How to Choose a Book for Someone Else

Of course I'm biased, but I truly believe it when I say that books are the best gifts.

They are the gift of knowledge, growth, insight, inspiration, escape and entertainment.

There is a book for every occasion, every relationship, every situation; they’re easy to wrap and most look really fantastic before and after unwrapping. 

But these same reasons can make choosing a book for someone else into quite the challenge.

What if they’ve already read it?

What if they don’t like it?

What if (*gasp*) they aren’t much of a reader?

I’ll let that last one slide because I believe everyone can become a reader when presented with the right book.

But how to select such a volume?

At Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop, we offer a Corporate Gifting service, through which businesses (and individuals) can buy books for their clients, and we will wrap, hand write a card, pack, and dispatch the book for them. Perfect for holiday reminders, as an onboarding gift service, or as a thank you at the end of a big job.

All you have to do is select which title to send, so in service of that goal, we’ve rounded up a few tips for choosing the perfect book for someone else — whether that someone is a friend, a colleague, a business associate, or a family member.

1. Think about what’s going on in their life.

For every life event, there’s a book to compliment it. 

She’s getting married; he’s taken up cycling; they’re starting a new company. 

Whether you choose a non-fiction book full of appropriate advice or a fiction book exploring similar themes, the message is that you’re paying attention and want to support what’s going on in their life.

2. Expand on known favourites.

If you know a little something about the types of books they enjoy, you can use that as a jumping off point to select a gift. 

Do they love to read a particular genre? Choose a new release in delicious hardback (picking a new book helps avoid the trap that they may have already read it). 

Do they have a favourite author? Find a lesser-known work, a signed copy, or their most popular work in a beautiful edition. 

Are they passionate about a particular artist or musician? Chances are there’s a biography that will suit.

If they love horror films, true-crime podcasts, or cooking shows, you can select a book that will compliment their screen time.

At Mrs Blackwell’s Village Bookshop we also love connecting the dots - so bring us a few clues about your recipient and we’ll be happy to make you some recommendations.

3. Consider their aesthetic.

If your gift recipient loves beautiful things, we think there is nothing quite so beautiful as a book. Even if they’re not an avid reader, a beautiful book can be a welcome gift. 

Whether they are house proud or perfecting their Zoom background in hopes of getting a 10/10 from Room Rater, a beautiful book can be a true objet d’art. Scroll their social media for hints and inspiration.

4. Commemorate something you’ve done together.

Think of things you’ve done with the person, places you’ve travelled together, experiences you’ve enjoyed together or work you’ve completed as a partnership.  

For example, if you travelled somewhere together, consider a book of beautiful photography, interesting stories, or fantastic recipes from the region. 

Attended a concert or show together? See if there is a book by or about the artist. 

Love drinking wine and dissecting work projects after hours? There are books for that, too.

5. If all else fails, choose something you love.

While your sister-in-law or favourite vendor may not have the same taste in novels as you, they’re still sure to appreciate a thoughtful gift. Sometimes it is enough to say, “I loved this book and I hope you will enjoy it too.” Whether they do or not is beside the point; it is the gesture that counts.

And, of course, the book lovers at Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Books are happy to make suggestions and offer advice. Visit in person, fill in our webform or telephone for recommendations.