*Bonus* What Should I Read: Holiday Gift Books!
Because books are a literal love language.
I have officially waited until the day after Thanksgiving in the U.S. to talk about the holiday season, because I know people feel very strongly about these things. But now it’s on! Happy cedar-scented EVERYTHING.
You won’t be surprised to know that I think books are great gifts, but I also find it hard to gift books. Do they have it? Have they read it? Do they hate that genre/author/cover?
So here are some tips for holiday book gifting, followed by a few suggestions!
DO: gift a “coffee table” book - these are books people typically don’t buy for themselves (and if it’s a flop gift, they can easily regift. Just saying.)
DON’T: gift popular books unless you’re pretty sure they don’t have it/haven’t read it.
DO: write a little inscription in the front if you’re hand-delivering (even just the date and your name). Old-fashioned? Maybe, but whenever the recipient opens it, they remember you and this moment in their life.
DON’T: forget about the indie bookstores this year. Amazon is great and I’m not naive that they often have the best prices, which is meaningful! But if you’re able, try to shop from indie bookstores - so many small sellers have beefed up their online stores this year. No local fave? Bookshop.org is a great way to support small bookstores.
OK So Here Are A Few Fun Book Gift Suggestions, I Think:
For nature, animal or photography lovers: The Photo Ark
A National Geographic photographer is on a mission to photograph the worlds’ species before they go extinct. These in-studio photos are *truly* remarkable.
For the stylish women in your life: How To Be Parisian
Cool, unapologetic, and a little tongue-in-cheek. I amour’d every insouciant moment.
For the artists and music lovers: These three books are cut from the same cloth - annotated looks inside the creative process of some of America’s greatest creators.
Finishing the Hat or Look, I Made a Hat (by Stephen Sondheim)
Wild card: Jenna Fischer from The Office wrote a terrific book for actors called The Actor’s Life. But it’s really a “how to dedicate to a creative pursuit” manual. I think it would be great for recent grads or anyone embarking on a career or creative transition.
The chefs: The Outdoor Kitchen
I LOVE a cookbook as a gift, especially when they’re gorgeous like this. Many local restaurant chefs have cookbooks as well - a way to support during these hard times for restaurants.
The seekers: Untamed
OK, I’m breaking my own rule because this is a Popular Book. But! It came out right when lockdown started in most places so it missed many people. It’s an unexpectedly and deeply meditative yet accessible set of essays on living your true life.
Not into Glennon Doyle? Anne Lamott’s Bird By Bird is an oldie but goodie.
The travelers, wanderers, and fantasizers: Once in a Lifetime
So, these featured places are … very luxe. But it’s eye candy and inspiration for when we can get back to safe travel! The New York Times 36-Hours books are also fun.
The young’uns: This is a guest suggestion from my friend Spencer, who says the Shape Trilogy picture books by Mac Barnett are incredible (Triangle, Circle and Square).
If you have older kids, what about older books like The Westing Game or From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler that they may not have read?