I like to buy people old books for gifts. Part of it is that I like to look at old books in old bookstores, and on Ebay. Part of it is that I love books in general. Part of it is the idea that I can find a book with some sort of meaning or personal thought behind it and feel my gift was unique. I use old books as decoration, and I like to buy books that are pretty. For example, I gave Ashley and Otis an old copy of Gone with the Wind for their wedding. Ashley is from Oklahoma, and Otis is from Marietta. Gone with the Wind has a great deal of the history of Atlanta and Marietta in the pages and Ashley has never read it before, and it was a book she and I have discussed in the past.
But sometimes I worry that I’m doing that thing where I’m giving people a gift I would want to receive – as opposed to giving them a gift that they would want to receive.
Anyone got an opinion? Sometimes it is a cheaper option, but it definitely takes more time and effort than buying off the registry. But you never know, some people don’t want a musty old book that someone else picked out. Maybe I’m just weird.
the thin line between optimism and delusion... 
That’s a very cool gift idea! If it were me, I would find the book much more meaningful than a box of matching tupperware.
My solution to gift giving involves a blend of both approaches…I give something I think the other person will enjoy, but which also reflects something of who I am and/or something about the relationship.
On the other hand, gift registeries can be a life saver if you don’t know the couple very well, or don’t what they need. Trying to find the gift that fits can be stressful, so I’m often grateful for having those suggestions to work with. (Especially when waiting till the day before the wedding!)
Very funny it is!!!