I love reading and often give books as gifts. And whenever I do I always write an inscription. Whenever I buy second-hand books it really makes my day when I find a book with an inscription. Here are my favourite books to give as gifts. I’ve included what the book is about, my favourite quote as well as when it would be a good time to give as a gift – although with books there really is never a bad time.
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Illusions by Richard Bach
What is this book about? Illusions follows the student-teacher relationship of two men who are in the business of offering plane rides to people for fun out in the Mid-West in the US. I was gifted this book by my friends and roommates in Taiwan and loved reading this book while we would take random overnight bus journeys to new places.
[Tweet “Here is a test to find whether your mission on earth is finished: If you’re alive, it isn’t.”]
Why would I give this book as a gift? This is the perfect book for someone going through a tough time or for someone who wants to find out what it is they are meant to do. There are many moments in this book that you will go back to. Not only is it an enjoyable read but it will make you question some parts of your life in a good way.
2. Oh the places you’ll go by Dr. Seuss
What is this book about? In true Dr. Seuss style, it is a rhyming masterpiece that takes you on a journey and lets you know that you can do what you would like to do and already have all the tools you need.
Buy this book as a gift when someone graduates, changes their career path or starts something new like a business, side hustle or new job.
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3. Desiderata by Max Ehrmann
What is this book about? Desiderata, Latin for “desired things” is a poem written in 1927 that is basically a how-to guide for a great life. My parents had this poem framed when I was growing up and I’d often read parts of it. In my own teenage way, I understood some, but it was only in my third year at university that I rediscovered it and understood its impact. I return to the Desiderata often and it helps keep me calm.
You can read Desiderata here, but there is a picture book version available that breaks it up beautifully.
Give this book as a birthday or Christmas gift as it is something they will treasure and can turn to often. It’s the perfect bedside book.
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Cohelo
Listening to this Soul Sessions podcast with Paulo Cohelo reminded me just how amazing The Alchemist really is. I often re-read this book. It follows the journey of Santiago, who after having a recurring dream, decides to follow it and goes to Egypt to find treasure.
This is a great book to give to someone if they have never heard of The Alchemist or if they seem lost and are looking for some kind of guidance. It is a short enjoyable read packed with quotes that can’t help but have an impact.
5. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This book probably needs no introduction, but it follows the story of a Prince who meets a pilot whose plane crashes in the Sahara.
This book makes a great gift for any reason, but especially for someone going travelling or starting a new adventure.
And if none of these seem like a good idea, you could always go with a blank notebook
I always have a notebook with me and there are many creative benefits to writing stuff down, but best of all having a notebook encourages you to write down your ideas, emotions and even what you did that day. Looking back on a notebook allows you to see how far you’ve come or what you still want to achieve or need to work on.
