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Give The Gift Of Used Books
Posted on 2024-12-02
Give The Gift Of Used Books
I have a large family and I was a math major as my family grew. It didn't take much calculation to figure out that even ten dollar gifts were unaffordable. Say we had seven of us around the tree opening presents. And say each person gave everyone only one present (which never happens at our house) We are talking seven people giving six presents each. 42 presents at $10 each is $420. Now that may not touch your Christmas budget but at the time I was a part-time student, part-time employed, with full-time financial responsibilities. $420 was not only impossible it never even made an appearance.
So we found Santa Claus everywhere. We went to flea markets and junk stores and best of all, library sales. This is when I learned to give the gift of used books.
Here are some of the advantages to giving used books.
Inexpensive. I buy used books for a quarter, fifty cents or a dollar all year long. When I buy a really nice book for a gift I sometimes go as high as three dollars. Yep, thats my upper limit. Really nice gifts for $3 or less. Affordable. And if I'm really broke or can't get out I already have shelves of books. I can shop at home.
No reciprocal obligation. I realize that most of my family will be giving me a present at Christmas. But sometimes when I'm out shopping a book screams a friend's name at me. I'll pick it up and wrap it for them knowing that I am not placing a reciprocal obligation on them. I even tell them how cheap I bought it when I give it to them. I am not concerned that they may feel an obligation to return a gift that they cannot afford.
Personal. If I know someone well enough to give them a gift I probably know their interests. I may even know their preference in reading. A well chosen used book says I know you and I love you. I think about you even when I'm shopping.
Regiftable. Whether read, glanced through, or unopened a used book is perfect for regifting. I mean that's what used books are for. Read them (or not) and pass them on.
Life changing. A correctly chosen book given at the right moment may change a person's life. Just try to think of some fifty dollar piece of plastic from Walmart that has that power. You can't.
Entertaining. Even if you don't give a gift that changes a life you might still give someone a few hours of entertainment. It's hard to beat that for a wonderful present.
I'm sure there are many more reasons to give used books. Please add them in the comments. Also post used books you have given or received that have changed a life or provided a few hours of entertainment.
Here's the comment thread on Gamer+DBN at gamerplus.org.
https://gamerplus.org/@hairylarry/113587295309380731
Thanks,
Hairy Larry
Home - Table Of Contents - Most Recent - RSS - Permalink - Text
Posted on 2024-12-02
Give The Gift Of Used Books
I have a large family and I was a math major as my family grew. It didn't take much calculation to figure out that even ten dollar gifts were unaffordable. Say we had seven of us around the tree opening presents. And say each person gave everyone only one present (which never happens at our house) We are talking seven people giving six presents each. 42 presents at $10 each is $420. Now that may not touch your Christmas budget but at the time I was a part-time student, part-time employed, with full-time financial responsibilities. $420 was not only impossible it never even made an appearance.
So we found Santa Claus everywhere. We went to flea markets and junk stores and best of all, library sales. This is when I learned to give the gift of used books.
Here are some of the advantages to giving used books.
Inexpensive. I buy used books for a quarter, fifty cents or a dollar all year long. When I buy a really nice book for a gift I sometimes go as high as three dollars. Yep, thats my upper limit. Really nice gifts for $3 or less. Affordable. And if I'm really broke or can't get out I already have shelves of books. I can shop at home.
No reciprocal obligation. I realize that most of my family will be giving me a present at Christmas. But sometimes when I'm out shopping a book screams a friend's name at me. I'll pick it up and wrap it for them knowing that I am not placing a reciprocal obligation on them. I even tell them how cheap I bought it when I give it to them. I am not concerned that they may feel an obligation to return a gift that they cannot afford.
Personal. If I know someone well enough to give them a gift I probably know their interests. I may even know their preference in reading. A well chosen used book says I know you and I love you. I think about you even when I'm shopping.
Regiftable. Whether read, glanced through, or unopened a used book is perfect for regifting. I mean that's what used books are for. Read them (or not) and pass them on.
Life changing. A correctly chosen book given at the right moment may change a person's life. Just try to think of some fifty dollar piece of plastic from Walmart that has that power. You can't.
Entertaining. Even if you don't give a gift that changes a life you might still give someone a few hours of entertainment. It's hard to beat that for a wonderful present.
I'm sure there are many more reasons to give used books. Please add them in the comments. Also post used books you have given or received that have changed a life or provided a few hours of entertainment.
Here's the comment thread on Gamer+DBN at gamerplus.org.
https://gamerplus.org/@hairylarry/113587295309380731
Thanks,
Hairy Larry
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