The MM topic for this week is, appropriately enough, about giving and receiving books at Christmas:In these last few days before Christmas, I’m sure there are plenty of us scrambling to get our last minute shopping done. Are you buying any books for friends or family (or even yourself)? Do you expect to receive any bookish gifts from others - books, or book-related?
Just answered a similar question for Booking Through Thursday last week, so this might be a little repetitious. In the past, I've frequently given books as Christmas gifts – especially to our nieces and nephews and little cousins. I think it's important for kids to receive books at Christmas, and isn't that exactly what aunts and uncles are for?
But we live far away from most of our family now. And long-distance gift-giving was making me so frazzled every year, I finally made the switch to gift cards last Christmas. Yes, I know – that's the coward's way out, but it saved what's left of my sanity, so I think it's probably the way of the future around here. And, actually, most of the gifts we receive from friends and family this year will probably be in the form of gift cards, too – which allows me to feel a little less humbuggy.
Gift cards are good. It allows the receiver to get something they want. I like them.
ReplyDeleteRobin of mytwoblessings
Gift cards are always appreciated, and it's so much easier when you have to mail presents. I figure I can put an extra $5 or more into the gift card instead of spending the money on postage.
ReplyDeleteI used to think gift cards were the "coward's way out," but I've definitely changed my opinion in recent years! They are always appreciated -- who doesn't like to go shopping on someone else's dime?! Lately what I've been doing is presenting a small dish, like a candy jar, with the gift card inside. Then I've satisfied that nagging part of my brain that discourages gift card giving! :)
ReplyDeleteThis was long -- sorry! :) haha. Happy holidays1
I finished my Christmas shopping during the first week of December. Some of my closest friends decide that we won't have exchange of gifts. But I mostly did the shopping online and have the retailers send the books to the recipients.
ReplyDeleteI don't have to jostle to the mall for gifts but I'm eying for a couple new coats and sweaters for myself! :)
I didn't post my response to this week's musing question because I've been talking about holiday sales and supporting the book industry this entire month. So I'll pass and read everyone else's answer.
I personally think, and I speak for my kids also, that your gift giving has always been fabulous! Whether it was my very first diary or a gift card for dinner out, your gifts have always been just what I seem to have needed at the time. I still have that first diary, by the way.
ReplyDelete