that two of my sil's have been asking what dd (5) wants and I suggested books....... and the response wasn't as enthusiastic as I would have thought. Maybe they'd prefer to buy her another Barbie! I don't mind, but she genuinely loves books.

I'm also preg, and due at Christmas, so would be great to get some shopping done ASAP!

OP posts:
melodyangel · 19/09/2011 12:32

To go out and chose a book for another person is such a treat. To share stories you have loved or to find something new that you would never have picked up and then discover them together. I can't think of a better present.

A book form an aunt or uncle or family friend is always so much cooler than from mum or dad!

Oh and don't forget to write on the first page.

Callisto · 19/09/2011 12:35

I had no idea some people think that books are an unacceptable present. Confused Books are my default present for my 6yo DD's school friends.

redexpat · 19/09/2011 12:37

I sometimes got books, always got book vouchers from my aunt and uncle though. Loved it.

TBH I don't think ANYONE on MN is going to tell you that you are unreasonable for buying books!

pallymama · 19/09/2011 12:43

Books are good presents, and they're easy to wrap! Grin We've had people start asking what they can get (nearly 2) DD for birthday/christmas. We've suggested books too, although quietly so DD doesn't hear the B word and pounce on you with a book, demanding "more book! more book!" and expecting you to read the same book with her for the next half hour. Blush

gillybean2 · 19/09/2011 13:37

try thebookpeople.co.uk for lots of great discounted books.
My ds loves sticker books and annuals too, he gets half a dozen annuals for christmas and birthday

HappyMummyOfOne · 19/09/2011 17:09

Books are great, I like the Book People for presents as you can get some great sets so I can gift 10 books for £10 rather than just getting maybe two from a book shop. Amazon is good if after individual books by certain others though.

Haribojoe · 19/09/2011 17:31

I think books are a lovely present and often give them as gifts myself. Waterstones often have some good offers like 3 for 2 and buy one get one for a pound, especially in the run up to Christmas.

olibeansmummy · 19/09/2011 19:48

Books make great presents :) wouldn't buy a book voucher though as you get so much more for your money on amazon than wh smiths or waterstones.

tassisssss · 20/09/2011 13:20

Books are GREAT presents. I suggested next stage books to everyone who asked for dd's 5th b'day last week and she's got some great ones.

She also has a Waterstones voucher to spend and she's really really looking forward to spending it which is nice!