With Christmas a couple of days away, and Chanukah just behind us, I got to thinking about why I love giving (and getting!) books as gifts. And I realized that the reasoning behind it is that you are not just giving the person receiving the gift a cover and a bunch of pages. It is so much more than that. So, without further ado... My list of why books are the best gifts:

1. You are actually gifting a long trip. Reading a book is like taking a vacation. It can be exciting, thrilling, scary, romantic, fantastical, or any number of things depending on the genre. Reading transports you into the world of the characters, and your mind goes on a journey wherever the author imagined.

2. A book is a portable escape pod. If you're stuck in a boring situation, break out the book. Now that long wait at the doctor's office isn't so deadly. That subway ride, or bus ride is now an opportunity to find out what happens next! If you're going on an actual trip via airplane, that book just became the easiest way to pass the time (and you won't have to stow it for takeoff or landing!)

3. This is the best way to introduce friends and family to your latest interest/obsession! The holidays are the best time to give those you love the best gift: a mutual fandom! You know that book that you couldn't put down, and you couldn't stop talking about all the time? Pass it on via a lovely wrapped present with a snazzy bow on top. They'll definitely be thanking you later! I have done this countless times, and people are most appreciative.

4. It's a cost effective way to give someone the adventure of a lifetime! Paying for a gift certificate to go sky diving can be a bit pricey. However, that latest thriller can get their heart racing just as effectively, and it looks so much nicer under a tree then a plain old envelope.

5. The smell! I don't know about you, but I find nothing better than cracking open a good book and rifling the pages to get that beautiful booky paper smell. There's just something about it that lifts my spirits. If I could bottle it, I would. And then, I found someone did!

6. It doesn't have to be a novel. Books span all interests. You know a chef? Cook book! You know someone who loves travel? Tavelogue! You know an artist? Sketchbook! Or an art history book! The possibilities are endless. You have that hard to buy for person who doesn't give you any hints? Look at the humour section, or non-fiction. There must be something that will peak their interest.

7. Kids love reading. I know that it's always said that it's hard to get kids to read. But I've long felt that if parents start by reading to them, the love of it will follow. Young kids flock to picture books filled with brightly coloured illustrations and pictures. Plus there are the look and finds, as well as books like the ones by Herve Tullet that kids can use as games and explore on their own.

8. If you want to look for something fancier that no one else will get, you can go second hand or rare. While for most, books can be an affordable gift choice, it can also go the other way. My one luxury item that I save up for and get myself has been first edition books. I am currently working on acquiring all the first editions of Maurice Leblanc's Arsene Lupin series. If you have that special someone, a beautiful rare, leather bound book can be a very sexy present.

9. Usually the book is better. Did someone love the movie? Gift them the book. This lets them relive the story over and over until the bluray comes out. Also, it allows them to see the story through different perspectives, and can fill in whatever plot was left out to make the streamlined running time.

10. It's the gift that keeps on giving. Books can be reread over and over again. They're like old friends who never let you down, who will always be there. Whether you're revisiting the halls of Hogwarts, redoing old recipes, being chased by dinosaurs on Isla Nublar, or looking up what to do along the I-75, they will be there for you on the shelf, in your bag, or on the bedside table.

It's that time of year again where I go crazy with baking, present wrapping, and preparations for Chanukah. So far, as with every holiday, the kids have declared this one to be their favourite. They're at the age where it's all about the presents, and of course, I've made sure that for at least a couple of the nights they are gifted books. It is all too easy to go crazy buying presents for children. The way I tend to handle it for my kids is by looking to see what days I know we'll be with other family members over the eight day celebration, and I only get gifts for them for the other nights when we're on our own. Also, I only get one big thing per kid. The other nights they might each get one book, or a box of Chanukah cookies that I wrapped as a present, or some other small treat. Last night, I got a game that had three components, and I gave each kid one part. They need to share in order for the game to be played, and they each feel as if they got something. We also spent the day decorating a cake for a family party we have tonight, and went to a carnival at our aunt and uncle's synagogue. But, if you're looking for ideas for good Chanukah reading, here's are my personal favourite Chanukah books (not all are exactly Chanukah stories, but my kids and I love them all the same.):

1. Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric Kimmel

The folk tale-ish aspect of this story appeals to me greatly, and the kids love how Hershel uses his wits to drive the goblins away. Plus, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful.

2. Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah by Sylvia A. Rouss

Now, I'm not a fan of spiders at all. I think they're gross. However, I have a soft spot for both Charlotte A. Cavatica and Sammy. This book teaches both counting and colours in a most adorable way, and the sheer repeatability of the line "Silly Sammy, spiders spin webs, not dreidels." brings the kids into the story and lets them participate in the reading.

3. Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman

This one is not a Chanukah story, but I love the message and how it applies to this season. My kids adore the story that is told along the bottom of each page through the illustrations of the little mouse family, and as three kids who adore their blankets they fully empathize with Joseph and his love for the blanket his grandfather made him.

4. The Ziz and the Hanukkah Miracle by Jacqueline Jules

This book tells the story of Chanukah, about the Maccabees and their quest to light the lamp after defeating Antiochus. The clumsiness of the Ziz, a gigantic colourful bird injects humour into the story, and the kids love the brightly coloured pages and pictures.

5. The Dark by Robert Munsch

My daughter is convinced that this is a Chanukah book. As she puts it "It's a story about finding that little bit of light to send away the dark. That's Chanukah." I can't disagree with that. Also, it's a great funny book where the kid gets to be a hero.

6. Grandma and the Pirates by Phoebe Gilman

The last book on the list. Also, not technically about Chanukah, but it is about the importance of family, love and a grandma's amazing cooking: especially her noodle pudding. If that's not what the holidays are about, I don't know what is! Also... Pirates!

If anyone else has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! I'm always looking for new and amazing books for my kids. We all love to read at my house!