Maybe it’s just me, but I really feel like you can’t go wrong giving a book as a gift. It’s simple and in-expensive for an acquaintance, but can be very personal (especially if you take the time to write a nice note inside it) and something the receiver will keep for years too. If there are still some people on your shopping list, consider putting together one of these fun book-themed gifts for them, or skip the extras, buy the book, slap a bow on it, and call it “done” —
*I’ve not read every book listed below, but I tried to link to the ones I have read; and all the others are on my personal wish list and/or are something I’m giving as gifts this year myself. In addition to choosing books that I can either personally recommend OR have come highly recommended, I also tried to think about pretty books that would look good sitting on coffee tables and bookshelves long after their pages have been read:
For Your Sister/Mom:
Upscale Downhome: Family Recipes, All Gussied Up + Apron + Measuring Spoons
I just ordered this cookbook from blogger, Rachel Hollis, and was so impressed with it! I love that it’s all about cooking and entertaining without the stress or spending tons of time and money! Rachel shares some of her own story, starts with basics like a list of items a hostess should always have on hand, and even tells where everything from her blouse to her serving dish comes from (hint: it’s usually super inexpensive). Her recipes cover snacks, dips, casseroles, slow cooker, potlucks, leftovers, parties, and more – perfect for your busy sister with three kids or your mom who wants to “stay hip” for her grandkids. Wrap it up with a fancy little apron and pretty kitchen tools that she’s never buy for herself, and you’re all set! (P.S. Want to spend a little less? Swap the apron for this gold polka dotted pot holder set instead!)
For Your Brother/Dad:
Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family & Culture in Crisis + Kentucky Bourbon + Tovolo Ice Molds
This book is probably one of the most “talked about” of the year (click the Amazon link above for a summary and some of its recent praise) both for its subject-matter and its style, and since it’s based in the mountains of Kentucky, I couldn’t resist pairing it with a good Bourbon and one of my go-to gifts for guys – ice molds.
For Your Niece/Nephew:
Ada Twist, Scientist + Science Kit + Science Museum Passes
I thought it was just my kid, but it seems like LOTS of kids are really into science. You already know I love this “series,” of books, but I love it with a cute science kit and passes to a local science museum even more! This gift is sure to earn you “Best Aunt” status. (Alternately, try Iggy Peck, Architect with an awesome set of Magnatiles!)
For Your Best Friend:
Grace Not Perfection + Framed Print + Pineapple Candle
For Your (Girl) Boss:
In the Company of Women + ‘Like a Boss’ Coffee Mug + Marble Laptop Case
This book, from the creator of Design*Sponge, looks ahhhmazing, Ashley Brooke Design’s coffee mugs are a dream, and this marble laptop cover – which I have and can’t even tell you how often people comment on – might just get you a promotion! #dontholdmetothat
For Your Newlywed Friend:
Very Married + Christmas Ornament + Mr. & Mrs. Champagne Flutes
I still haven’t read this book, but I’ve loved what I’ve heard about it – it seems like a totally “non corny” book about marriage with lots of things you “wish you’d known” about the hard (and good) parts of those first years… On a different note, I have such sweet memories of Jeff and my first Christmas together – our tree hardly had any ornaments on it, and we were starting all of our own little “family traditions” just the two of us, including champagne on Christmas Eve (like my parents used to do while they put together our elaborate bikes and dollhouses). P.S. Write the date and your name on the ornament with a sharpie. They will remember you – and this first Christmas – every year when they decorate!
For Your Jet-Setter Friend:
Small Great Things + Passport Cover/Luggage Tag + USB Leather Tassel Keychain w/ Charging Cord
For Your Literary Friend:
Fancy Jane Austen Classic Novel + Personalized Leather Bookmark + “Readers Gonna Read” Tee
This books are the real thing – only prettier – so even if she’s read it 100 times, she will love this!! Complete the gift with a bookmark and a teeshirt, and your friend will be in a reader’s paradise.
Ok, seriously, I’m stopping myself there, but wasn’t that FUN?!? Any other ideas?!? Do you have a book you love to give as a gift? Please share!
E
P.S. “Five Books to Give as Gifts” (from 2014)