Is this lame? Books as gift

[GwenFromBudgens]

My DM is impossible to buy for. Totally impossible. Not into beauty, clothes or make up. Everything she wants/needs she buys herself (and the top quality version - way above what I could afford). Normally, I play it safe and go for theatre tickets, but that's out this year.

So I've come up with the idea of buying her some fiction books that I've loved reading. I was thinking maybe 12, so like a year long calendar of books.

Do you think this sounds ok, or does 12 books just sound a bit dull? She does love reading, mainstream fiction/thrillers etc rather than anything high brow.

Does anyone creative have a bright idea of how I could wrap/present these so they looked a bit more special than just a basket of books? Was thinking of writing a little bit for each one about why I liked/chose it.

Sounds fun. Let us know which ones you buy!

As a book lover, this would be my dream present! So I think it's a great idea :)
You could perhaps wrap each book up with a little treat? The first book she can enjoy with some chocolate, the second with a mini bottle of wine, the third with some nuts etc etc?

Sounds like a lovely gift. I'm sure a local bookshop would be thrilled to help, and some already offer this sort of thing as a gift. Amazon don't need our money!

I would love this and feel like it's very thoughtful but depends on her personality.

You’re going to get book lovers responding which may bias things but hey! I’m a book lover and this sounds fantastic. Even if I wasn’t so much of a bookworm though it’s a lovely thoughtful present. I like the idea of having little treats in there too. Maybe a book light, nice book mark, scented candle to light while reading, nice cd of unobtrusive gentle music to read by, nice cup for the obligatory cuppa by her chair, blanket for tucking herself into while reading etc.

I may have to steal this idea for my own mum OP😉

I have adult daughters and would love that, however I use kindle (apologies to Amazon dislikers)

Lovely idea. I hope she loves it!

Ooh, I like the little gift with each one idea. Could include a fancy bookmark with the first one!

On my list so far:

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi
Rodham by Curtis Sittenfield
Girl Woman Other by Bernadine Evaristo
Happiness: How to build a family out of love and spare parts by Heather Harpham

But need to give it some more thought. Any suggestions gratefully received! But nothing too high brow or hard work, as she won't bother with it!

I'd love that as a present, personally!

But to PP, I drink wine not tea and don't need a blanket or candle!

Would be my idea of a perfect gift.

I think it's a really lovely idea and would be thrilled to get it, but would want the books to not have come from Amazon.

I would love this as a present, I think it's a great idea :) and the idea of writing why you loved it sounds great.

I'm on booklovers group on FB and someone on there had twelve books gifted to her last year by her husband. They are for each month and wrapped with a message for each month accordingly. She loves it; some he has gone for an unusual read but it's definitely been a great gift and it's lasted all year.

The first one had a bookmark, extra gift and explanation regarding how it was to work.

Just in case you're interested!

OP, I would really love this and if my DM88 wasn't struggling with her eyesight I would most definitely be nicking your idea. Inspired - and I'd especially love to know why you'd chosen each book.

Not lame at all - (and a,so shows effort and thought). if you are able to pop into a bookshop I am sure someone there can advise you as well of books - most staff are generally really knowledgeable and I often get advice on book titles

Wow OP I’d love books as an xmas present! Agree with PP about a “reading experience” type package. Create a cosy environment with a blanket and nice new mug for a hot drink, maybe some posh teas or that hotel chocolat drink? Candles for sure, she’s a lucky lady

Thanks everyone, feel much reassured about my idea now. Will definitely pull together some sort of cosy reading hamper, maybe with some new slippers and a snuggly hoody.

Now I just need to remember which books I've recommended to her previously so I don't double up on ones she's already read!

I absolutely love this idea. Love the notes with each book and the treat for each month. So thoughtful

I think that is a great idea and I may steal it for my mother.

Get her a book subscription. Can be 6 or 12 months. I think Daunts, Mr Bs and Blackwells Edinburgh do them. They will tailor it to her interests and if she has read the book she receives then can send it back and they will send something different. Lovely to get a beautifully wrapped book delivered every month particularly in these times.

Does she like reading? You haven’t said.

This is a lovely gift idea - so thoughtful.

Highly recommend A Box of Stories, either a one off box or subscription for some unique fiction options she's unlikely to have read. They do a thriller box as well as a more general fiction one IIRC. It's all in a good cause too

I think it’s a fabulous idea. I’d be more inclined to do some sort of subscription or let her choose the books herself maybe?