Books [1] are the fail-safe gift we can always rely on. Giving someone a book is both personal and practical. It feels thoughtful and personal to give someone a title you loved, or one you think they will enjoy. Additionally, there's a high chance they'll actually read the book, and it will look lovely on their bookshelf. If you want to show your loved ones that you're thinking about them [2], or have someone to gift that you're kind of stumped on, pick up one of these 25 books.
Whether you're looking for memoirs or novels, these are the beloved titles that anyone will enjoy. If you're really feeling generous, you can grab a couple and create your own little bundle. Plus, if you add one for yourself to the cart, we won't tell. Keep on reading to shop our picks!
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents [4] ($15, originally $32) is the book everyone seems to be talking about right now. It's a perspective-shifting look at American society, and it's likely already on their wishlist.
Ottolenghi Flavour: A Cookbook
If they love to cook, they'll be so excited to receive this new Ottolenghi Flavour: A Cookbook [5] ($15, originally $35) from the beloved chef Yotam Ottolenghi.
Peter Lindbergh: On Fashion Photography
If they love fashion and coffee table books, this Peter Lindbergh: On Fashion Photography [6] ($51, originally $70) makes for the perfect present.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Where the Crawdads Sing [7] ($11, originally $26) is the perfect gift for the person who loves to read novels, and keeps saying how they've been meaning to pick this one up.
A Promised Land
A Promised Land [8] ($24, originally $45) is exactly what they want to unwrap this year.
Transcendent Kingdom
Most literature lovers will be excited to read Yaa Gyasi's sophomore novel, Transcendent Kingdom [9] ($17, originally $28).
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
In a time when gathering has changed, reading The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters [10] ($18, originally $28) will provide them with a new perspective on being with the people we love.
1000 Record Covers
Music lovers will want to flip through this 1000 Record Covers [11] ($18) coffee table book all day long.
My Own Words
My Own Words [12] ($11, originally $18) by the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should be on everyone's bookshelf.
Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life
Part memoir, part self-help book, Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life [13] ($17, originally $27) is a poignant read that will blow them away.
Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book
The sneakerhead in your life will appreciate Sneaker Freaker: The Ultimate Sneaker Book [14] ($45, originally $50).
A Time for Mercy
Mystery lovers won't be able to put down the new John Grisham title, A Time for Mercy [15] ($18, originally $30).
Humans
Humans [16] ($18, originally $35) tells the stories of people all around the world. Open to any page, and be prepared to laugh, cry, and feel connected to humanity.
Anxious People
Anxious People [17] ($15, originally $28) has a unique premise, but novel obsessives won't be able to put it down.
Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook
Even the most amateur of chefs will find beloved recipes in Modern Comfort Food: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook [18] ($16, originally $35).
Little Fires Everywhere
If they haven't read Little Fires Everywhere [19] ($10, originally $27) yet, now's the time!
Home Body
Rupi Kaur's latest collection of poetry, Home Body [20] ($10, originally $17), is a perfect present.
Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog [21] ($11, originally $20) by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike, has the unique distinction of being a memoir and a look inside one of the most impactful companies of our time. Knight is a master storyteller, and they will love this book whether they're a fitness fanatic or they don't own a pair of running shoes.
Untamed
Untamed [22] ($17, originally $28) by Glennon Doyle just came out this year, but it's already on my "greatest of all time" list. The book is a powerful manifesto on creating a life you want and embracing all that you are. After reading it, I sent it to my best girlfriends, because I think it should be required reading. It's also written in little vignettes, so it's easy to just open a page and get some magic.
21 Lessons For the 21st Century
Harari's most famous book is Sapiens, but I'm personally a fan of 21 Lessons for the 21st Century [23] ($15). It's a good one if you want to pick it up and just flip to an individual lesson.
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success
Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success [24] ($12) will forever alter the way you think about operating in the workplace, no matter what you do for a living. Frankly, it will alter how you operate in the world. I couldn't recommend this enough.
Educated
Educated [25] ($15, originally $28) by Tara Westover is a story that you can't believe is actually true. I read it in a book club with some of my friends, and though we all have different tastes, we were equally blown away by Westover's courage, strength, and genius. I'd recommend it to anyone.
The Vanishing Half
The Vanishing Half [26] ($16, originally $27) by Brit Bennett is the latest book I've read, but it's another one I had to ration out over two days. I found myself utterly enthralled with the story, and it's easily the most engageing novel I've read this year. I found myself continuously saying, "But what happens next?" as I was reading, and the social commentary is powerful and poignant without being overwhelming. I loved it.
Devotions
Devotions [27] ($22, originally $30) by Mary Oliver is a book I have by my bed. I love poetry, and Oliver was a genius at the medium. I know I can open to any page, read just one poem, and have a shift in my perspective. You can thank me later.
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance [28] ($10, originally $18) is a game-changing book. If there's something in your life you want to improve upon, read this, because it will help relieve the mental block that talent alone drives success. Plus, the research is fascinating, and it will give you a whole new understanding of success.