Wednesday, November 12, 2008

What are YOU getting for Christmas?

Or Hanukkah. Or Chrismukkah! Well, if you are on MY list, the answer is...a book. That's right, everyone on my Christmas list is getting at least one book this year. It's my little part in helping save the publishing industry.

I went e-shopping last night and bought 17 books. I thought it would be easy--you know, the one stop shopping experience and all. But selecting just the right books were more difficult than I anticipated. Instead of picking a scarf or gloves (again!) I actually had to think about everyone's preferences. For example, Eminem's autobiography might not be the best selection for my literature-loving mother-in-law. And my dad might not adore Chuck Palahniuk's Choke.

But I think I found just the perfect book for everyone, and it gave me the opportunity to really sit and consider what it is that makes all my loved ones tick.

Books. Get ya some.

19 comments:

Janna Leadbetter said...

What a great idea! Both because of the book industry thing, and because it made you truly think about your loved ones and their interests. Good on ya!

Kristina said...

Lots of books around here, too, not least because I work at my local indie store over the holidays for extra cash and the employee discount is excellent.

Amy Sue Nathan said...

I'm doing the same thing. The publishing industry needs help? You betcha.

WendyCinNYC said...

Janna--I'll admit I'm not always the most creative gift-giver. Let's hope I've chosen wisely.

Kristina--I think I might like working in a bookstore. Although I'd probably blow my paycheck without even leaving the store.

Amy--Yay for you!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Yay! If I take the lazy way out and give bookstore gift cards, does it still count? :)

WendyCinNYC said...

Angie--Yes, especially if you can use them online.

Lucia said...

I love it. "Save the Industry!"
I think I'll give Holidays on Ice to everyone:) Books are the way to go this year.

Kristina said...

Wendy, I also work occasionally during the rest of the year as a fill-in for holiday/sick days. Last time I worked a shift, I came in to pick up my check, cashed it at the register, and spent the whole thing.

WendyCinNYC said...

rightonmom--Save the industry indeed!

Kristina--Ah, but with your discount, think of all the money you SAVED.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

Wendy, I love that everyone is really trying to spread the word about buying books. I've always felt guilty about buying so many (before moving here anyway) but now I have like-minded friends and it seems more normal. I don't buy expensive beauty products or clothes - just books for me!

Rachel Burton said...

I'm jumping on the books-as-gifts bandwagon this year as well! (though it might be a challenge on my husband's side of the family; we amy be lookig at more coffee table books there)

Anonymous said...

I love books! Real paper books that you can hold in your hand. I already ordered my son a box of them and they are currently hiding in my basement waiting for Christmas.

WendyCinNYC said...

Melanie--I can live without expensive beauty products, too.

Rachel--I hope LOTS of people jump on the bandwagon, but I'm afrais we are preaching to the choir in a lot of ways.

thedomesticfringe--I'm actually considering asking Santa for a Kindle or Sony Reader. Heresy, I know! But my bookshelves, they are full. We'll see.

Joanne said...

I'm in line right behind everyone else. We've got a revolution going on here.

colbymarshall said...

I want a naked cat for Christmas. A sphynx, to be exact. I've been obsessed with the idea for some time now...

In lieu of naked cat, however, Barnes and Noble gift cards will suffice :-)

WendyCinNYC said...

Colby--My aunt has a naked cat and two naked dogs.

Yikes.

Joanne--Viva la revolucion!

Debra Lynn Shelton said...

Me and my husband's favorite past time is perusing the aisles at our local Borders. And, we rarely leave the store without buying several books. However, we don't often send books as gifts. This year - thanks to your suggestion - between Chanukah, Christmas, and many December birthdays, we will be incorporating books into our gift packages. Thanks for the idea! I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner!

WendyCinNYC said...

Debra--Yay!

I like getting books as gifts. I have a friend who always picks just the perfect book when she comes to visit as a houseguest. It seems more special to me than a bottle of wine.

bernthis said...

I have been doing that for a long time. Pretty much every kid and person I know gets a book for a gift. Reading is the fondest memory of my childhood, which like many others, wasn't filled with a whole heck of a lot.