Gift Giving the Guilt-Free Way

September was a month of birthdays and gift giving for many near and dear in my life. Though joyous they are, such occasions nonetheless bring with them important considerations around the issue of gift giving. What can I give that won’t add to the ubiquitous piles of stuff overtaking our planet, that doesn’t draw upon the planet’s dwindling resources, that is nurturing to the soul, and, lastly,  is cost effective to boot??  Invariably I arrive at the same conclusion: a thoughtfully chosen, gently used book.  

My favorite all around place to acquire used books is from, you guessed it, the used book store. I simply adore used book stores: the smell, the potential, the affordability, the requisite shabbiness, as well as the eclectic mix of bibliophiles that so often comprise the staff and patrons. My love of used book stores was ignited during a month-long trip up the California coast where my husband and I enacted a policy of stopping at all used book stores (and farmer’s markets) along the way. We would buy a stack of books at one stop, devour them (along with pints of berries), then trade them in for yet another stack of books at the next stop. 

Used book stores are great for browsing and perusing, but they are not necessarily the most affordable option. For sheer affordability, rummage sales are the best place to pick up used books. Since most books are in the quarter-dollar range, I buy liberally--if I decide after reading them that they don’t work for me or somebody I know, no sweat, I just donate them. A mere handful of rummage sales this summer yielded a gift-giving bounty that should last me most of the year---all for under ten bucks. 

My next favorite place to find used books, particularly when I’m looking for a specific or hard-to-find title, is Amazon.com. Amazon’s used books are actually sold through independent book sellers and private individuals, so I don’t have to feel guilty about supporting the Big Guy at the expense of the Little Guy--they both win, as do I.  (I have also sold many used books through Amazon as well--it is surprisingly easy to do and a great way to reduce clutter).  

Lastly, I love to pick through my own library from time to time and give away books that I have read and enjoyed over the years. This is a great way to limit the sheer size of my library, while allowing me to share special titles with others. It is perhaps for this reason that I resist using book plates or otherwise marking up books in general--it is my sincerest wish for all books everywhere that they will eventually reside in many, many homes (and hopefully hearts) throughout their lifetimes. 

Finally, after the perfect book is chosen, I lovingly wrap it in newspaper topped with either a shredded magazine bow, newspaper star or fan, or plastic baggie pom pom. And there you have it: the perfectly soulful, thrifty-but-thoughtful, quintessentially eco-friendly, guilt-free gift. 

Peace,

Annie

Comments

[lisa smeenk]

Great idea! Nothing is more cherished than books given by friends who know you. Thus sharing in the discovery of great story telling that opens ones heart.
Many thanks for giving me the treasures of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Lisa