Do you need a book embosser? No. Does it make me smile every single time I use it? Yes. I loved that I got to see the proof of my design instantly and the checkout and shipping process were easy and quick. Weirdly enough, I am very particular about which books get embossed. It's almost like my own "stamp of approval" for all the books I fall in love with. Again, it isn't a necessity but it's one of favorite small luxuries I own.