Why should you ask for books? Well, we’re glad you asked! Here are 10 good reasons to request books in lieu of cards or presents. (Also: If you want some ideas on how to ask for books, here are some great ideas.)
- You can play a role in promoting literacy, intelligence, healthy habits, and even longevity. Wow! But if that’s not enough, keep reading for nine more great reasons to ask for books.
- You can take a step toward de-escalating the expensive-gift-giving and toy-unpacking frenzy that celebrations can become. Not knowing what to buy, your guests may be inclined to buy something more expensive than they can afford or more extravagant than your kid needs. Either way, why not scale things back? Our day and age could benefit from a little more restraint in many areas of life, not least of all when it comes to material consumption.
- Limiting gifts to books tends to limit the comparing of one person’s gifts to another’s. This of special importance at children’s parties, when feelings are easily hurt.
- You’ll single-handedly save the planet. OK, not quite. But saving the world from a few needless bagfuls of cards and packaging is no exaggeration. You could even ask guests not to wrap the books, and bang, zero waste!
- It takes the pressure off for you because you don’t have to wrack your brain to provide gift ideas for each friend or family member who asks.
- It also takes the pressure off for gift givers. Many people appreciate being told what to buy. It decreases their guesswork and increases the likelihood that their gift will be useful or liked.
- Plus, books are easy to buy, so it makes for a fun, stress-free shopping experience. And bonus: They’re easy to wrap, too. (Please tell me I’m not the only one who considers this. Those square corners were created to make me look like a gift-wrapping ninja.)
- Instantly build a home library. From zero to bookshelf-ful in one life event.
- You (or your child) will have treasured keepsakes to remember people and times, especially if givers write an inscription or give one of their own used books.
- Books can last a lifetime and beyond. Can you really say that about most cards or toys?
Sold? Great! You’ll want to read this info on how to (politely) ask for books instead of cards, or this one featuring some clever (and some non-so-clever) wordings to use in cards and emails.
