As it just so happens, I have a friend who is due with her first baby any time. With this idea in mind, I set out for Goodwill since my "baby" is long past the days of these sorts of books. I didn't find any small books that jumped out at me, but found this gem.
For less than the price of a card I found this large storybook that was in beautiful condition.
This friend is pretty well set on baby items, so opted to get her a gift card which she could use for any odds and ends she needs for the baby, or to get something for herself once the little bundle gets here.
I taped the gift card to the inside and inscribed it. I will end up wrapping this or putting it in a recycled gift bag since I ended up doing things a little backwards. But, I love the idea of giving (or getting) two gifts in one.
This got me thinking... You could actually apply this principle to any gift. Christmas books for Christmas presents. Any favorite book for birthday presents. You could even do this for weddings or anniversaries with an appropriate marriage building or devotional book for couples.
If you've looked at the price of cards lately, well, you know they ain't cheap. Books on the other hand can be found for a dime a dozen at yard sales, thrift stores and Goodwill. And, if you're anything like me, you have hoards of them in your own stash to choose from.
So, tell me - have you ever inscribed a book en lieu of a card? Do you have any other brilliant ideas along these gifting lines just waiting to be recognized?
I'm linking this post to Frugal Days - Sustainable Ways and Your Green Resource.
What a great idea! We have lots of used book stores around here. My kids read regular books nowadays but I'm sure that I can find some good bargains at the used book stores..Thanks for your tip. I will check out your post about frugal gift wrapping..
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo!
ReplyDeleteCool idea! I hate cards. They are so expensive and so useless. You could do this with CD's or DVD's as well. Use some pretty paper to make an envelope with a fold-over flap (like a jewel case but out of paper) and write on the flap. Or get some pretty post-its, write on that and stick it onto the case the CD came in.
ReplyDeleteIlene ~ You certainly could!
ReplyDeleteWow, this is a great idea! I don't know anyone planning on babies soon, but maybe I'll use it for myself when we get there in a couple of years. =) I honestly don't really like buying cards because, as you said, they're not inexpensive, and usually they just get thrown away afterwards. I'd rather my money go into something that people will find more useful.
ReplyDeleteI actually just received a baby shower invitation that suggested that we bring our favorite story books in lieu of cards, to help build the baby's first library!
ReplyDelete