Do you ever pull a book off your shelf, crack it open, and find an old inscription written by the person who gave it to you?
I’m not talking about that illegible autograph from “Mr Famous Authorpants” you got that one day when you waited in line for 3 hours at Barnes & Noble.
I’m talking about that note from your favorite uncle who gave you his well-worn copy of Catch-22
. You know, that summer you started started shaving and you were learning to drive stick:
August 1992. For David. Finally you’re man enough to appreciate some real fiction. Enjoy, Uncle Jim.”
Giving someone a book with a personalized message written inside is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give.
Why Inscribe Books You Give As Gifts?
First of all, a book in itself is a great gift. Presumably, the reason you’re giving someone a book is because you’ve read it, you enjoyed it, and you think they might enjoy it as well. Or, you’ve done some research about the book, and you think it marries well with the person’s interests. Point is, giving someone a book is one of the more personal gifts you can give. But if you give a book without inscribing it with a personal message, you’re missing an opportunity.
To use a really bad, modern day example: it’s like forwarding someone an email attachment of something you think is really special and leaving the body of the email completely blank. And now imagine that email attachment was supposed to be someone’s birthday present. Seems a bit lazy, doesn’t it? And not very personal. For the recipient, a book inscription becomes a dusty little time capsule that reminds them of a certain time or a special person in their life. And it makes the book greater than just a collection of yellowing pages, thread, glue and cardboard. It becomes a treasured keepsake.
When Should You Inscribe a book?
I think ANYTIME you give a book as a gift you should inscribe it. So, really any occasion when you’d give a gift, like a Hannukah, Christmas, birthdays, graduation, anniversaries…The recipient doesn’t even need to be able to read yet. In fact, some of the more touching inscriptions are in babies’ books, when the gift giver consciously writes a note that will be read and understood years later. The only time you may want to avoid inscribing a book is if you’re buying someone a college textbook you know will be exchanged after they finish a class. In this case, it can actually be fun for the student themselves to inscribe the book for future recipients:
But What if Inscribing It Messes Up the Book?
Some people say you should NEVER inscribe a book when you give it as a gift, because it can’t be undone. One group of naysayers thinks, “Well, what if they don’t want the book, and they decide to return it?” The other group of naysayers says you shouldn’t inscribe a book—especially if it’s rare or vintage—because it could ruin the resale value. Well, I think both of those ideas are crazy. Is it possible the recipient’s not going to love the book and want to return it? Sure, but it doesn’t mean you need to keep it devoid of all personalization. It’s shame if they want to return your gift. But worst case, they can always send it off to a used bookstore.
I’m amazed at the number of books filled with thoughtful inscriptions that people have just tossed aside. On a positive note, it can be a real treasure to find a used book with someone else’s personal inscription, like some of the examples below. It’s like a little window into someone else’s world. As far as the issue of “resale value,” if you’re buying a book for a collector who’s into books for the “financial investment,” maybe you should let them buy their own rare and valuable books. You can just focus on finding them a THOUGHTFUL book you can inscribe with a personal message. Who cares if it’s not going to be worth a ton of money? That’s not the point. The point is that you thought of them. Or if you really think they’ll still end up using your book as a potential “collector’s item” for resale, use the cheat below under “Where Should I Inscribe a Book?”
What Should You Write in the Inscription?
The book inscription is all about adding a personal touch to an already (at least hopefully) thoughtful gift. But it can also serve a practical purpose. The tone of the inscription can vary widely, from serious to humorous, to…downright weird. Regardless, the best book inscriptions do one or more of the following:
1. Document when the book was given and who gave it
2. Explain why this particular book is meant for the recipient
3. Say what the giver thought was special about it
4. Wish the recipient well on a particular occasion
5. Provide some life advice
6. Echo an idea in the book, often through a quote
7. Serve as a time capsule for posterity—especially once the recipient is no longer around
8. Contain enigmatic riddles or random musings
Where Should You Inscribe a book?
The best place to inscribe a book is traditionally the top of the inside cover page or inside cover. The point is to find one of the early pages in the book that does not have too much extraneous text, so the inscription stands out. If you think the recipient is really going to be bothered by you writing in the book, you can use a tasteful insert using a separate piece of stationary (this trick works well for the fussy collector as well). But the problem is, you risk it being lost. And that would be a shame for someone who really means to hold onto it.
The Inscribed Book as Greeting Card
Although I haven’t personally seen it done, I’ve read about forward-thinking folks who are starting to use inscribed books in place of greeting cards. I have to admit, it sounds like a pretty cool idea. If you’re going to use an off-the shelf greeting card with someone else’s words printed in it, why not go a step further and give them an entire book worth of someone else’s words—especially if it’s a classic they might enjoy. Just so long as you personalize the note upfront…Then instead of having a hallmark card they throw in a box or a drawer, they can put the book on their shelf and admire it for a lifetime. Has anyone ever inscribed a book for you? What did it say? Please share in the comments section!
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barry says
What’s a “book.” grandpa?
Nice job…congratulations! I love the Distilled Man!
=’.’=
Kyle says
Ha! Thanks Barry! You’re right, pretty soon I’ll have to start saying “a real book” to clarify that I do in fact mean a book made of paper.
I guess you could inscribe a Kindle, but it may not work out as well…
michael patterson says
My wife bought me a gift set of note cards with a pad of paper air planes at a second hand store. To our surprise, inside was a hand written note and a $25.00 gift card to Barnes and Nobles. We felt sorry for the person who missed the note and gift card.
Kyle says
Interesting! Bonus for you–too bad for them. I guess it shows you should always examine your gifts carefully before deciding to ditch them…
Mike J. says
Thanks for the information. It’s hard to figure out what to write. It needs to be memorable and fresh.
Kyle says
Hey Mike,
I agree, it can be hard to figure out what to write in an inscription. If inspiration doesn’t strike, you can always keep it simple, merely documenting when you gave the book and wish them well: “Christmas 2014. May you get years of enjoyment from this book!” Even if it’s not creative, the recipient will still appreciate it if it’s heartfelt.
Cheers,
K
Audry says
I love your advice Kyle, I took it one step further when I sent a Bible with a Bible study guide in it to my ex husband of 25 years. I wrote Christmas 2015 May your curiosity draw you in… To “him” from “me” (names withheld for privacy) Still trying to save your soul after all these years…
Kyle Ingham says
Thanks Audry!
Amy says
What a great topic. I’ll be encouraging guests at an upcoming library building party to consider your tips as they fill the shelves! Thanks
Kyle Ingham says
Thanks Amy! Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!
Tim says
Very informative, but was wondering if it matters of the book is brand new? I plan on giving a friend a book for her birthday and definitely want to inscribe, but it seems like this is only for used books.
Kyle Ingham says
Hey Tim,
You can absolutely do this for new books as well.
Cheers!
Kyle
Sarah Hill says
My books have predominantly been inscribed by my Dad who started buying them for me before I was born. They have had everything from the simple To-From-Date to messages of strength, love and encouragement. Now for the first time I get to send a Christmas gift to the two nephews I didn’t know I had and I want my first gift to them to be The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (children’s edition)
Kyle Ingham says
Thanks Sarah! That’s exciting that you get to carry on the tradition.
mitesh makhecha says
can anybody send me link of inscription of kathiyavad book?
Stephanie says
It definitely is a nice idea and I’ve inscribed books for people before. However I had a friend who loves to give gifts but she doesn’t listen to people and gives gifts that people don’t really want or use. She likes to give me books and I just don’t have the time to read these because I’m working on switching career paths and I’m reading only specific books for that. I’m not interested in fiction nor do I have space for extra books (and she knows this). I have tried to take thme in to second hand bookstores but they won’t take them because she has written in them. So they sit on my bookshelf collecting dust. I know she’s being thoughtful but it’s actually using up more space for things I can’t use.
Kym says
Try a different used book store. I have taken books with inscriptions to a few different used book shops and they have no problem taking them.
Worst comes to worse , donate to orphanages, homeless shelters or women’s shelters.
Pamela says
My daughter in law asked all her guests to bring baby books instead of cards, for her up coming baby shower. Any suggestions on where and what to write , the book I chose is eight silly monkeys. Thank you.
susie says
My husband and I inscribed all the many books we bought for our first grandchild, only to be told by the parents that we should not do that so they will be able to regift our gifts to others. Also telling us we are marking out territory by inscribing them. What does that mean?
Kyle Ingham says
Not personalizing a book just so the recipient could potentially regift it seems pretty bizarre. And the idea that you’re marking your territory is ridiculous. Inscribing books is a time-honored tradition. If anything, they should see that you’re adding a personal touch that makes the gift all the more special and memorable.
Jana Ring says
I have a bible inscribed by my grandmother back in the 1950’s. I love it, what a cherished gift. It’s not just a bible, but one that my grandmother chose just for me! I can pass this on to one of my grandchildren. Everyone has their reasons for what they do, to me a bible is a holy gift, with spiritual messages from our Creator. And my grandma, just added to His wisdom for a personal message to “me!”
Melody says
I love inscribing books, but even more receiving books with inscriptions on them. Very often I ask people who’ve gifted me books to inscribe them to me if they haven’t already.
I’d treasure a book inscribed by my grandparents if I had one. Your kids sadly don’t get this.
Suds says
What can you inscribe in a book about dieting and healthy eating?
Mandeep Singh Brar says
Hi Kyle,
Found the answer I was looking for. Till now, didn’t know if anything called “inscribing the book” exists. I gave books to someone to read. Not sure if I was actually gifting or just giving. Anyways, both the times he asked me to write my name and date on the first page of the books. Though I did it, but was still confused and couldn’t figure out how to do it in a better way. Being totally naive about this issue (art), turned to the Internet and found your page. It is wonderful and educating.
Thanks a lot for your effort and info.
Mandeep Brar
INDIA
David McCauley says
I am totally in agreement regarding a policy to personalize a gift of a book. However, I have a problem, or maybe I don’t, but I would appreciate some advice. My daughter and her boyfriend of about 5 years have just purchased a new home together. Their relationship seems solid, but who knows for sure.
I’ve purchased a beautiful coffee table style book as a housewarming gift.
How would I inscribe the book? Would I say to my daughter, love Dad? Would I say to both of them, love Dad? Simply congratulations on your new home, love Dad? At this stage I’m not his dad. What if they break-up the next day? I find it very confusing. Advice would be welcome……………….Thanks, Dave
Kyle Ingham says
David, great question! I see your dilemma. As far as how to sign your name, I see two possibilities: First, you could simply address the inscription to your daughter but include her boyfriend (I don’t think you can avoid mentioning him)–something like “Dear [daughter], Wishing you and [boyfriend] many happy memories together in your new home. Love, Dad.” Or, why not simply make light of your dual identity? “Dear [daughter] and [boyfriend], wishing you etc. etc. Love, Dad, aka David.” They might get a kick out of it. As for the worry about what will happen if they break up…I would say that it is a certainty that your well wishes will be appreciated if directed to both of them…but it is only a possibility that they will break up. And honestly, if that did happen your heart-felt inscription would still not ruin the book. If she decided to keep it, it might still be a time capsule of sorts. Good luck!
Sue says
Since party invitations and thank you notes have traditionally been written from married woman to married woman, and not addressed to the spouse (even though spouse may be mentioned in content), I don’t think it necessary to address the boyfriend. Since the boyfriend has not committed enough to marry, I think the father is under no obligation to pretend it is a wedding gift. It is of great kindness the father thinks to give them a gift anyway. I love it when a man takes up a pen and writes. The father just needs to write his daughter, be warm, and wish her all that he would in a heartfelt personally transparent way regarding her new home. (He can use “you” which can be taken to be plural or singular, but don’t worry about it.) The boyfriend will not expect to be mentioned, and probably won’t even notice. If the father is accepting in real life, the boyfriend would not be trivial about not being mentioned in a book (if future brings another path) that she would be the one to keep anyway.
Kyle Ingham says
Thanks Sue. I can appreciate your perspective. The reason I suggested including the boyfriend is because David specifically said this is a housewarming gift. It would be different if the gift were delivered for another reason/occasion. I think a housewarming gift that is addressed to only one of the occupants seems a little odd. Also, the couple has made the not-insignificant decision to purchase this home together (after 5 years of being together). If she is willing to “bet on” her boyfriend with such a big life decision, shouldn’t her father be willing to “risk” including the boyfriend in an inscription for a housewarming gift? Again, I think the upside of the well wishes to both parties outweighs the potential downside. Thanks!
Gigi says
For a baby shower:
“For Emma,
We are so excited to meet you and hope you enjoy your mommy reading this book to you over and over again! (Mommy Loves you So Much-book title)
Welcome to the World.
Your grandma’s work family,
XOXO~”
Kyle Ingham says
Very nice, Gigi!
Ev Bishop says
I loved this article and subscribed to your newsletter–even though I’m a woman. 😀 I love inscribing books, treasure those that are personally inscribed to me–and think I’ve found treasure when I find inscriptions (or jottings of any kind, really) in second hand books (of any age and “value” ;).
One of my favorite finds was an old yellowed, dog-eared copy of Macbeth, with a “Withdrawn” stamp across the text block. It was obviously a reject from a classroom set of the play or something. Inside the cover, in blue ballpoint, there was a roughly drawn dagger and these words: Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword has obviously never done battle with a sword.
Kyle Ingham says
Thanks Ev! What a good find your Macbeth inscription was…Those types of “found” inscriptions always make you wonder about the mystery person who wrote it and what they were thinking or going through at the time.
Penelope Waller Ulmer says
I inscribe the books I buy for myself, to myself. Same effect.
Kyle Ingham says
I love that idea!
Mimi says
My husband is an aviation historian. The second edition of his book has just been published. We are married five years and I have two daughters who are married to good men and four wonderful grandchildren all of whom respect myhusband tremendously even though he is not my daughters father. He wants to inscribe a book to each family. E.G. He would say “To the wonderful (last name) family with love and appreciation for your kindness”. And then sign his full name. Repeat the same for the other family. Do you think that is repetitive. Should each inscription be different or equal so there is no problem between the two families.
Kyle Ingham says
Hi Mimi, I do think that might be repetitive. The whole point of an inscription is to make it personal to the recipient. If I’m understanding the math, it’s only two different inscriptions. Surely if he can write a whole book, he can write two different personalized inscriptions! 🙂