This holiday gift guide is built entirely on personal recommendation. I don’t earn income from these books or products, and if I ever include affiliate links in the future, I’ll be explicit—and any proceeds would be donated to libraries or charitable organizations.
These are simply things I’ve loved, used, or returned to, shared in the spirit of thoughtful giving.
Books on My Gift List This Year
Fiction and nonfiction I’ve personally read and recommend.
Mother Tongue by Jenni Nuttall – For the word nerd and feminist in your life. I purchased this for myself and then for my daughter-in-law who is getting her PhD in Archeology and Anthropology. This book explores how language about women shifts with social norms and patriarchal power—and how those shifts shape women’s lived experience.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry – A light, enjoyable romance. Ideal for the person who likes the feel-good aspect of Hallmark Christmas movies but rolls their eyes at the trope of an ambitious city person passionate about their career, who discovers they can only be happy if they chuck it all for love in a small town after a few days.
They Thought They Were Free by Milton Mayer – I stumbled across this book as I attempted to understand what’s happening in the USA now. I’ve highlighed dozens of passages. For instance, “Responsible men never shirk responsibility, and so, when they must reject it, they deny it. They draw the curtain. They detach themselves altogether from the consideraton of the evil they ought to, but cannot, contend with.” And another, “… the ‘excesses’ and the ‘radicals.’ We all opposed them, very quietly … in the usual sincerity that required them only to abandon one little principle after another, to throw away, little by little, all that was good.” Some parts of the book are slow and can be skimmed. Chapters 6 and 13 are especially illuminating for understanding how ordinary people accommodate authoritarian movements—and how others respond, often quietly, as norms erode.
A Most Puzzling Murder by Bianca Marais – For the person who loves puzzles, escape rooms, and murder mysteries. An interactive book with a wink to the supernatural with gothic vibes.
Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman – This was a big hit when it came out in 2017. A novel that sneaks emotional depth in through humor and isolation. Quirky book but surprisingly adictive.
The Department by Jacqueline Faber – For those who are a fan of true crime. This isn’t that, exactly, but has that feel. Marketed as a dark academic thriller. I binged this one.
Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane – Very well written. A combination of mystery, thriller, and suspense with a touch of gangster/mob thrown in for good measure.
A Gentlemen in Moscow by Amor Towles – For those who enjoy a more literary read. My favorite part of this book is the location and time period.
Books for Children
My favorite board book of all time is Good Night, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann. The illustrations are fantastic. From finding the balloon on each page, to matching the colors of the keys and cages, the book offers almost unlimited interaction.
Anything by Dr. Seuss. The most economical option is to buy a compilation.
Little Red Barn lift-a-flap book by Cottage Door Press
Mother Goose Treasury by Cottage Door Press – A great bedtime story option. Schools often use nursery rhymes as a ‘universal experience’ when teaching.
Books for the Writer in Your Life.
Story Genius and/or Wired for Story by Lisa Cron – These books continue to be the ones I recommend for all the people who tell me they’ve thought about writing a book. Both are easy to follow and written in an engaging way. Story Genius helps writers step-by-step to develop a story that works without getting bogged down in plotting theories.
DIYMFA by Gabriela Pereira – For the writer who is thinking about turning their hobby into something more, this book provides a great job of encapsulating the skills needed to take you to the next level.
The Emotional Craft of Fiction by Donal Maass – For the serious writer who wants to focus on improving their craft. I’ve found this to be one of the books I turn to over and over. It’s an area I’ve struggled to incorporate in my writing, but this book helped me get there.
Other Gifts for Readers, Writers, and Tea Lovers
If the reader in your life doesn’t have an e-reader (maybe because they love the tactile experience of reading a book) they may still enjoy one as a gift if they travel. I love the ability to travel light with multiple books and the security of a long battery life. An added bonus: every book has the ability to become large print. My daughter purchased a Kindle Paperwhite and has been encouraging all her friends to purchase one too (they-re now water resistant).
Readers from Peepers – For those of us with aging eyes, I have two recommendations. After years of using multi-pack readers, I’ve recently switched to readers from the online store Peepers. They’re reasonably priced for the quality and they have sales constantly. I pick styles with the keyhole nose design to fit my nose.
Thin Optic Readers – I can’t live without them. I attach the case to my cell phone cover so I’m never caught without the ability to read a menu or tag.
Breville One Touch Tea Maker – Expensive. But worth it. Iit improves my quality of life dramatically, the cost per use is pennies, and it’s one of my favorite gifts of all time. For an avid loose tea drinker like me, it’s indispensable.