The Best Books To Give & Receive This Season

I went to a Catholic grade school. Which meant when second grade rolled around I donned a fancy white dress and did the First Communion thing. To celebrate the occasion, my dad said I could get ANYTHING I wanted. We weren’t balling out, but this was a big event and he told me to really think about something special. But the choice for me was easy and either I was really naive about what “ANYTHING” meant or I was a complete nerd…because I chose a book. A SINGLE book. A The Babysitter’s Club book to be exact. Two years later when my younger sister celebrated her first communion and got the same offer. She asked for a hot air balloon ride. And got it. 

Even today my favorite present to give/get is a really great book. A healthy cookbook for someone trying to change their diet. A self-helpy one for someone that needs a little boost. Or just a straight-up pretty book that will make someone feel cooler displaying it on their coffee table. 

This year for my holiday roundup I decided to share my picks for what I know best…all things books. None are very pricey, but all are really special…so they’d be great for your office Secret Santa or someone very, very special. Buy one and wrap it up pretty or choose a theme and bundle a whole bunch of them together. And don’t forget to write a little something on the inside cover. 

Oh, and Dad if you’re reading this and I get a do-over on the gift thing …I’ve got my eye on this and this. I mean, you did say ANYTHING.

<< COOKBOOKS >>
v=vegetarian,
vg = vegan,
gf= gluten-free

Eat Clean Live Well by Terry Walters (v, gf)
The latest installment by my favorite plant-based author.

My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life by Ruth Reichl
I love this book for 136 reasons and it’s not just for the recipes. 

The Year Of Cozy by Adrianna Adarme
This book makes you want to do, live, and love more. 

Two Moms In The Raw by Shari Koolik Leidich (gf)
An inspiring story + full of recipes to prove how good food can heal.

Crossroads by Tal Ronnen (vg)
Advanced plant-based cooking at it’s finest.

Not new this year, but you can’t go wrong with…
Clean Food by Terry Walters (vg, gf)
Isa Does It by Isa Chandra Moskowitz (vg)
Afro-Vegan by Bryant Terry (vg)
YumUniverse by Heather Crosby (vg, gf)

<< HOME / DESIGN >>

Sage Living: Decorate For The Life You Want by Anne Sage
Thoughtful writing and very attainable home design.

Daily Rituals by Mason Currey
According to my bank records, I’ve gifted this book over 15 times. 

The New Bohemians: Cool & Collected Homes by Justina Blakeney
Because you know you want a room full of giant plants and crazy patterns…
or you know someone who does.

The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
Game changer. 

<< INSPIRING / COOL READS >>

Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite by Paul Arden
Big graphic type + witty photos. A really inspiring read…
especially for someone who is trying to figure some shit out. 

It’s Not How Good You Are, It’s How Good You Want To Be by Paul Arden
See above. But this book also has gold foil on the cover. BONUS! Buy them
both and bundle together. 

The Power Of No by James Altucher
The title pretty much sums this one up (but say YES to buying it).

It Was Me All Along by Andie Mitchell
A powerful story of food addiction and recovery. 

Do Unto Animals by Tracey Stewart
Beautiful illustrations and THE book to get for your dog-obsessed friend. 

The Mindfullness Coloring Book: Anti-stress Therapy For Busy People by Emma Farrons
A great gift for a workaholic or stressed out pal. Don’t forget the crayons to pair with it. 

<< KIDS / BABY / MOM  >>

Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman
Buy this for anyone having a baby or anyone even considering having one.

I Am So Brave
I Can Do It Myself
I Know A lot
Now I am Big
all by Stephen Krensky 
Buy the whole series and bundle them up together
Bright, beautiful, and just perfect. And not to mention, Sid’s favorite books. 

A Boy And His Bunny by Sean Bryan and Tom Murphy
C’mon, just look at the cover. 

Henri Walks To Paris by Leonore Klein
Impress your design friend mom/dad with this Saul Bass illustrated book.

Sparkle & Spin by Ann and Paul Rand
Poppy and fun. And also illustrated by one of the greats, Paul Rand. 

PHOTOS BY THE GREAT EVA DEITCH

What’s your favorite book to give? Please share with me! 
AND coming up next week, my 8 Favorite Holiday Roundups Because I’m Only Giving You Books This Year

*Links above are Amazon affiliate links, still all my favorite books.