Are books from The Book People naff as birthday party presents?

[Legacy]

I can sense tidal wave of birthday parties beginning already (lots of autumn babies in DS2's class...) and I want to stock up on a whole load of presents to save on the last minute scramble that usually happens.

Was looking at the various multi-packs of books from Book People, and wondered if giving 2-3 of these as a gift would be considered a bit naff e.g. would most people think - "how cheap, that's only cost £3", or (like I would) "that's nice, we can never have enough books"?

If naff, any ideas for any other job lot/ multibuy presents? (Mostly for boys)

Obviously I meant 2-3 books - not 2-3 PACKS (of 10 books...)

I'd be pleased with such a thoughtful present (as would DD) - thanks for the link, by the way

Lovely present,although my dd got to an age when she didn't want me to give books to her friends for a gift.

no, would be fine imo.
I would be very pleased an danyone who isn't would be extremely rude and ungracious imo
depending on age group, I also look for cheapo crafty things from Wilkinson and the Works is a great place for all sorts of birthday tat

I do exactly this as it works out quite inexpensive. The Boook People rock!! And, tbh, if I found out that people were sniffy about them, I would consider it to be their problem and not mine or DD's. There are some ridiculous expectations regarding presents at the moment and I refuse to get sucked in.

I've done that plenty of times, they have really good quaility books and after all it's the thought that counts!

not naff, but I love to choose particular books for each recipient - that's part of the pleasure - but can understand if pressed for time/money it's an easier and more practical option.

I would be more than happy to receive them. The dcs would be less enthusiastic tbh. It has worked well when they've received some novelty type toy as well as a book (eg that stuff that turns bathwater to gel).

The cost wouldn't put me off - just my children still prefer other things to books for presents.

I have given the "things to make and do" books with some coloured pencils etc as a birthday present - I bought a batch which covered DS1's girl classmates for his reception year. I also gave one of the puzzle books (bought in a batch) as a going-away present from DS1's party last year.

Not naff at all - says someone who gives BP books - though more with the bigger one-off books than the multipacks.

And if the child has them already (which, if there's a problem with giving BP books, is more likely to be the problem as they're quite mass market) then they are very easy for the b'day child's parent to pass on to school, nursery, emergency bookshelf at back of church, etc.

The other great job-lot source is Argos - packs of buy-2-get-2-free Bionicles, eg.

I would be happy for my children to receive books (not sure the boys would be too pleased about it, depending on what it was). I think you can never have enough books and the price of them would not bother me at all - well done you for finding something of this quality for this price would be my attitude.

But do all people feel the same way about receiving books? I worry that people will think me a bit prim to give books. As long as you know you are among like-minded people, I think it is a great present.

I love it when people give ds books - and he likes them too (he's 10 - he always has - however,people usually ask what he's reading or has read first. I think they know what I approve of (being a children's book illustrator I know what I like,esp weith picture books).

I do this and so do some of my friends. We have never duplicated yet

I think it's great. I try and add something else though. Eg, chocolate coins at christmas. Paint pens or felt tips for birthdays.

i combine 1 multipack book from the bookpeople with 1 toy from paper moon catalogue (99p silly putty type thing or whizzy lights - best are expanding water snakes - boys love them) so covering the kids that aren't keen on books as the main present. we never give more than £5 worth of present becsause that seems to be the general rule. i also used the disney multi pack cards from the book people as birthday cards - no ages on them but nice cards.

A brilliant idea-we've been given several and I love it.

I always give books as birthday party presents. Far better than the mound of tat you see them normally getting.
It also keeps the price down. I always keep to below £5 too.

I love the kids getting new books.

You've inspired me to do the same thing.

Yes - I was worried about it seeming a bit prim too! But I like the idea of arty/crafty books etc and also combining with something more 'fun'.

Both my boys love books, but they still (momentarily!) prefer the exciting woolworths plastic car/ transformer etc - but I know how many of these get played with for about an hour and then forgotten.

DS2 is 5 btw, and I think the boys are beginning to get into the more factual books e.g. volcanoes/ dinosaurs etc by this age? (DS1 was I seem to remember)

No, not naff imho.

I've done it, but tend to buy single books, only split a pack one Christmas, and I know other mums have done similar.

And at the end of the day, no present is naff - it's the thought that counts, surely?

We ordered the Lucky Dip for dd's take home party thing - the boys one especially was a really mixed bag of odd ones! I've sent sets in the apst and dc's have had some. There are some Jeremy Strong ones atm which wodul go down well.

Slight tangent, but relevant in a discussion touching on value for money: if you are near a TKMaxx, take a look. I have just bought a few presents for the upcoming wave of parties at ds3's nursery. Admittedly you need to rummage around the randomly arranged shelves, but I did pick up some bargains.

Red House have 4 books for £6 free postage atm red house We just ordered some for presents - so no not naff at all.

wow - just ordered £70 worth of books for £29! that covers 9 xmas pressies - cheers playmobil!!

Thanks playmobil for the link to Red House - I got books worth £26 for £6 - and the free book (Saving Planet Earth) was actually one I wanted to buy for DS. Offer is £6 for any 4 Bookend books, then you get the free book with every order.