Fall in love with books: perfect Valentine's Day gifts and ideas
While I believe that every day is a celebration of all forms and manifestations of love, there’s something about falling in love with love in February that’s just different.
Everyone revels in the spirit of Valentine’s Day in ways special to them but, if you’re an avid reader, you would agree that nothing beats the feeling of losing yourself in one sweet tale of love after another.
Whether you’re looking to gift a special novel to your partner, recommend a heart-warming tale to a friend or even bookmark something for your own enjoyment, this guide is packed with ideas that will appeal to your inner bookworm.
Gifting the perfect book
When it comes to selecting the ideal book as a Valentine’s gift, consider your beloved's reading preferences. Here are some suggestions that cater to various tastes:
- Romance: “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks is a classic choice that never goes out of style. It tells the story of Noah and Allie, two people whose love endures despite tragedy.
- Fantasy: For those who like to escape to another world, “The Fallen Angel” by Mandla Moyo offers a captivating story. The book is a collision between the high-tech advanced world of the year 2233 and ancient supernatural beings that are hellbent on settling a 6,000-year-old score. A mysterious pulsating energy source from Antarctica leads to the discovery of a chained fallen angel deep in the icy trenches of the earth.
- Non-fiction: “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot is a fascinating mix of memoir and science, telling the story of how one woman’s cells have saved countless lives.
Creating a romantic reading corner
Nothing says romance quite like a cosy reading corner. Turn your space into a getaway with the following tips:
- Lighting: Use soft lighting or fairy lights to create a warm atmosphere, perfect for diving into a good book.
- Comfort: Incorporate plush cushions and soft blankets to make your nook inviting.
- Surroundings: Include a shelf filled with your favourite titles and perhaps a small display of sentimental trinkets to personalise the space.
Book-inspired date ideas
Create memorable experiences with these book-themed date suggestions:
- Literary brunch: Find a local café that has a bookish theme or offers shelves of books for guests to peruse while sipping coffee.
- Bookstore wanders: Spend the afternoon exploring your local bookstore together - there’s magic in browsing titles side by side.
- Book club date: Join a book club or host your own, enabling lively discussions and shared perspectives on your latest reads.
Enhancing the reading experience
Add an extra touch of romance to your reading list with these ideas:
- Personal notes: Gift a book that includes your annotations or notes in the margins, sharing your thoughts and feelings on certain passages.
- Book-themed treats: Create or buy snacks inspired by your favourite novels - think cookies shaped like characters or cocktails named after book titles.