i know christmas is over two months away, but i am on a v tight budget with moderated spending, and need to start elfing asap. i majored in literature, so i always love giving books as gifts. i have books in mind for the family and took consideration into having the book inclusive for my nephews. i just dont want to look cheap should they notice anything "used" about the books. id be shopping on thriftbooks if that helps yall understand the book quality.
personally i love the idea of giving books a new home, but really need some input…
ps… i think used books smell and feel better many a time lol
by asteriskelipses
17 Comments
**ABSOLUTELY NOT!**
That said I am a bit of a book hoarder!
No, not at all.
Not really. As long as it’s in a good condition and you picked it thoughtfully, used books can actually be super meaningful.
Maybe adding a handwritten note can make it extra special.
It’s fine. Do it!
I explicitly tell people that I’m happy with used books. The words don’t usually wear out.
I am fine with gifting used books that are “like new”. Personally, my definition of “like new” and “very good” have been very different from thriftbooks.
I have ordered books there that were intended to be gifts that I felt were in too poor of condition to be used as a holiday gift.
I ended up having to give them to the people on a regular day, in a “I just read this and thought you would like it” kind of way so that it wasn’t a holiday gift and the recipient would know it was used. I have also stopped ordering from thriftbooks. I recommend checking Friends of the Library used bookstore if there are any in your area.
Not to me. I much prefer used books.
But I prefer used things in general for sustainability/over-consumption reasons.
So it probably depends on the person whether they will mind or not.
Given the cost of new books these days, I actually told my family to feel free to buy used if they’re getting me books. If they have a specific budget in mind I’m likely to get more books that way, which is a bonus!
A good way to combat the “you bought me a used book?” reaction is to write a heartfelt note on the inside cover/title page about why this book reminded you of them. If you hate writing in books, you can do a separate piece of paper tucked inside, but in my opinion, a note written in the book from a loved one would make it so priceless to me!
It depends on the person. If you know they buy used books, or understand the need of sticking to a budget, or are against consumerism, you’re safe. If they’re more materialistic, or care about shiny new things, or they follow booktokers… I’d get them a new one.
I must say, if you choose the books very carefully (not just a specific title for each person, but a particular edition), the gifts can be very special. You can also add a note to each book telling them why you chose that title for them. It’s a nice touch.
I don’t think so, but this isn’t about me. Some people don’t like it or correlates to how much you value them/the relationship. How do you think your nephews/their parents would take it? And if they wouldn’t take it well, could you thrift all your gifts, so it’s clear that your budget was about the same for everyone?
The words will be new.
If it’s thoughtful and not terrible condition then yes, totally. I like to keep my brand new ones looking brand new so having a copy I can throw in my bag would be fantastic, and if I really enjoyed it I could buy a copy new for myself to keep nice as well. Win win if you ask me. Heck just being given a book is treat enough!
Not at all! If the books are in very good condition, most people won’t even notice they’re used. Honestly, it’s more thoughtful to give a book a new home than just buying new for the sake of it
If you are gifting a book written by someone you know, or a new author who could do with some business, then it’s nice to gift a new book as your purchase would help them in some way. But since you are buying from a thrift store then you can argue that your second hand purchases benefit them which is also good.
But besides this particular case, I’m all for giving second hands. I find it more intimate and romantic to gift someone a book that’s been through a journey versus just coming fresh from the printing press.
I think used books are fine for fellow book lovers. But I would also ask you if your friends and family are maybe Kindle users, etc. and might prefer a digital copy. I say this because I have no room for physicals and honestly, I’ve gotten used to the convenience of having my library accessible on my phone.
Maybe if you are worried, spend a bit of extra time with a hand written note and a nice wrapping job. I completely agree that gifts of any kind should not be judged and I would be delighted to get preloved books but I also get the anxiety that your family might be upset.
If you have had issues in the past with family members uh… being.. ungrateful? Maybe you could preface this Christmas with a “hey I’m on a really tight budget so I’m trying to be more creative with my gifts.. just want you to know like it’s no big deal if you don’t spend money on me cos I can’t reciprocate in that way” etc.
Me and my bro communicate in that way all the time for gifts even if there are NO expectations on either side for us.