Giving the gift of a book is always a thoughtful gesture. However, these days, a lot of people read on their Kindle, especially if they’re busy, minimalists, or frequent travellers, like myself. In this article, I’ll walk you through the simple steps to how to gift a Kindle book, along with some tips and FAQs to help you along the way.
For gifting audiobooks, read my guide on how to gift Audible here or how to get free audiobooks and e-books.
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Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links. This means I earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase using this link, but at no cost to you.
Why Gift a Kindle Book?
Kindle books are perfect for book lovers who prefer reading on digital devices. With a Kindle gift, the recipient can instantly download the book and read it on their Kindle e-reader, tablet, or smartphone.
It’s a quick and hassle-free way to gift a book, especially for last-minute gifts or long-distance gifting, such as for frequent travellers, like myself.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Gift a Kindle Book
Here’s a quick guide to gifting Kindle books in just a few clicks:
1. Choose the Book You Want to Gift
Start by visiting the Amazon website and selecting the Kindle book you want to gift. Make sure it’s available for Kindle devices and apps, as some books may not be available in digital format.
Tips: Use the search bar to search for a title, select Kindle Store from the drop-down menu on the left of the search bar to ensure you’re searching for only books in Kindle format, or browse books in the Kindle Store.
2. Click “Give as a Gift”
Once you’ve selected the book, look for the “Give as a Gift” button, usually located on the right-hand side of the book’s product page, below the purchase options.
If you don’t see the button, it’s possible the book isn’t available for gifting, so double-check the format.
3. Enter the Recipient’s Email Address
In the gifting form, you’ll be prompted to enter the recipient’s email address. This is where Amazon will send the book on the designated delivery date.
Tip: If you’re not sure of the recipient’s email or want to give the gift in person, you can choose the option to have the gift sent to your own email. You can then forward the email or print it out.
4. Personalize the Gift
You’ll have the option to add a personal message to your Kindle book gift. It’s a nice way to add a thoughtful note about why you chose that particular book or send warm wishes.
5. Select the Delivery Date
You can choose to send the Kindle book immediately or schedule a future delivery date, which is great for planning birthday or holiday gifts in advance.
6. Complete the Purchase
Once you’ve entered all the details, proceed to checkout as you would with any other Amazon purchase. The recipient will receive an email on the delivery date with instructions on how to redeem and download the book to their Kindle device or app.
What Happens When They Receive the Gift?
The recipient will receive an email from Amazon notifying them that they’ve been gifted a Kindle book. The email will contain a link to “Redeem Your Kindle Book.” Once clicked, the book will be added to their Kindle library, where they can download it to their device.
If they already own the book, Amazon will allow them to exchange it for a gift card of equivalent value, so you never have to worry about gifting a duplicate.
Alternative: Gift a Kindle Gift Card
You can also purchase an Amazon gift card and send that to your loved one. This way, you can gift an amount of money and they can purchase whichever and however many Kindle books they like with the balance.
The process is similar as above, with the recipient receiving an email with a redeemable code. Or, you can opt for a physical gift card that can be delivered:
(Even thought it says Kindle on it, this gift card can be used on Amazon in general.)
FAQs About Gifting Kindle Books
1. Can I gift a Kindle book to someone outside of the U.S.?
Yes! You can gift Kindle books internationally, but make sure the recipient’s Amazon account is set up in the correct region. Some books may not be available in every country, so check availability if you’re unsure.
2. Can I gift Kindle Unlimited?
At this time, Kindle Unlimited subscriptions cannot be gifted directly. However, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the recipient, which they can use to subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.
3. Can the recipient read the Kindle book on any device?
Yes, Kindle books can be read on any Kindle e-reader or through the free Kindle app available for smartphones, tablets, and computers.
4. Can I schedule a Kindle book gift for a future date?
Yes! When purchasing the book, you can choose a future delivery date, which is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or other special occasions.
5. What happens if the recipient doesn’t want the Kindle book I sent?
If the recipient decides they don’t want the Kindle book you’ve gifted, they can exchange it for an Amazon gift card of the same value. This ensures that they can still get something they love, even if it’s not the book you chose.
Tips for Gifting Kindle Books
- Gift to Yourself: If you’re not sure when or how to send the gift, you can email the Kindle gift to yourself and forward it to the recipient at the right time or print it out to include in a card or gift basket.
- Check for Deals: Keep an eye out for Amazon’s deals on Kindle books, especially during holidays or special sales events like Prime Day. You can often find great books at discounted prices:
- Pair with a Kindle Accessory: To make the gift extra special, pair it with a Kindle accessory like a cover, case, or even a Kindle e-reader if you’re feeling generous (see below)!
Kindle Gift Basket Ideas
If you’re looking to gift an e-reader along with the Kindle book, these are the latest Kindle models that Amazon offers:
The Kindle, Paperwhite and Paperwhite Kids are pretty straightforward, but the features of the Colorsoft and Scribe are very cool.
How to Gift Kindle Books
Gifting Kindle books is a convenient and thoughtful way to gift a book to your loved one. Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or just because, sending a Kindle book is quick and easy, with the added personal touch of a message and scheduled delivery.
So next time you’re looking for a bookish gift, consider going digital with a Kindle book that your recipient can enjoy anytime, anywhere! And while you’re at it, check out these bookish stocking stuffers, gifts for people who love both books and travel (i.e. me), or how to gift Audible.
Happy Gifting!