12 Books That Would Make Great Gifts
Suggestions for every reader on your list
The Christmas season is my favorite time of year. I love the decorations, the trees, the music, and I especially love the presents. Shopping for the people I love is fun, and of course, I love receiving gifts, too.
I have a wonderful family with whom I celebrate Christmas, but none of them wants books as presents. This fact breaks my heart, so I have no choice but to make a bookish gift guide for people on the internet.
You'll find recommendations for many types of readers, ages, and interests on this list. You might even find something for yourself. Happy reading and happy gifting!
Get this book for your cousin who’s constantly scrolling on Instagram and is obsessed with ‘90s fashion.
I just finished this book a week or two ago, and I loved it. It's packed full of beautiful photos featuring CBK's iconic style. Anyone who appreciates fashion and has a soft spot for chic minimalism will enjoy this lovely volume.
Get this book for your friend who loves poetry and pretty things equally.
I can’t imagine a poetry fan who wouldn’t want this gorgeous book to live on their nightstand. I saw this in person a few weeks ago, didn’t buy it, and it’s been haunting me ever since.
Get this set for your dad, who says books aren’t as good as they used to be.
What reader doesn’t love a beautiful boxed set? This collection of crime novels would be a special treat for any mystery, thriller, or classics lover.
Get this book for a child whose parents will be impressed by Toni Morrison.
What a special gift this would be! This treasury contains eight children’s books Morrison wrote with her son, Slade. You’re never too young to read an author who won the Pulitzer.
Get this book for your brother-in-law, who loves biographies and art.
This book contains brief looks at the lives of many Black people throughout history, including some names you’ll know and some you probably won’t. The bright and bold portraits accompanying each biography are stunning.
Get this book for your sibling, who’s a presidential history nerd.
Hello, I am the presidential history nerd. I received this book last Christmas and devoured it immediately. It’s full of behind-the-scenes photos and commentary by Pete Souza, who worked for President Obama and President Reagan. Few people have seen as much history as Souza, and his stories are riveting.
Get this book for your teenage niece who is learning to find her voice.
This fantastic and well-designed anthology contains poems from Amanda Gorman, Kate Baer, Mary Oliver, and Maya Angelou. It’s perfect for teens, but really, it’s ideal for any age.
Get this book for your best friend whose 2024 resolution is to embrace her body and love herself more than ever.
With a new year on the horizon, talk of diets will be everywhere. In a world that is endlessly critical of women's bodies, Katie Sturino reminds her readers that everyone deserves love, joy, acceptance, and fulfilling lives, no matter what size we wear. (Sturino is one of my favorite Instagram follows.)
Get this book for your mom, who always redecorates in January.
My mom loves a perfectly placed throw pillow, a cozy blanket, and good lighting. If yours does, too, she’ll love this book that serves as a perfect guide to creating a lush, inviting, minimalist home that still offers plenty of warmth.
Get this book for your foodie coworker who’s horrified by office potlucks.
This memoir is such a fun read packed full of stories about Reichl's adventures as a food critic in New York City. It came out nearly 20 years ago, but it deserves its longevity.
Get this book for the person who wants to read a current, buzzy book.
Paul Murray's latest novel about an Irish family losing their wealth has ended up on many "Best of 2023" lists, and for good reason. I'm reading it now, and it's great.
Get this book for your sister who has no idea what she’s doing in the kitchen but really wants to learn.
The Cook's Book offers recipes but also explains what kitchen tools are worth buying, what pantry staples you might need, and how to build on the skills you're learning. It's an excellent guide for a beginner.Â
I hope this post was as fun for you as it was for me. What books do you tend to give as gifts? What books have you loved receiving? Leave a comment and share.
These are great ideas!
You have given me some wonderful books!🥰
I, too, love giving books for Christmas. My best friend and I give each other a book and a bottle of wine every Christmas. Your list has sparked some ideas! Thank you.