30 best gifts for the bookworm in your life
Very little can compare to a night spent cozied up by the fireplace with a good book. Whether you're searching for the perfect gift for mom or haven't landed on the right present for grandpa, a thoughtfully chosen book can be a really nice gesture.
To help find the best books to gift this year, we've broken down some of our favorites. Whether you're looking for a classic page-turner or a beautiful coffee table book, we've got you covered. Plus, we've rounded up some literature-themed gifts that aren't books for good measure.
The below list has gifts by category, to quickly jump to the category you're looking for click on the links below:
When we release our 2020 gift guides, we make sure all prices are current. But prices change frequently, so there’s a chance the prices are now different than they were the day of publication.
Bestselling Book Gifts
1. "I Really Needed This Today," by Hoda Kotb
"I Really Needed This Today," by Hoda Kotb
"I Really Needed This Today," by Hoda Kotb $14.42 at Amazon
We couldn't not include Hoda Kotb's newest book on this list! With inspirational quotes and stories for every day of the year, it's the kind of read you'll want to slowly savor.
2. "Girl, Stop Apologizing," by Rachel Hollis
"Girl, Stop Apologizing," by Rachel Hollis
"Girl, Stop Apologizing," by Rachel Hollis $12.99 at Amazon
Rachel Hollis is back with a follow up to her super popular "Girl, Wash Your Face." In her newest book, Hollis motivates readers to think about what they really want from life and helps them create a path to achieve it.
3. "Where to Begin," by Cleo Wade
"Where to Begin," by Cleo Wade
"Where to Begin," by Cleo Wade $12.99 at Amazon
According to author Cleo Wade, "This book is really supposed to be a place where you can find comfort, and at the same time encouragement to get back into the world on those days you feel like you really want to turn away from it." We can't think of anything more inspiring than that!
4. "The Beautiful Ones," by Prince
"The Beautiful Ones," by Prince
"The Beautiful Ones," by Prince $17.58 at Amazon
"The Beautiful Ones," by Prince $26.99 at Barnes and Noble
"The Beautiful Ones," by Prince $21.42 at Target
Featuring never before seen photos and mementos from the life of the iconic artist, this memoir, written by Prince before his death, would make an excellent gift for any music lover.
Best Coffee Table Book Gifts
1. "Ballerina Project," by Dane Shitagi
"Ballerina Project," by Dane Shitagi
"Ballerina Project," by Dane Shitagi $15.72 at Amazon
This beautiful book compiles 18 years of photographs that take the elegant art form out of the studio and into the streets.
2. "West," by Anouk Krantz
"West," by Anouk Krantz
"West," by Anouk Krantz $48.49 at Amazon
Whether you live out West or know someone who idolizes John Wayne, this book would make for a treasured gift. It embodies the "pioneering spirit" of this beautiful landscape.
3. "Homebody," by Joanna Gaines
"Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave," by Joanna Gaines
"Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave," by Joanna Gaines $19.99 at Amazon
This book is both beautiful and practical, making it the perfect gift for anyone who just moved into a new house.
4. "Gray Malin: Italy," by Gray Malin
"Gray Malin: Italy," by Gray Malin
"Gray Malin: Italy," by Gray Malin $27.44 at Amazon
"Gray Malin: Italy," by Gray Malin $35.99 at Barnes and Noble
You don't have to hop on a plane to enjoy the sights of the Italian coast, thanks to this book from famed photographer Gray Malin.
5. "Cozy White Cottage," by Liz Marie Galvan
"Cozy White Cottage," by Liz Marie Galvan
"Cozy White Cottage," by Liz Marie Galvan $13.49 at Amazon
Don't we all want to make our home feel a little bit cozier around this time of year? This book from designer and author Liz Marie Galvan would be a great gift for anyone who embodies the spirit of hygge.
6. "Bill Cunningham: On The Street," by New York Times
"Bill Cunningham: On the Street," by New York Times
"Bill Cunningham: On the Street," by New York Times $43.99 at Amazon
The original street style photographer, Bill Cunningham's decades of service as a photographer are beautifully memorialized in this compilation from the New York Times.
Best Cookbook Gifts
1. "The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier," by Ree Drummond
"The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier," by Ree Drummond
"The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier," by Ree Drummond $21.40 at Amazon
"The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier," by Ree Drummond $26.99 at Barnes and Noble
"The Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier," by Ree Drummond $21.40 at Target
Ree Drummond's new cookbook includes recipes any home chef would want to dig into, like lasagna soup and spatchcock chicken.
2. "Nothing Fancy," by Alison Roman
"Nothing Fancy," by Alison Roman
"Nothing Fancy," by Alison Roman $19.89 at Amazon
"Nothing Fancy," by Alison Roman $29.49 at Barnes and Noble
"Nothing Fancy," by Alison Roman $23.49 at Target
Released last month, "Nothing Fancy" quickly became a New York Times Bestseller thanks to its unfussy, yet flavorful, recipes for entertaining at home.
3. "Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection," by Martha Stewart
"Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection," by Martha Stewart
"Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection," by Martha Stewart $17.74 at Amazon
If you've got a sweet tooth, "Martha Stewart's Cookie Perfection" would be an excellent gift. From potato chip cookies to caramel-stuffed chocolate chip cookies, the recipes in this book are both decadent and delicious.
Best Memoir Book Gifts
1. "The Other Side of the Coin," by Angela Kelly
"The Other Side of the Coin," by Angela Kelly
"The Other Side of the Coin," by Angela Kelly $23.80 at Amazon
"The Other Side of the Coin," by Angela Kelly $31.50 at Barnes and Noble
Royal fans know Angela Kelly as Queen Elizabeth II's dresser and trusted confidant, and this read is an exceptional portrait of over two decades of service to the monarchy. Among the many tidbits gleaned from the pages: The queen apparently loves a bargain.
2. "Do You Mind If I Cancel?" by Gary Janetti
"Do You Mind If I Cancel?" by Gary Janetti
"Do You Mind If I Cancel?" by Gary Janetti $13.99 at Amazon
"Do You Mind If I Cancel?" by Gary Janetti $24.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Do You Mind If I Cancel?" by Gary Janetti $13.99 at Target
Speaking of royalty, Gary Janetti gathered a new set of fans on social media thanks to his satirical take on the inner thoughts of the youngest royals. In reality, the comedy writer's been making us laugh for years through his work on "Family Guy" and "Will & Grace." This witty set of essays is the perfect gift for anyone with a stellar sense of humor.
Best Fiction Book Gifts
1. "Royal Holiday," by Jasmine Guillory
"Royal Holiday," by Jasmine Guillory
"Royal Holiday," by Jasmine Guillory $10.00 at Amazon
"Royal Holiday," by Jasmine Guillory $17.99 at Barnes and Noble
"Royal Holiday," by Jasmine Guillory $10.00 at Target
This is one gift you might even want to give early! From the author of "The Proposal" and "The Wedding Party," it's an enchanting read that your giftee won't want to put down.
2. "The Dutch House," by Ann Patchett
"The Dutch House," by Ann Patchett
"The Dutch House," by Ann Patchett $18.46 at Amazon
Jenna Bush Hager's October book club pick would make a great gift for anyone who loves to curl up on a Sunday afternoon with a good book. It follows siblings Danny and Maeve over five decades as they navigate life together. "The love they find in each other is beautiful and hopeful," Jenna explained.
3. "Lights All Night Long," by Lydia Fitzpatrick
"Lights All Night Long," by Lydia Fitzpatrick
"Lights All Night Long," by Lydia Fitzpatrick $11.99 at Amazon
Another beautiful story of the bond between siblings, "Lights All Night Long" reads like a mystery but leaves readers with a poignant, powerful message about what we'll sacrifice for our family.
Best Inspirational Book Gifts
1. "Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice," by Michelle Obama
"Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice," by Michelle Obama
"Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice," by Michelle Obama $9.99 at Amazon
"Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice," by Michelle Obama $9.99 at Target
"Becoming: A Guided Journal for Discovering Your Voice," by Michelle Obama $9.99 at Walmart
Inspired by the former first lady's bestselling memoir, this journal prompts readers to "discover the power of their own voice" through guided writing exercises. From identifying their "circle of strength" to reliving a time when they spoke their truth, this book will empower your giftee to share their own gifts with the world.
Best Book Gifts for Kids and Teens
1. "Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls," by Dave Pilkey
"Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls," by Dav Pilkey
"Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls," by Dav Pilkey $7.64 at Amazon
The seventh book in the "Dog Man" series, this book would make a great gift for any kiddos who've already gotten into the story of this unlikely hero.
2. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," by J.K. Rowling
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," by J.K. Rowling
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," by J.K. Rowling $8.99 at Amazon
From the "Fantastic Beasts" franchise to "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway, the "Harry Potter" phenomenon shows no sign of slowing down. This would make a magical gift for anyone who hasn't yet heard of Hogwarts.
3. "Let Me Hear A Rhyme," by Tiffany D. Jackson
"Let Me Hear a Rhyme," by Tiffany D. Jackson
"Let Me Hear a Rhyme," by Tiffany D. Jackson $13.25 at Amazon
"Let Me Hear a Rhyme," by Tiffany D. Jackson $16.49 at Barnes and Noble
Recommended by author Jason Reynolds, this book is as heartfelt as it is entertaining. It follows a group of friends in '90s Brooklyn as they attempt to honor their friend's memory and music after his death.
Best Coloring Book Gifts
1. Disney Dreams Coloring Book
Disney Dreams Coloring Book
Disney Dreams Coloring Book $29.78 at Amazon
Perfect for any Disney fan, this adult coloring book brings beloved Disney landscapes to life. Add in a pack of colored pencils and you've got yourself a thoughtful gift.
2. 100 Animals Adult Coloring Book
100 Animals Adult Coloring Book
100 Animals Adult Coloring Book $9.58 at Amazon
Inspired by the beauty of nature, this bestseller was released earlier this year and reviewers are enjoying the detailed designs and practical layout of the affordable book.
More Gift Ideas for Book Lovers
1. Book Stack Ornament
Book Stack Ornament
Book Stack Ornament $14.95 at Amazon
This is just too dang cute — and at $15, it's basically the perfect gift for everyone in your book club.
2. My Weekend Is All Booked Shirt
My Weekend Is All Booked Shirt
My Weekend Is All Booked Shirt $21.25 at Etsy
This bestselling T-shirt comes in five different colors and is available in sizes S-XXL.
3. "The Only Thing You Absolutely Have to Know..." Print
"The Only Thing You Absolutely Have to Know..." Print
"The Only Thing You Absolutely Have to Know..." Print $18.68 at Etsy
If you know someone with a reading nook that needs a little sprucing up, this print would be great to set the scene.
4. This Weekend Is Gonna Be Lit-erary Mug
This Weekend Is Gonna Be Lit-erary Coffee Mug
This Weekend Is Gonna Be Lit-erary Coffee Mug $16.99 at Amazon
For the person whose love for reading is only matched by their love of coffee, this mug would make a practical present.
5. "The Book Was Better" T-shirt
"The Book Was Better" T-shirt
"The Book Was Better" T-shirt $23.95 at Etsy
I mean, it's just a fact that the book is usually better than the movie or TV show. If you know someone who can relate, you've got yourself a perfect gift.
6. Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite $129.99 at Amazon
An e-reader definitely takes some adjusting to, but it's worth it for anyone who loves to read. They'll be able to load their Kindle with books before a big trip and get to avoid juggling printed copies during the morning commute.
Finding the perfect present can be a challenge, but Shop TODAY's up to the task. No matter who you're looking for, we've got gift guides for everyone on your list, including:
To discover more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations, download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter!
This gift guide was originally published on Dec. 12, 2018.
