I know what you're thinking. Why on earth have I already put together my book launch giveaway basket for MAMA'S CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS, my debut novel for young people, when it doesn't come out for nine more months? I've wondered the same thing! I guess it's nervous overplanning (or spending, one),
While it's true there is more happiness in giving than in receiving, there is a limit on what a girl should spend on a giveaway, yes? And so nervous planning aside, I've sealed up the wallet and stopped myself from purchasing any more items by tying up the basket in a bow.
Why am I writing this blog post, listing the items in my giveaway basket? For three reasons.
1. To share the cool bookish items I found with you, as you might want to purchase one or two for your book launch giveaway
2. To remind myself of what's in the gift basket in case I forget between now and August, and
3. To entice local folks to wear vintage when the time to attend my in-person book launch comes, as those doing so will be entered to win.
Total Value $200!
Yikes! Did I really spend that much on my gift basket--all the items, plus the basket, gift packaging, shipping, and taxes? Receipts don't lie! At least it's a tax deduction, right?
While it's true there is more happiness in giving than in receiving, there is a limit on what a girl should spend on a giveaway, yes? And so nervous planning aside, I've sealed up the wallet and stopped myself from purchasing any more items by tying up the basket in a bow.
Why am I writing this blog post, listing the items in my giveaway basket? For three reasons.
1. To share the cool bookish items I found with you, as you might want to purchase one or two for your book launch giveaway
2. To remind myself of what's in the gift basket in case I forget between now and August, and
3. To entice local folks to wear vintage when the time to attend my in-person book launch comes, as those doing so will be entered to win.
Total Value $200!
Yikes! Did I really spend that much on my gift basket--all the items, plus the basket, gift packaging, shipping, and taxes? Receipts don't lie! At least it's a tax deduction, right?
(C) Raissa Figueroa
I purchased this gorgeous 8 by 10 print by the amazing kidlit artist Raissa Figueroa through her Etsy store. I loved the bright colors, and the hopeful message Raissa's image displays. I have another print of Raissa's on the wall of my home office, and can't help but smile whenever I walk past it.
$19
$19
I found these super fun book-lovers earrings sold by Tami, owner of the Etsy store called RumursRunWild. I was very tempted to keep them for myself!
$11
$11
(C) Robyn Hood Black
The above two items, notecards and a bookmark, are the handiwork of Robyn Hood Black, a poet and children’s book author whose art celebrates letters, words, and poetry. I love the vintage vibe of all the items in Robyn's Etsy store, artsyletters.
$22
$22
This hand-poured soy book lovers' candle by Frostbeard Studio is said to be "the only answer to dreary, drizzly days is to cozy up with a book, quilt, and hot cup of tea." Inside this Rainy Day Reads 2-oz. tin is the scent of fresh rain, ginger, and lavender. It smells so good!
$9
$9
Instead of purchasing paper flowers made from old book pages on Etsy from BookHorde, I decided to make them! I used the easy-to-follow DIY instructions found HERE. For the stems and leaves, I used those from artificial flowers I purchased on clearance at Michaels. (Goodwill was fresh out.) I REALLY enjoyed making these while listening to Tiny Desk concerts on NPR.
$8
$8
I know whoever wins my gift basket will enjoy sipping their favorite warm beverage from this handsome mug thrown at Blue Ridge Pottery, a quaint little shop located at the foot of the Shenandoah National Park. The wares of their artisans can also be purchased in shops like Noon Whistle Pottery, Mad Arts, and CVille Arts.
$30
$30
These socks came from Out Of Print, a company that includes all thing lit. I had a hard time choosing which pair to purchase for my gift basket, and so ended up buying three! Aren't they fun?!
$36
$36
These gold foil imprinted language pencils distributed by Fly Paper say "I love books" in five different languages--English, Spanish, French, Italian and German. Made in the USA, the pencils are wood case with #2 lead, certified non-toxic, and are latex-free synthetic erasers.
$8.95
$8.95
Purchased from Target, I think this tweed fabric journal with lined pages and a vegan leather tie wrap with bead detail should make a great gift for aspiring creatives of all genders and ages. At least I hope!
$8.99
$8.99
So, what do you think? Do you think the recipient of my book launch gift basket will enjoy the items I chose to include in it? Please, do share your thoughts in the comments. And I'd also love to hear what bookish items you've found book lovers in your life have enjoyed receiving as gifts.
