Some people are wonderfully easy to buy books for. They have a wish list, a favorite author, and a very clear opinion about what belongs on their bookshelf.
Then there’s everyone else.
Maybe you know they love reading, but you couldn’t name the last book they finished. Or you want to give something more personal than a gift card without accidentally choosing a story they already own.
You don’t need to become a literary detective. A few thoughtful clues can help you find a good place to start.
Start with what they love outside of books
Think about the shows they can’t stop talking about, the hobbies they make time for, or their idea of a perfect afternoon.
A friend who loves The Gilded Age might enjoy historical fiction filled with lavish settings, social intrigue, and family drama. Someone who’s always listening to mystery podcasts might love a suspenseful book that keeps them guessing. A person drawn to love stories may appreciate a romance, while someone who enjoys exploring unfamiliar places might like a story that transports them somewhere new.
These aren’t hard-and-fast rules, just little clues. You probably know more about their taste than you think.
Think about how they shop, too. If your friend loves a good thrift-store find or is passionate about reusing and recycling, they might especially appreciate a gently read book. Giving a story a new home can make the gift feel even more personal, a little nod to something that matters to them.
Think about how they want to feel
Sometimes the better question isn’t “What do they read?” but “What kind of escape would they enjoy?”
Something comforting? Something funny? A story that keeps them guessing?
Imagining their reading moment can make choosing feel less overwhelming. Picture them curled up on a quiet Sunday or sneaking in a chapter before bed. What kind of story fits?
Look for clues, without spoiling the surprise
If they have a Goodreads profile, it can offer a glimpse of books they’ve enjoyed and titles they’ve already read. A casual conversation works, too: “Have you read anything good lately?” can tell you a lot.
And if you know a favorite author, make a note of it. That can help guide a selection toward a similar reading experience without choosing another book from an author whose work they may already own.
Know what they’d rather skip
A thoughtful gift also considers what someone doesn’t enjoy.
Maybe scary stories aren’t their thing. Maybe they prefer to avoid certain themes or have already worked through an author’s entire collection. Those details can be just as helpful as a favorite genre.
When ordering a curated book surprise, share what you know. Preferences and books to avoid give the person choosing it a more useful starting point, even when every request can’t be guaranteed.
Let the surprise be part of the gift
You don’t have to reveal the title for a book gift to feel personal.
At Birdie’s Books, our Blind Date with a Book selections start with your chosen genre. You can share favorite books, authors, reading preferences, or a Goodreads profile to help guide our pick. We wrap the book so discovering the story becomes part of the experience.
It’s a little anticipation, a little curiosity, and a thoughtful way to say, “I saw this and thought of you.”
Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean perfect
Choosing a book for someone else isn’t about proving you know every title on their shelf. It’s about noticing what makes them them and giving them a chance to discover something new.
You don’t have to know every book they’ve read to give them something thoughtful. Sometimes, a little curiosity is the best place to start.