World Book Day: how to gift books globally (without borders or restrictions)
Gifting & Community • Reading time: 1-2 minutes
Every April 23rd, millions of readers around the world celebrate World Book Day, a date established by UNESCO in 1995 to promote reading, publishing, and copyright. The day was chosen as a symbolic tribute to literary giants like Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, who both died on this date.
But beyond its historical significance, World Book Day reflects something much bigger: a global habit that keeps evolving. According to statistics from World Population Review, the countries that read the most books on average per year are:
- United States
- India
- United Kingdom
- France
- Italy
- Russia
📊 Today, digital reading is no longer a niche. Studies estimate that over 30% of readers worldwide regularly consume ebooks, with higher adoption in regions like North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. At the same time, physical books continue to dominate in countries with strong bookstore cultures like France, Germany, and Spain.
This dual reality—physical and digital—creates a new challenge, especially for expats, travelers, and global families:
How do you gift a book across borders instantly and without complications?
Shipping physical books internationally is slow and expensive. And trying to buy a digital book directly for someone abroad often fails due to regional payment restrictions.
This is where digital gift cards become the smartest solution, so that lovers of reading, no matter where in the world they are, can access their favorite books.
The advantage of digital book gift cards
In the world of digital content, the biggest barrier is not availability—it is regional restrictions.
Platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Google Play operate with strict country-based systems. That means:
- A Spanish payment method may not work in a US store
- A French Apple ID cannot redeem a US gift card
- A Kindle account is locked to a specific marketplace
Instead of gifting a specific book (which may fail), a better approach is to send a region-specific gift card.
This allows the recipient to:
- ✔ Access their local store
- ✔ Choose the exact book they want
- ✔ Avoid payment method restrictions
Platforms like CY.SEND make this process seamless by letting you purchase gift cards for the correct country and deliver them instantly via email.
Global ebook platforms: choosing the right ecosystem
Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle ecosystem offers one of the largest digital book catalogs in the world, including bestsellers, indie titles, and exclusive publications.
- ✔ Massive selection
- ✔ Competitive pricing
- ⚠ Region-locked accounts
Apple Books
Apple Books is deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering a premium reading experience across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
- ✔ Seamless UX for iOS users
- ✔ Strong in illustrated content
- ⚠ Region must match Apple ID
Google Play Books
Google Play Books is the most accessible option globally, especially for Android users.
- ✔ Cross-device compatibility
- ✔ Works on web, Android, and iOS
- ⚠ Region-specific gift cards
Rakuten Kobo
Rakuten Kobo is a strong alternative to Kindle, particularly popular in Europe, Canada, and parts of Asia.
- ✔ Ideal for dedicated readers
- ✔ Compatible with eReaders
- ⚠ Regional catalog differences
Platform comparison for global readers
| Platform | Best for | Strengths | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Kindle | Heavy readers | Largest catalog | Strict region lock |
| Apple Books | iOS users | Premium UX | Apple ID region dependency |
| Google Play | Android users | Accessibility | Country restrictions |
| Kobo | Book-focused users | Reader-friendly ecosystem | Smaller catalog |
Global gift cards for book lovers (country by country)
If you are looking for a more local or cultural touch, these bookstore gift cards allow recipients to buy books directly in their country:
- Thalia (Germany & Austria) – One of the largest bookstore chains in Germany, combining physical stores with a strong online presence.
- Vijitha Yapa (Sri Lanka) – A key player in Sri Lanka’s publishing and bookselling industry.
- La Feltrinelli (Italy) – A cultural institution in Italy, known for books, music, and intellectual events.
- Furet du Nord (France) – One of France’s oldest and most respected bookstore networks.
- La Casa del Libro (Spain) – A leading bookstore chain in Spain with a strong online catalog.
- Librerías Gandhi (Mexico) – Famous for its iconic branding and nearly 65 physical stores across the country.
- Jarir Bookstore (Saudi Arabia) – A major retailer for books, electronics, and educational materials in the Middle East.
- TaniaKsiazka (Poland) – A fast-growing online bookstore with competitive pricing.
- Livraria da Vila (Brazil) – Known for its beautiful architectural bookstores and curated selections.
- Boekenbon (Netherlands) – A widely accepted gift card usable across multiple bookstores.
- El Corte Inglés (Spain) – Not a bookstore per se, but offers a strong selection of books alongside retail products. By the way, you could buy a wine to accompany your reading.
Important: choosing the correct country gift card
This is the most critical step when gifting digital books internationally.
Gift cards are strictly tied to country and currency.
Examples:
- ✔ Amazon.es gift card → works only on Spanish Amazon accounts
- ✔ Kobo France → required for a user in France
- ❌ US gift card → may not work for a European account
If you are gifting someone abroad, always choose:
The country where the recipient’s account is registered—not where you are.
Why CY.SEND is ideal for global book gifting
CY.SEND removes the friction of international payments by allowing you to:
- ✔ Buy gift cards for 250+ countries
- ✔ Pay with local methods
- ✔ Deliver instantly via email
- ✔ Avoid bank declines and cross-border issues
Whether you are sending a last-minute gift or supporting a loved one abroad, it transforms a complex process into a simple, instant experience.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send a specific ebook instead of a gift card?
In most cases, no. Direct ebook gifting often fails due to regional restrictions. Gift cards are the most reliable option.
Do gift cards work instantly?
Yes. On CY.SEND, codes are delivered almost instantly via email.
Can Apple or Google Play gift cards be used for other things?
Yes. They can also be used for apps, subscriptions, and digital services.
Do I need an eReader device?
No. All platforms offer apps for smartphones, tablets, and computers.
What happens if I buy the wrong country?
The gift card may not be redeemable. Always verify the recipient’s account region before purchasing.
Which platform is best overall?
It depends on the user. Kindle has the largest catalog, Apple offers the best UX, and Google Play provides the most flexibility.
A borderless way to share stories
World Book Day is about more than reading—it is about connection.
In a world where people live across countries and cultures, the ability to instantly share knowledge, stories, and ideas has never been more important.
With the right digital tools, distance is no longer a barrier.
Sometimes, the most meaningful gift is not the book itself—but the freedom to choose it.