Books to Give

As we get closer to Christmas, the window for shopping online is closing! A lot of retailers won’t guarantee delivery unless you upgrade the shipping. One thing that you can buy pretty much up until a few days before the big day? BOOKS. Whether you pop into your local bookstore or shop with Amazon, you can’t go wrong with giving a book for the holidays.

There is a book out there for every recipient.  This year two people on my list are getting books (they definitely don’t read my blog, so I’m safe saying that 😉). I’m rounding up some crowd-pleasing options:

When Breath Becomes Air | Well I guess I’m starting off the list with a very heavy read. Even though the subject is deep (the author wrote it when he was dying of lung cancer), it’s an incredible book that really shows you what matters in life.

Holes | There are a few kids on my list every year, and they can be especially difficult to buy gifts for. I try to give some of the books that I loved as a kid!

Presence | My friend’s dad had lunch with us last December, and he raved about this book. I finally read it and understood why he thought everyone needed to read it. He gave it out to everyone in his office as Christmas gifts, and I have basically copied him! A must-read!!

All the Light We Cannot See | This is a pageturner that the women on your list would love. Even if they’re not big readers, I think they’d enjoy this one! The story is beautifully written and brings you along an emotional journey from page one and beyond.

The Royal We | I think we all have at least one friend looking forward to the royal wedding in May… this book is 100% for them. I’m not even into the royal family thing, and I loved this book. Such a fun, light “fictional” read!

The Defining Decade | After a long talk with my sister, I sent her this book as a little surprise, and she’s obsessed with it. If you’re a big sister (biological or not), I highly recommend gifting this!

You Are a Badass | This is somewhere between a pep talk and a kick in the butt in book form. A great present for your girlfriends or close coworkers.

When God Winks at You | Our neighbor in Tampa sent me this book (it’s a long story as to why), but it was the exact thing I needed to read this year. I loved it! A heartwarming read that you could give to literally anyone (from your best friend to your grandma).

10% Happier | I stumbled on this book and ended up really enjoying it because of my meditation obsession this year. I ended up giving it to my dad (along with a year-long subscription to Headspace) for his birthday.

Along the Infinite Sea | One of my favorite books this year! It’s great for the women on your list for sure, and I think it’s actually part of a “sister series” if you want to give multiple books!

The Island | Elin Hilderbrand is one of my go-to authors when I need a light, entertaining read. All of her novels are based on Nantucket so, really, how can you go wrong?

American Girl Books | Without a doubt, one of my favorite gifts for girls is to get them their first American Girl books! They’re classics and totally timeless.

The Boys in the Boat | The best book I’ve ever read. I give this to EVERYONE if they haven’t read it yet. (Hint, it’s a hit with the dads if you’re struggling to find them the perfect thing.)

Alexander Hamilton | I have both given and received this book. I haven’t dug into my copy just yet, but the reviews are great, and I know the history buffs in my life will love it.

Hillbilly Elegy | This was my #1 book that I read in 2017. It’s a gutwrenching but great memoir about growing up in a white working-class family and the obstacles he faced.

Wonder | Another book for everyone on your list, including kids. I haven’t read it yet, but it’s on my “to-read” list.

What books have you given as gifts? Any favorites that you’ve received or read recently?