What’s your idea of the perfect gift? Well, a book, of course! I mean, we’re all readers, so what could be more perfect?
But which book? And is this occasion the right one for that particular book? Might the recipient already own it? What about a gift certificate to a favorite book store – or is that too generic?
Hmm. It seemed like a simple question, with a seemingly simple answer, and yet it’s complicated.
And of course I’m joking about a book always being the perfect gift. Sometimes we might like – well, how about chocolate, champagne, a diamond bracelet, a new car, a trip to Europe? Am I getting too ambitious? Well, maybe not if it’s a really significant birthday, anniversary, or other special event. It all depends, doesn’t it? It depends on so many things.
I think the most important thing about a gift is that the giver puts thought into it. The best gifts don’t have to cost much, or even any, money. If someone cleaned my house, that would make me much happier than a fancy dinner out!
Gifts are on my mind because of an email I received this week. It’s not the first time I’ve received one of these, and I just love them. It’s from the husband or boyfriend who’s looking for a thoughtful gift for the lady in his life. She’s a reader. She likes a particular author’s books. And so the guy thinks, maybe he could get her some personalized stuff, like autographed bookplates and bookmarks. He looks for the author’s email or website, and gets in touch to make the request.
I love sending out that stuff! I love everything about it: that the woman enjoys my books, that her guy cares enough about her to think up a special gift, and that I can help bring her pleasure on her special day.
One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a book on writing, back when I was a legal editor and had never thought of writing fiction. That book caught my imagination, ignited my passion, and launched my new career.
What kind of gifts are the most meaningful to you? What are the best ones you’ve received, or given? What would you most like to get for your next birthday?
When my niece was in grammar school, a homework assignment was to write a story. Since she lovds to draw, she also included illustrations. She gifted me with a copy that Christmas – it is one of my prized possessions.
Oh Mary, how wonderful! That’s definitely a keeper. You’ll treasure it over the years, and it will be so much fun to show it to her when she’s older, and let her know how much it means to you.
Great post! The best gifts are ones that someone has put thought into – even if it’s a pack of my favorite gum. Again, great post, and best wishes for continued succes! Lisa McManus Lange
Thank you, Lisa. Gum? Seriously? Wow, you’re easy to please! LOL.
The perfect gift depends on the occasion and the giver.
Last year, my perpetually broke son in college made me a Mother’s Day card. He plastered silk flowers, stickers, and ribbons on the front. A work of art it was not, but I treasure the love behind his gesture. I still have it on my bulletin board.
The first bouquet I ever received from my husband was handful of pheasant tail feathers. . . . No, I’m not kidding. To him, it was a the most thoughtful thing he could give me, though rest assured, I’ve since convinced him flowers do nicely too!
And when my grandmother was killed in a housefire, my aunt and uncle salvaged old film negatives and sent me photos of me with my grandmother as a toddler. Priceless.
Collette, I love home-made cards! Even if they’re not the most beautiful ones, they’re so much more creative and thoughtful. And so were the prints of the old photos. And hey, pheasant tail feathers are pretty cool! Any guy can buy red roses.