CNN Article About Only Being Able to Give Kindle eBooks

[sbtx99]

I don't remember which store it was, but I think one was offering gift cards that included a specific ebook recommendation. I don't know if the gift card included the cover image of the ebook, but it would be a nice touch.

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

Actually, I can see someone who does not own an e-reader giving an e-book from Amazon to someone with a Sony or Nook. There are a decent number of people out there who do not know enough about e-readers and e-books that I can see that mistake being made.

Happened to me this Christmas. Which is why I also like the option to convert to a gift card.

Originally Posted by crossi

Why put down this option?

Some people just like to bash Amazon and will take any opportunity to do so. Because of their dislike of Amazon, they can't comprehend that there might be times when having the ability to send an ebook as a gift could be a good thing. Like for an elderly parent who wants to provide as personalized a gift as possible but who is physically incapable of getting out and doing the shopping and shipping thing.

[sbtx99]

Originally Posted by fjtorres

Oddly, no mention that Kobo also allows gifting.

I was trying to remember who it was that offered ebook gifting before Amazon. Thought it might be Kobo but couldn't remember. So it may have been Kobo where I saw gift cards for a specific ebook recommendation.

[jehane]

I think it's great that Amazon has introduced this option. I think it's terrible that the writer of that article erroneously claims that they are the only one with that option. Kobo has had it for some time.

Personally, I prefer to get gift cards. After years of receiving stuff I didn't like (both books and other) I eventually gave my family a list. A gift card gives *me* the choice - and I like that the gifter has let me choose.

[ProfCrash]

But what a book that is converted into a gift card with one click? Then it is the best of both worlds. The gifter gets to give something they feel is more personal and you get to buy what you want anyway.

[jehane]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

But what a book that is converted into a gift card with one click? Then it is the best of both worlds. The gifter gets to give something they feel is more personal and you get to buy what you want anyway.

Not necessarily. The giftee might feel guilty sending a book back while a gifter might feel upset that a book chosen specifically was sent back. There can be a lot of emotional baggage attached to gifts. I have *never* gotten rid of a book that someone has given me as a gift - I may not have read it (unfortunately more often than not) but it will be filed in the appropriate section of my bookshelves. Even non-book gifts I have difficulty getting rid of - I've carted an awful lot of junk around the country the last decade or so.

[Andrew H.]

Originally Posted by jehane

Not necessarily. The giftee might feel guilty sending a book back while a gifter might feel upset that a book chosen specifically was sent back. There can be a lot of emotional baggage attached to gifts. I have *never* gotten rid of a book that someone has given me as a gift - I may not have read it (unfortunately more often than not) but it will be filed in the appropriate section of my bookshelves. Even non-book gifts I have difficulty getting rid of - I've carted an awful lot of junk around the country the last decade or so.

A convertible ebook (I'm not sure what to call it) is still the best of both worlds...for most people. In some cases, of course, the potential recipient should make clear that he would prefer gift cards over books.