National Book Tokens get personalised

National Book Tokens (NBT) has launched personalised gift cards in a bid to increase the popularity of giving book tokens as presents.

A new website allows gift-givers to upload photos of friends, family and loved ones and select a theme such as birthdays, along with leaving a personalised message for the gift receiver and even add book recommendations.  

NBT has launched the service after a survey by the Blackhawk Network in March 2016 found that 68% of consumers would like to personalise the gifts they give.

Alex de Berry, m.d of NBT, said: “We think the potential to work with bookshops, publishers and authors to create multiple copies of bespoke designs is significant, we are already talking to our trade customers and a number of publishers about interesting ideas to help promote books and high street bookselling.”

He added: “One of the many appeals of books as gifts is that when you get the choice right, really right, you are giving one of the most personal gifts imaginable. With this new innovation we’ve upped our game and can now deliver a product that allows even the most discerning of consumers to add that personal touch.”

In addition to the new consumer site, NBT has also launched a service allowing bookshops to buy bulk orders of personalised gift cards for local schools.

National book token are sold and accepted in all major bookselling chains and independents across the UK and Ireland, including WHSmith, Waterstones, Blackwell, Easons, John Smith, Foyles and many  independent bookshops.

The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Booksellers Association.