Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Books this Christmas

By Elle SummersAs the nights are drawing in, and the winter months are finally taking their hold, a lot of minds have turned to Christmas. Whilst some may claim it still to be ‘too early’ to worry about such things, there is a definite festive feel in the air! For many of us Christmas brings a time of celebration, especially post-pandemic, it allows us to congregate and celebrate together. Yet this year the usual joy is underlined by a communal sense of worry. With the cost-of-living crisis we are currently facing, and the cold weather only encouraging us to turn the heating up, many are worried about the disposable income needed to treat their loved ones this Christmas time. Well, look no further! Because I have complied some top tips for how your favourite literature can help spread joy this Christmas.

1. Blind Date with a Book

One craze that’s been hitting the book shops recently is the concept of a blind date with a book. For those of you that haven’t seen these around, it’s a book bound in brown paper in which someone has written a synopsis on the front and so you get to pick what you’re reading blind.

So, do you have a book that you’ve read recently that you fell in love with and know the perfect person to recommend it to? You can reuse your second-hand books to write a personal tailored review, stating why this book made you think of your special someone and why you think they will enjoy it!

Not only will this save you some money, but it’ll create a perfect personalised gift.

2. Annotating Books

Following on similar lines from the first suggestion, why not go one step further and annotate the book as you read it?

This trend has taken TikTok by storm, with people wishing for an annotated book from a loved one. Again, this makes a unique personalised gift which, depending on the literature you like, can be tailored as romantic, comedic or friendly no matter who you’re sending it to.

And have no fear if you’re worried about your handwriting! You can start by simply highlighting your favourite quotes, using colour coded tabs to emphasise different themes, or doodle something inspired by the book on one of the pages.

3. Charity Shop Books

Looking for the perfect book to annotate? Then why not check out the charity shops. Oxfam Bookshop on Park Street is a good place to start!

The beauty of a second-hand book is that it already has so much character. As Carlos Ruiz Zafón writes in The Shadow of the Wind, ‘every book … has a soul. The soul of the person who wrote it and of those who read it and lived and dreamed with it. Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs his eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens.’

1. ‘£4+ Book Shop’

Or if you would like to give your loved one a new copy of a book this Christmas (maybe because you loved it so much and want to hold on to your own copy) then why not head to The Last Book Shop on Park Street! This cute little shop is the perfect place to pick up affordable literature, from the classics to more contemporary works you can find anything from George Orwell’s ‘1984’ to a run-down of the actors in the Hunger Games! Not only are you saving money and spreading the joy of literature, you will also be supporting a small local business.

So, take the stress out of Christmas shopping this year and use the literature you already own to spread festive cheer. And the best part? I can guarantee it’ll be one of the easiest presents you’ve ever wrapped!