How to Buy Books on Tape as a Gift

While books on tape were originally invented for the visually impaired, they've become popular with travelers and anyone else who would rather listen than read. From self-help books to classic novels, the selection is huge and growing all the time.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books On Tape
• Cassette Tape Carry Cases
• Tape Players
• Books On Tape Club Memberships

1. Make sure the recipient has a tape player. It could be in the car, so that the person can listen while driving, or a personal tape player that can be listened to any time.

2. Find out what the person's interests are. Best sellers, classics, self-help books and books on almost every other subject under the sun are now available on tape.

3. Choose a particular author or reader the recipient might enjoy. For example, John F. Kennedy, Jr., reading his father's "Profiles in Courage," Frank McCourt reading "Angela's Ashes," Garrison Keillor reading selections from "A Prairie Home Companion," or William Hurt reading "The Polar Bear Express."

4. Access an online bookstore if you aren't sure what to buy. Go to "audiobooks," and look for a list of best sellers or a summary of new releases.

5. Give a bookstore gift certificate instead of the book if you think the person receiving the gift would rather make his or her own selection.

Tips & Warnings

• Some audiobooks are now being recorded on CD. If you buy one of these, be sure the recipient has a CD player.
• You could also give a membership to a books-on-tape club, though this would be a more expensive gift. Tape clubs work just like book clubs, allowing the person to make a selection every month or so.
• Audiobook prices vary widely, but expect to pay between $20 and $30 for one title.