You might not be surprised that I think books are one of the best gifts you can give. Since most online businesses have now cut off shipping or are experiencing delayed shipping this year, finding books at your local bookstore or purchasing on Amazon is a great solution for those of us who aren’t quite done with holiday shopping but need to get our acts together quickly.
However, choosing book gifts for adults isn’t easy. If you haven’t read the book, you don’t know if it’s worth giving. Also, it can be tough to give books to people who may not read a ton, as you then don’t know what they like to read. So, I’ve put together a list of books that are meant for “easy gifting” — books that have wide appeal, are relatively new or fit a specific gift-giving category or theme.
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Memoirs
A Promised Land by Barack Obama — Hot off the press, this is the memoir on everyone’s list and couldn’t be more relevant with our recent election.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle — This book, which came out in early 2020, passionately speaks to female empowerment. Give this to the woman in your life who’s breaking barriers or ready to come into her own.
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah — This memoir has it all. Incredible writing, powerful storytelling and great education about race and South Africa. Perfect for anyone on your list.
Non-fiction
The Home Edit by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin — If you haven’t heard of The Home Edit you’ve taken 2020 isolation to a new level. This aspirational organizing book is incredible eye candy that will also inspire anyone to get their life together.
Atomic Habits by James Clear — Who doesn’t want to improve habits in the new year? This recently released self-help book is currently on my nightstand as I look forward to 2021.
Pappyland by Wright Thomas — My husband’s not only reading this but has already gifted it to a few of his friends who share an appreciation for bourbon. While you may not be able to gift Pappyland Bourbon ($$$), you can give this book.
Fiction
The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett — One of the top books of the year, The Vanishing Half makes a great gift because it’s not only an amazing read but focuses on an incredibly important topic — what it means to be Black in America.
Anxious People by Fredrick Backman — Anxious People relates to us all because it makes us think about our own anxieties and how we can lean on others for support. This is an entertaining, fast-paced story that I read in a couple of days.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell — I often hear from people who want a fast-paced thriller like The Girl on the Train or The Woman in the Window. I loved The Family Upstairs and it definitely scratches this itch of being a book you can’t put down.
Cookbooks
Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten — Is there anything better than Ina? The answer is no. This is her most recent book that’s at the tippy top of my holiday wish list.
Half-Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard — I got this book this year and it’s so good. These are recipes everyone will love and, bonus, they aren’t too hard. We have made a ton of the recipes and each one’s better than the one before.
Holiday
Pair any of these light, festive reads with some Christmas cookies and you have yourself the perfect holiday gift!
Holidaze by Christina Lauren
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
One Day in December by Josie Silver
Book Subscription
Hesitant to pick a specific gift for your loved one? A Book of the Month gift is a great solution. Gift cards can be sent directly or emailed to your recipient. Get a discount when you join with my referral link!
Happy last-minute holiday shopping!
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