This business grew out of two things: my love of books — both for myself, and as wonderful gifts that can open up new worlds for the recipient — and my efforts over the years to “jazz up” the gifts of books I gave. So many times, I loved the idea of giving a particular book to a certain friend, but felt that the presentation of just the book alone did not feel special enough. So I’d make up little themed sets to go with the book; perhaps a map with a history book, some regional food paired with a mystery set abroad, and so on. Once my friends started using Kindles or listening to books on their mp3 players, my desire to come up with a fun package for them to open grew even stronger.

But the problem was that the plans in my head were a little too big for the reality at hand. I usually didn’t plan ahead far enough, or have the time to track down and mail order the special items I might want to pair with a wonderful book. This was a fun idea to delight a friend, after all, not a job.

…or could it be a job? Having started two business in the past, I had a good sense of what it took. And the idea that other people might like to give their friends unique and clever gift sets built around books took root in my head and would not let go.

Having spent much of my career in the nonprofit world, I wanted to bring a bit of saving the world in, too. So every purchase from Book Lover's Gifts generates a donation to a literacy charity. In addition, we're working hard to find and use gift items made by social enterprises, where the money we spend goes to build communities.

And so here we are. I’m not an expert on books, nor even the most prolific reader among my friends. I’m simply a fellow book lover who is excited to help people share wonderful books in a fun way with their friends and family. (You can read more about me and my past adventures here.)

I hope you’ll take a look around Book Lover’s Gifts and find something you’d like to give (or receive).

Anne McCarten-Gibbs
Founder

Acknowledgements

Every writer will tell you that bringing their book to life was a lengthy labor of love, full of ups and downs, and that the support of others was critical to their success. Now I’m not claiming any literary talent, but the same is true for the process of bringing this business to life. A number of generous and supportive people made all the difference, and I owe them many thanks.

Molly Fuller of Hands On Gourmet for teaching me and learning with me

Miracle Wanzo of Hipundies.com, for generously sharing her vast business knowledge 

All the amazing and generous women entrepreneurs of the Make Mine a $Million program

Kathy Morgan of Morgan & Company for help and inspiration

Cindy Lin of Staged4More for social media wisdom

Carol Dean Sharpe of Sand Fibers for heartfelt Facebook support

And of course my husband Kevan and kids Maggie and Alex, for so many good things.