This past week, I received an email from a very nice young man who wanted to know if I could point him to a source for reader gift baskets. Specifically, he wanted bubble bath, chocolate, and romance novels for his mother.
Everyone all together: “Awwwwww.” Best son ever, right?
I said that while I didn't know of one specific source for that type of basket, putting together those items should be a one -stop trip to a grocery or drug store. He and his sisters were on the job, last I heard. His request got me thinking, though: how wonderful is it to be given the gift of time to read? It's one thing to give books, but what about reading time?
Enter: Smart Bitches Reading Time Gift Certificates!
We're getting close to Christmas (as in, less than a week!) so if you're scrambling for a gift for someone who loves to read, you can print out the gift certificates, fill them out and sign them, and enclose them with a book, chocolate, bubble bath, wine, hot chocolate – whatever you like.
Here's a picture of one before you go downloading Ye Olde PDFe:
You like? I hope so! There are three denominations of reading time: 30, 60, or 90 minutes. The giver's job, upon redemption, is to allow the recipient reading time, free of distractions. They're backed by the support and enthusiasm of Smart Bitches, though they aren't actual legal tender. They are meant to make giving someone a bit of reading time easy and fun.
You can download a one-page PDF for printing here (right click and save-as)(963kb PDF). It should look equally spiffy in black and white or color.
I would love to hear – either in the comments or via email – whom you might give these to, and what the reaction is. I hope they make people happy. Happy holidays!
I love this idea. Last night I was talking to my mother about how much I’m looking forward to having time to read during the holidays. Starting a new job and moving has meant I haven’t had as much time to read as I want to.
I love this. In my old house I used to have a bath every single night, and read. Now, new (old) house and no bath tub. I find that I miss turning pages as the water cools off, and using my toes to turn the hot water tap back on to full because I don’t want to get a page wet!
I would love to get the coupons in 90 minute increments!
I’ve done this gift several times for my mother. Whether it’s a cute romance series with candy or a collection of chick flicks with gourmet popcorn. This is always a gift that is well received and is my back up for when I can’t think of anything else. Never fails!
I love the idea! 🙂
This is awesome. Maybe I’ll even print some out for my hubby. He’s not so big on trashy books, but he loves smart bitches! 🙂
I wish people would give me one of those but no… short of locking myself int he bathroom, reading uninterrupted just doesn’t happen. It is pretty comfy under the sink though 😀
Yes! This! With a high quality Ziploc(TM) for my Kindle and bubble bath!
Oh hubby, where are yoooooooou?
My boyfriend always complains that I interrupt him while he’s trying to read. This is going in his stocking.