To celebrate the birthday of the blogging group that is SIPB, we are linking up with Senior Salon with Esme today and writing on the topic of St. Valentine’s day. Mine is about books.

For any partners of readers out there, there is nothing wrong with a good book for the 14th.
For love Day, the day of that V saint, I have come up with with some bookish ideas that could be the perfect present.
The obvious fear for a person who does not love books who is buying one for their loved one is that it already owned by the person. This may not be a problem. For a special gift, the thought counts. So a repeat of a book is OK if certain factors are kept in mind. If I love a book, I often have several versions of it.
You see, just selecting a random Danielle Steele or current bestseller with fingers crossed is truly playing with fire. You may luck out. Certain tricks can help avoid this.
A famous love story. It is definitely romantic if you are handed a novel that is associated with some of the world’s greatest lovers- Cathy and Heathcliff, Elizabeth and Darcy or Romeo and Juliet. Unfortunately, the great love stories are often tragic so bear this in mind. I can assure you though if you are not one for romantic gestures and rock up with one of these wrapped in red paper with chocolate on the side you cannot go wrong. Unless your partner doesn’t like books. Or gestures. Then you should read a different blog post.
A beautiful copy, special edition or hardback version of one of these novels is a lovely gift. With real sentiment.
A second hand copy with distinguishing features can also have merit. Antiquarian shops know what the public like and will have pretty and rare copies of your chosen love story. Searching for a beautiful copy of a famous love story seems like a genuinely heartfelt token to me.
A modern love story is another good option. You are more likely to source a signed copy of one of these too online. Again, these often are a tale of tragedy so be aware to read the blurb yourself. Or have a peek at the last page. Book bloggers will have lists of these novels compiled if you want to research it too. Young love, aged heart break or slow building passions- they all count.
A beautifully bound and illustrated collection of a favourite author will be appreciated by a true reader. These are available more than ever now in stores such as The Works. They are not practical to read but lovely to have.
A signed copy of a much loved story. These may be hard to obtain in some cases but maybe not I’m in others so with looking into.
A collection of poems/ letters/ essays on love or any topic your partner has passion for is a thoughtful gift.
A childhood classic or favourite will show you know your partner well and value what they share with you. Sentimental and nostalgic, it is a lovely idea.

Whatever you choose, if you do not love to read and they do, they should be really appreciative of your efforts to leave your gifting comfort zone.
A love letter in your own fair hand would do the trick quite nicely too. Or a bucket of chocolate.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Huge first happy birthday to all the bloggers at Sharing, Inspiring and Promoting Bloggers!
All great suggestions!
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Wonderful ideas…now to get my husband in front of your blog!
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Good luck!!
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Visiting from Esme Salon. I love to read!! Cute post!
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Thank you! I will pop over later too.
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Hello! Second hand books are my absolute favourite! You never know what you might find – a golden nugget in a box or book shelf in a lonely second hand shop. It doesn’t matter if I’ve read it before, if it’s a favourite and I find it in a second hand shop, I’ll probably buy it. About Valentine’s Day, well, my husband and I don’t exchange presents, so anything we want we just buy it when we want it – no unwanted or unappreciated gifts that way! 🙂
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And that works perfectly! I love second hand books. I love when you find an old postcard or collection card used as a book Mark and not looked at in donkey’ s years. Travelling in time.
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Oh, yes, that’s even better – when there’s something tucked inside the book! And you spend years wondering who put it there 🙂
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Yes!! Exactly that.
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Love this informational post, Orla! And, I love OLD books! I Have a few VERY old books from Sweden sitting on my shelves right now, and I always wonder how the books got to the US, who brought them here, and who read the books. Talk about nostalgia. Great post, Orla! xx
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Thank you! I worked in an antiquarian shop once. It was magic.
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Orla, I bet it was! I think I’d enjoy that job very much.
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Great ideas and love my books, but they’re all in storage in my garage back in Australia – hope they’re still ok…
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Am sure they are!
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Hi, I’m here from Esme’s Salon. Love your ideas for bookish gifts.
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Thank you! Glad you visited.
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You know A bookish gift would suit me,
but alas it would not suit he.
A vinyl of Cream would be his dream
Or a tool that was big or made noise like a scream..
But a love letter is what I would truly like
Or a basket for our dog to fit my bike.
To you It may seem very sad
that a love letter has not been had.
But it trruly would make him feel sick
To write one, him I would have to trick.
I would rather he had great fun
And in stead drew a heart on my bum.
Thank you for another super post and have a great Valentines week. Xx
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Awww- you are so sweet! Please post that Ellen. Love it!! 😍🤗 enjoy your week too!
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That is fir you 😗
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Lovely post and lovely books. I like second hand too. The old character book shops around here have closed leaving Waterstones.. not quite the same.. but charity shops and books always draw me in..
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Not quite the same is right. I did love the charity shops in the UK – excellent place for unusual book choices
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Yes you are right there. Often a bargain in a charity shop.
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Just made a charity shop drop off this morning and bought four books. For the kids ….that makes it Ok!
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A very worthwhile morning for you! Hope your kids enjoy their books.
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This is a heartwarming post about books and the fact that they make enduring gifts of love! super!
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Thank you!
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I can’t believe I missed this post! Fabulous suggestions!
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Thanks! Glad you like them.
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