Collecting Books as Gifts

Know a collector? Have no clue about what to get them for an upcoming gift-giving occasion? Believe me, I know the feeling.

When I was younger, we would ask my mother what she wanted for a special occasion and more often than not, she'd say "an antique."

At that time, I had no clue what to buy and the resources to afford something of that nature didn't flow quite as freely as they do these days. Let's just say that mom's always had good taste.

Okay, we've established a couple of problems in dealing with these types of requests, but what can you do?

My favorite suggestion would have to be purchasing a book related to a collecting topic near and dear to your loved one's heart. And, that's not nearly as difficult as you might think.

Most major bookstores offer a wide array of collecting topics ranging in price from inexpensive paperbacks that most anyone could afford to beautifully photographed hardcover selections.

No matter what you chose, the collector you're buying for will be delighted.

Shopping online can be a very convenient way to order books at any time.

You can even have them sent directly to the recipient to save time and shipping charges.

An online store will offer a vast selection with a search engine to help you locate what you need. Secure ordering systems allow you to process transactions immediately with a credit card and in many cases, the book is shipped within 24 hours.

Need a little guidance on which book to buy? Look no further. The collecting guides at about.com offer book suggestions in their bookstores for your convenience. And if you still have questions, email them for more information right from the site.

One of my personal favorite books on glassware is The Collector's Encyclopedia of Depression Glass by Gene Florence. It features all the popular patterns and colors with some useful background information on each. The pricing in this book is fairly realistic on most pieces and many dealers use it to price their glassware so that's an added bonus.

If your giftee already has a copy of this book, make sure it's the 14th edition. The new book has much better photos than many of the older versions and updated prices.

For jewelry, I'd recommend Answers to Questions about Old Jewelry by Jeanenne Bell. This book offers a host of information on period fashion and how each era influenced accessory choices way back when.

The majority of the pictures are in black and white, but that doesn't deter me from recommending this as a well-researched, valuable reference for jewelry enthusiasts.

And, if the store you visit doesn't have the specific topic you're seeking, try picking up a good all around guide such as Schroeder's Antiques Price Guide or Garage Sale and Flea Market Annual. These will offer serious collectors information and pricing on a wide range of items including a listing of experts that contributed information to the book.

With to many titles out on doll collecting, advertising collectibles, pottery and even big ticket items such as furniture and architectural antiques, this is truly one gift idea that offers something for everyone.

For a list of books on antiques collecting, please visit the Antiques Bookstore.

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