When I was a child in Britain I'd usually get at least one 'Book Token' gift at each birthday, whether from a friend or relative. It ensured I bought a book wi

When I was a child in Britain I'd usually get at least one 'Book Token' gift at each birthday, whether from a friend or relative. It ensured I bought a book with the £5 they sent, and it was redeemable at pretty much any bookshop, large or small — so it was relatively safe. I see the system still exists: https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/ https://www.nationalbooktokens.com/