Children’s books - do you give as a gift?

[fromheretothemoon]

The reason I ask is that I have been looking at threads for weeks for ideas for DC, and when posters list what their DC are getting for Christmas books are rarely mentioned in comparison to toys, electronics and clothing.

DS(5) loves books and yet he is not often given them as a gift for Christmas or birthday; sometimes we are asked for ideas and we emphasise how much he enjoys books but he will inevitably get toys which mostly are a 5-minute wonder.

Do people think books are a boring gift? I usually always include a book and toy when giving as parents usually say their kids have too many toys but maybe I’m a boring gift-giver?!

DD8 always gets books for Christmas, she's absolutely flying through them now though! I try to pick her some up from the charity shop on a regular basis, she had loads of the rainbow fairies ones from there and now the wimpy kid books, can't justify £6/7 a go for something she'll have read in a night or two! I treat her to some nice new ones at Christmas though, usually the ones that aren't readily available in charity shops

Well im having loads of kindle books for Christmas and I can’t wait, I love books.

Absolutely yes, my daughter will be receiving 5 for Christmas this year and she’ll likely get more for her January birthday. My daughter is a real book worm so they’re always very appreciated

I’ve bought books for DS this Christmas! He’ll get other stuff too but books can be kept, cherished and enjoyed for years. Plus we want to encourage reading.

I think a mix is good for children- books, toys, clothes and treats (all if you can afford it of course, and I know not everyone can). Many books can be bought cheaply too, so a great budget present.

I used to love getting books at Christmas growing up.

Yes I have bought books for my nieces and nephews peticulalrly.

DS is 6 and I always give some (carefully and lovingly chosen!) books for Christmas and birthday... Even if on the day itself he may be distracted by a new toy, he does love his books and they all usually get read within a week. As he’s only young, I hope his interest lasts!

Btw, he does get books all year round - usually from the charity shop or online etc, but at Christmas they’re more expensive or vintage, or ones he’s seen at Waterstones and wanted.

I buy books for my dc every Christmas even though they aren't avid readers like I am. I have a list of books for present suggestions for myself but because no one who buys presents for me loves books they tend to swerve the books and buy me things they prefer instead

@hiredandsqueak Yes, this!
In another life you and I would greet each other at Christmas with a stack of books wrapped up with a big fat satin ribbon.