If you’ve got a book lover in your life, you know how difficult it can be to buy them the perfect holiday present. Since they’ve probably already read all the bestsellers and classics out there, you want to give them an enlightening read that they may not have considered before. Book gifting is a challenging activity – but we’ve got you covered!
Here are 12 books that you can present to your beloved bookworm this season – they’ll love the new addition to their collection!
1. The Minimalist Cooks Dinner
Everyone’s busy these days – from work to the gym to family commitments, cooking a warm, healthy meal isn’t easy to do regularly. This cookbook will suit your chef friends and workaholic friends alike. The recipes are curated from Bittman’s New York Times column, and they contain quick recipes from appetizers to main dishes that can be prepared with just a few ingredients. This book can inspire some delicious dinner parties and some satisfying weeknight meals, so it’s a versatile gift for just about anyone.
2. The All-American Cookie Book by Nancy Baggett ($35)
This gift is best suited for your baker friends and elder relatives who love making holiday treats. The cookbook contains cookie recipes from all across America, including the classic sugar cookie! Each cookie comes with a cute backstory to make each batch all the sweeter. It’s the perfect holiday present for a recipient with a sweet tooth.
3. On the Road by Jack Kerouac ($16)
This book is a great gift for a young adult who’s just moved out on their own or is about to embark on their college adventure. The story chronicles Kerouac’s years travelling across the United States with some quirky and lovable friends. The book might induce a sense of wanderlust, but it’s perfect for the travel lover or the aspiring globetrotter.
4. World’s Best Cities by National Geographic ($40)
National Geographic’s newest hardcover book is the ideal gift for photo lovers and travellers alike. The book features gorgeous photography and details about 220 amazing cities around the world, from New Delhi to Rome. It’ll make for a great coffee table book or just a classic to keep on a collector’s bookshelf.
5. The Beautiful Fall by Alicia Drake ($22.99)
This book is a must-read for any fashionista. It tells the tale of the rivalry between fashion icons Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfield in 1970s Paris. It’s a story about competition, ambitious, and beauty, of course. Gift it to your sister, your cousin, or your friend who’s always been wowed by the wonderful world of fashion.
6. Chanel Set of 3 Books: Fashion, Jewelry, and Perfume by Francois Baudot ($54)
If you’re unsure of what to gift an elder, always stylish relative or an always well-dressed friend, this set is one to be treasured for years to come. Coco Chanel’s journey as an iconic fashion designer is chronicled in three books discussing her work in fashion, jewelry, and perfume. The books contain glamorous photos of the original Chanel days, along with original designs and backstories – and they even feature lines by Karl Lagerfield’s current reign of Chanel. This set is a great collector’s gift for the historic fashion lover.
7. Men at War: The Best War Stories of All Time by Ernest Hemingway ($12.00)
This book is perfect for the history lover who is fascinated by the emotional and physical evolution of our times today. Ernest Hemingway introduces this anthology of short war stories – featuring work by Leo Tolstoy and William Faulker. You can gift this to an elder relative or a literature afficianado – there are many people who would treasure this gift for years and generations to come.
8. The World of Ice and Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin ($50.00)
Do you know a Game of Thrones fan? Chances are you do, and instead of searching for a perfect medieval fiction story to give them that they haven’t read, buy this behind-the-scenes book to fill in their knowledge of the fantasy world even more. The book is written by the author of A Game of Thrones, George R.R. Martin, and it contains more history and backstory to the popular series that wouldn’t fit in the books and TV show. It’s the perfect gift for the GoT superfan.
9. Gone Girl
This book was a huge hit last summer, even before the Ben Affleck movie came out. Gone Girl is the chilling tale of a marriage crumbling into dangerous manipulation and deep secrets. The story will keep you guessing until the very end – and it’s a good gift even for those who’ve seen the movie. The book is bound to be a classic that’ll be appreciated for years to come.
10. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James ($19.15)
This historical fiction story is a critically acclaimed gift that even the most up-to-date book lover may not have read. The story focuses on the assassination attempt of singer Bob Marley and the politicians, gangsters, and police officials that get caught up in the thrilling story as a result. It’s a great holiday read and a gift for that person who always loves hearing new stories.
11. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler ($20.99)
Who doesn’t love Amy Poehler? This newly released autobiography contains tales from the Golden Globe-winning comedienne’s childhood and successful career life. She shares her experience with SNL and her growth in the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, where she developed her passion for writing and improv comedy. This book will make everyone want to be Amy’s best friend – if they didn’t feel that way already.
12. Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris ($26)
Neil Patrick Harris is famous for his multiple talents – from acting, singing, hosting, and being downright awesome all the time. He shares his experience growing up in New Mexico and how his childhood struggles with his sexuality made him the confident and lovable man he is today. This autobiography is a must-read for anyone who’s ever appreciated NPH’s amazing on-screen brilliance – and that means this gift is suitable for just about anyone.
I hope these book gifts help you find the perfect read for your friends and family. Happy Holidays! And make sure to check out our other gift guides on Beauty Gifts and Holiday Dresses.