Gifts for bookworms big and small

These sorts of beings can be found in Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and even at the North Pole! There are many differences between these individuals, but they have one thing in common: they love to read.

You’ve probably guessed by now that we’re talking about bookworms. They are a very distinct species! And with Christmas approaching, their loved ones may be wondering what their options are for suitable presents. Well, we have some ideas. 🙂 

• A book. Maybe it’s a bit obvious, but it’s a failsafe gift of substance. And if you haven’t a clue as to what the giftee likes to read, don’t be afraid to ask them — either directly or craftily. If that proves too daunting, opt for a gift voucher from the best bookshop in town.
• A book cover. Do they often take a book with them when they travel or commute? Or maybe they like for their book covers to match their household furnishings? Some natty fabric book covers could be just the thing! 
• An e-book subscription. Perhaps the book-lover doesn’t like toting books around? A subscription they can use on their phone or tablet would make a perfect gift.
• A book light. Does your giftee prefer to read in the evenings? Get them a reading lamp that doesn’t emit blue light, so they can read to their heart’s content and sleep well afterwards.
• A bookmark. Whether or not this particular bookworm has a favourite bookmark or just uses makeshift ones, having a crispy new bookmark would be a treat. You can even make it yourself out of folded paper, and add a lovely message.

Tips for the little ones include:

• Readmio App. This gift idea will please both parents and children. Are you just starting to read to your little one? Or are you already well into it and are now looking for bedtime stories that don’t rely on bright room lamps and imagery that stimulates rather than soothes your child before sleep? Give the Readmio app a try. It offers a wide diversity of stories for reading at any time of day, categorised by theme, type, and age group. Three-year-old explorers and eight-year-old intellectuals alike will find tales to spark their interest. And for weary parents, or those who might be driving or otherwise occupied at the given moment, there’s the option to listen to ready-made audio stories. 
• A magazine subscription. A packet in the letterbox makes most people happy, especially kids, who usually don’t get anything in the post. Choose from a variety of monthly magazines or activity books based on their age group.
• A reading journal. Remember keeping a diary or journal? Most of us probably did this out of compulsion at some stage. Maybe your modern-day bookworm would delight in noting down the books they’ve read, along with their impressions about each of them, in a special notebook. That way, they’ll have something to refer back to later, when they feel like reminiscing. You could also throw-in some sheets of assorted stickers, encouraging them to add extra pizzazz to their entries.

What about tots who don’t yet know how to read but simply love stories? Well, black & white board books or picture cards provide the kind of stimulation they long for. Slightly older kids favour large format books as well as pop-up or lift-the-flap books, as they appreciate a greater level of detail. For bigger kiddos, it’s more about choosing stories based on the topic(s) they’re interested in or curious about. 

The most important thing is that your young bookworm is enraptured by the chosen story. So, go ahead… Brew some tasty tea, snuggle-up together under a blanket, and get reading!