How to Choose the Perfect Book as a Gift (And Be a Gifting Hero)
A book is one of the most personal and thoughtful gifts you can give. It’s a portal to another world, a new perspective, a shared experience. But let’s be honest—the pressure to choose the right one can be intimidating. We all have a fear of giving a book that will just end up sitting on a shelf, unread.
Forget the stress. This simple 5-step guide will help you confidently select the perfect book for anyone in your life, every single time.
Step 1: Who Are They as a Reader? (Or Are They?)
First, assess their current reading habits.
- For the Avid Reader: Don’t be afraid to ask what they’ve read recently! Or, try to find a new release by an author they already love. They’ll appreciate that you’ve paid attention to their taste.
- For the Casual Reader: They might only read a few books a year, often on holiday. Go for something popular and fast-paced, like a great beach read.
- For the “Non-Reader”: The key is to find a book that doesn’t feel like “homework.” Think gripping non-fiction about a fascinating topic, a hilarious memoir, or a thriller with a killer hook.
Step 2: What Do They Love Besides Books?
Use their hobbies as a map to the perfect book. This is the easiest way to ensure they’ll be interested in the subject matter.
- Do they love to cook? A beautiful cookbook is a fantastic gift.
- Are they fascinated by history? A compelling biography of a historical figure is a can’t-miss.
- Do they love art and culture? A book about a specific art movement or a guide to Vietnamese history would be perfect. For example, if they’re fascinated by your new home, a book from our Vietnam Culture reading list would be a thoughtful choice.
Step 3: What's Their Recent TV & Movie History?
This is a modern-day cheat code for book gifting. The stories people stream are a huge clue to what they’ll enjoy reading.
- Did they just binge a fantasy epic like House of the Dragon? They are primed for a high-fantasy novel.
- Are they obsessed with true crime documentaries? They’ll love a good mystery or thriller novel.
- Do they love witty, character-driven comedies? A contemporary romance or a book by a humorous essayist is a perfect match.
Step 4: Consider the "Trophy" Book
Sometimes, the best book gift is also a beautiful object. Think about stunning, hardcover “coffee table” books. These can be about photography, fashion, architecture, or travel. You can also get beautifully bound special editions of classic novels. Even if they don’t read it immediately, it’s a gorgeous item they’ll be proud to display. A beautiful hardcover edition of a title from our Classic Adventure Novels list makes a fantastic, timeless gift.
Step 5: When in Doubt, Go with a "Sure Thing"
If you’re still completely stuck, you can’t go wrong by choosing a major, critically acclaimed bestseller that everyone is talking about. These books are popular for a reason—they have broad appeal and are masterfully written. Picking a book from a curated list of the year’s biggest hits is a safe and often very successful bet. You can always find a sure thing on The Season’s Most Anticipated Books.
Give the Perfect Gift, Without the Stress
Choosing a book for someone shows you’ve thought about who they are and what they love. And getting it to them is even easier. We can deliver your gift anywhere in Vietnam.
Pro-Tip: Make Your Gift Unforgettable
To make your book gift truly special, consider upgrading to a beautiful hardcover edition. We can also print a personalized message directly inside the book for the recipient. It’s the perfect finishing touch.