Four Fun and Free Bookish Gift Ideas

Using the Library to Celebrate the Holiday Season

This week, as I was catching up on my inbox, I came across a Substack article about fun non-physical gift ideas from

Alexandra Kelebay

, and it sparked so much inspiration!

As a family, we’ve spent the last few years being mindful of our consumption. We made a conscious decision to slow down, focus on family time 🕰️, and watch our finances more closely after my husband left his corporate job to come work with me at The Literary Assistant.

It’s been refreshing, honestly, to find joy in simplicity. One way I’ve embraced this is by using the library not only to feed my love of reading but also to discover creative ways to "gift" experiences and ideas.

This December, I’d like to share a few ways the library can help you feel like you’re giving yourself—and others—a little something special 🎁

1. Family Book Exchange

Take your family to the library and assign each person someone to "gift" a book to. Everyone scatters, hunts for a book they think their assigned person would love, and meets back together to exchange their “gifts.” It's such a fun way to see what others might choose for you—whether it’s a pleasant surprise or hilariously off the mark. Either way, it’s a unique family experience, and time well spent at the library.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

2. Library Movie Night

Plan a cozy movie night by borrowing DVDs or Blu-rays from the library. Gone are the days of roaming the aisles at Blockbuster 😢, but libraries still deliver that nostalgic thrill of picking out a film . Let everyone in the family choose a movie, and rotate through their picks. Just today, my son and I stopped by the library, and I picked up Love Actually (Can believe I’ve never seen it!) and Little Women—two classics that make perfect holiday viewing. All you need to supply is the popcorn! 🍿✨

Photo by Lika Yer on Unsplash

3. Personalized Reading List

Did you know some libraries offer personalized reading recommendations? Give your librarian an idea of what you love to read , and they’ll curate a list just for you. Yes, please! You could even ask them to put together a year-long list of 12 books to read—one for each month. Let them know a few favorites (and what you’ve already read), and see what hidden gems they suggest. It’s truly a gift that keeps on giving.

Photo by Alina Ryabchenko on Unsplash

4. Book Gift Exchange

If you’re part of an in-person library book club, suggest hosting a book gift exchange. It’s such a delightful way to share the love of reading. Many readers keep their books in excellent condition, making it easy to pass on favorites to new homes. There’s something special about pre-loved books, knowing they’ve been enjoyed by others before you. I did this with a group of friends who I hosted a book club with in my home in Minnesota. We all had fun and left with a new to us book.

Photo by DNK.PHOTO on Unsplash

These are just a few ideas to use the library to give yourself and your loved ones meaningful, budget-friendly gifts this season. Libraries are incredible resources for creating memorable experiences without spending a dime.

Do you have any creative ways to use the library for holiday gifting? 🎁📚 I’d love to hear about them.

Happy reading,
Melissa 💕

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