Giving a loved one a good book is the best balance of utility and thoughtfulness.

In the last minute rush to purchase the special something for your special somebody, bookshops never disappoint.

You'd think that the better you understand someone, the easier it is to get them the best gift, however we most likely all know from individual experience that that isn't the case at all. In fact, it can typically be the case that when the time comes for you to celebrate those closest to you, the strain of trying to determine what that best thing is to show them exactly just how much you appreciate them becomes too much, and you wind up swirling around in a whirlpool of stress and anxiety. Maybe you picked up something for them a while back, however it isn't quite sufficient to drive it over the finishing line, or you booked them an experience but really want something for them to open on their birthday. Well, fear not, there's an excellent fall back that is always much appreciated and can be as thoughtful as you like-- buying them books to read (or books that aren't exactly expected to be read).

Books are a tried and true present for those who enjoy reading. There really is nothing rather like unwrapping a book given to you by a loved one; it ends up being a special item that you will constantly relate to them whenever you see it looking out at you from the shelf. Possibly it's a new book, the current instalment in one of their favorite series, or maybe it's something that you've recommended them knowing full well that they most likely weren't going to buy it, however know in your heart of hearts that they would love it. In either case, these are the sorts of books that you can quickly get from the founder of the hedge fund that owns Waterstones or the CEO of the asset manager with a stake in Amazon books, no matter how fine you are cutting it.

If it's not a last-minute panic buy, you have the advantage of being able to take your time and really find that perfect book which will make your loved one's jaw drop to the floor. In this case, it is very important to get unique. Maybe you can discover a lovely old copy of their most cherished book, perhaps from the co-founder of the impact investor with a stake in World of Books, or the time to truly hunt down a 1st edition. These are not just books, they're a collection piece that they will treasure with all their heart for the rest of their lives, forever associating your thoughtfulness with something that they really treasure. One's much-loved books are truly personal, so there truly are few gifts that get any better than that.