The Best Gifts Come Without Batteries
Monday Memo
Somewhere, someone is already finished with their holiday shopping. Their presents are wrapped, their gift tags match, and they probably know where they put the scissors.
The rest of us would appreciate it if they kept that to themselves.
If you’re beginning to think about gifts, here’s a modest suggestion: consider something that opens without a password, works without charging, and won’t need a software update before Christmas dinner.
A book has a lot going for it.
Start with the Person
The best place to begin is with something you know about the person receiving the gift.
Does your sister disappear into a good love story? Does your father collect terrible jokes and repeat them until the family can deliver the punch lines? Does a friend enjoy puzzles with their morning coffee?
There’s your starting point.
A clean romance can offer a welcome escape. A joke book gives the family comedian fresh ammunition. A word search book can turn an ordinary afternoon into an enjoyable little challenge.
You don’t need to find the most impressive gift on the shelf. Find one that says, “I thought you’d enjoy this.”
Add Something Small and Personal
A book makes a thoughtful gift on its own, but a small addition can make it feel especially personal.
Tuck a bookmark inside with a handwritten message. Pair a puzzle book with a comfortable pencil. Give a journal with a note about a memory you hope the recipient will write down.
For someone who enjoys reading, you might include tea, coffee, or a favorite snack. Chocolate is rarely offended by being invited along.
And don’t underestimate the value of a few words written inside the cover. Years later, that inscription may matter as much as the book.
Give Them Something to Enjoy Later
Holiday gatherings are busy. Once the wrapping paper is cleared away and the leftovers are packed, a book is still there, ready for a quiet evening.
That’s part of its appeal. It offers something to enjoy long after the gift exchange ends.
At Beaver Lake Books, our shelves include clean romance, clean humor, word searches, journals, and planners. You might find something for a reader on your list, including the one whose shopping you’re supposedly doing for someone else.
We won’t tell.
See you next Monday at 9 AM.
What book have you given as a gift that was a real hit? Share your recommendation in the comments.
