Blind Date with a Book-Conflicting Fun.

A personal note of gratitude for the two shops that allowed me to use their content for my blog. While I don’t earn a commission from them or amazon (because you can find local blind dates with a book there too. I am required to legally note I did not get some sort of payment for their images. It is not a paid promotion or sponsorship post. By visiting their links at the bottom of the page or by clicking on the individual photo on my blog I do not get any monetary gain. Please also note, I did not seek out business practices from them, my thoughts are my own and each creator is unique and there is room for success for everyone <3.

What are Blind Dates with a Book?

Blind dates with a book are a trending activity to not judge a book by its cover and trust the process with a potential new read. These dates are seen in libraries, vendor fairs, popular shops across the globe. You can find them on platforms such as Etsy and Tik Tok shops. (Be weary because I have seen horror stories with scams on Tik Tok.) Wherever you find one, they range from simple writing to ornate displays of literary elegance.

What Information is Provided?

It all depends on its maker. Generally, you can find Goodreads ratings, Amazon ratings, genre or book blurbs. ( A short description of the book.)

What is Included in a Blind Date with a Book?

The main item you will find in a Blind Date with a Book is the book. They can vary in size. I have only seen these dates with physical copies of books. I am sure you could put a two-dimensional format together with problem solving techniques. However, I digress… I have seen these book dates with package of tea, a bookmark, pens, note taking stickers, collectable stickers, and even face masks. The possibilities are endless.

Some Examples Below:

Simple Designs

Image from the South Pasadena Public Library published 2018.

Simple Designs Continued

Drawn on with a variety of mediums. Original picture by Sandy Hoffmaster. Linked photograph to source. (Click on photo to leave page or head to the bottom of the page for sources)

Decorative Designs

Looks how pretty these are! I was given permission to use the image from Inkyrose Design on Etsy. Do not steal content.

Decorative Designs Continued

These are absolutely beautiful. I was given permission to use image from Rachels Reading Room on Etsy. Do not steal content.

Some Items Included

At Rachels Reading Room there are three options for your blind date book bundle. Remember everyone streamlines their products for what works best for them.

Some Items Included Continued

Left over supplies I had from my project. Stickers, Paper Mate Ink Joy pens, “post it” notes, and mini magnet bookmarks from Barnes and Noble.

Mine With Conflicting Emotions After.

I think I did alright for my first time.

Conflicting Emotions:

While this project was enjoyable. I was able to combine my love of books with my love of creating. The wrapping paper I had on hand was not recyclable. Had I decorated the craft paper like I had wanted it would have been unrecyclable. When wrapping the book, you have excess paper to create the pocket. Which can cause some problems when trying to create a crisp look. Also, some people use ribbon, twine, and other materials to secure items and while cute…is it necessary? When possible, I really like to not add to the growing piles of waste on Earth. You can read more about how I try to be more ecofriendly in my home and work in the blog post Kiss Me: I am Ecofriendly and Ways I Try to be More Earth Friendly. (Blog links to come.)

I had been thinking about adding a reduce, recycle, and reuse blind date with a book option to start selling in my storefront. Why, because I read a lot, I craft a lot. Paper scrapes could make a pretty bookmark. I can keep my scrapes out of the trash or recycle and avoid a book being thrown out. I would never throw out a book. However, collection piles of books add to space and 4 children who lack personal boundaries with mom’s stuff, things get destroyed, go missing or some other pathways of sadness. That don’t tend to happen with dad’s stuff. However, we are moving, and I have donated most my craft supplies and books up until this point. A neighbor was having a book collection, and I had donated 3 large diaper boxes of books for children and adults.

Am I overthinking the entire concept. Meh…it is my honest opinion. In a sense it is not being wasteful, but I could be more mindful when creating. Will I do this again, totally if the opportunity arose. As I said before blind dates with a book was conflicting fun.

Sources: Giving Credit Where Credit is Due!

Make a Blind Date with a Book at the South Pasadena Public Library | The South Pasadenan | South Pasadena News: used for simple designs. Accessed March 30, 2025. Original article published June 21, 2018.

Blind Date with a Book | Library News: used for simple designs continued. Accessed March 30, 2025. Original article published February 4, 2013.

INKYRoseDesign - Etsy: used for decorative designs.

RachelsReadingRoom - Etsy: used for decorative designs continued and what’s included.