Gift Guide #2: Booking It

I'm back with another gift guide, and in the name of one of my favorite hobbies (reading) I thought it would be fun to do all books this time. My other favorite hobby (taking photos of my cat) isn't as gift-able. If you're planning on giving everyone on your list a kitten (solid plan), no need to read further.

I like giving books for a number of reasons, not only do I like receiving them (I got this fun stack for my birthday!), but also they are way easier to pick out than clothes for other people (stop debating what size shirt your cousin wears) and also (bonus!) so easy to wrap. I'm a bad wrapper* and vouch for all book-shaped items as being pretty much the easiest. I am good at curling ribbon though. If only I could monetize that bizarre scissor skill :) Without further fun facts about my holiday skills or lack thereof, the right books for everyone, categorized (somewhat):

For the girl who wants to stay on top of all the popular movies, loves a good memoir, and appreciates a good"beach read" any time of year:

1 Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trailby Cheryl Strayed
I ranted and raved about Tiny Beautiful Things and although I haven't tackled Wild yet, it's on my list and I'm confident it will be awesome. My mom read and enjoyed it, and Reese Witherspoon (!) is in the movie. A must read!

2. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemptionby Lauren Hillenbrand
Another soon-to-be blockbuster! I plan on starting this one tonight (have the book!), but the preview I saw for the movie nearly brought me to tears. From the same author who brought you Seabiscuit, comes a tale of strength and heartbreaking endurance as a former Olympian turns prisoner of war.

3. Bossypantsby Tina Fey
See adamant reasoning here. I love this book. Another reason: this book is less than $8.

4. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)by Mindy Kaling
For those who have already read Bossypants. Funny and heart-warming. Under $10! You'd feel weird getting a $9 gift card, right? But a $9 book? Perfect.

5. Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned"by Lena Dunham.
This one's for the edgy girl who devours Cosmo's (the magazine and the drink) and doesn't mind sex scenes. My full-fledged book review here.

6.Yes Pleaseby Amy Poehler
I know, I know another memoir. But I said FOR THE GIRL WHO LOVES A GOOD MEMOIR so you should have seen it coming, homie. I have not read this book, but it's only a matter of time, and I'm sure I'll love it.

7. The One & Only: A Novelby Emily Giffin
I am not above a beach read or "chicklit." Proof: I have read the first 6 Emily Giffin books! But have not read this one (her seventh). If your friend (or you) has not read Giffin yet, then definitely go with Giffin's first book, Something Borrowed.  I've enjoyed all 6 of the Giffin books I read, but still think her debut book is the best. She also often has characters from previous books make cameos in later books, so it behooves you to read them in order. I would be excited to see The One & Only under my Christmas tree!


For the Boy who loves sports, can't get enough of the stock market, and has exceptional culinary skills (these are obviously good for girls too, but the above 7 are likely a tad girl-only):

8. Open: An Autobiographyby Andre Agassi
If the boy loves tennis, this is a must read. Either way, it's one of the most powerful autobiographies I've read. More of my thoughts here.

9. One Up On Wall Street: How To Use What You Already Know To Make Money In The Marketby Peter Lynch
If your boyfriend is constantly talking about the stock market, and you're pretending to listen, get him this book! He'll be so impressed. Stephen really liked this book. One big thing Peter Lynch recommends is listening to the women in your life for market tips. (He accredits some of his success to his wife's observations in super markets, etc.) So, even though I've never read it, I endorse it. (Bonus: Wikipedia Peter Lynch and pretend like you know who he is.)

10. The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counselby Benjamin Graham.
If he's into the stock market, and already read #9. Or maybe particularly into value investing (as Stephen is.) (Future post idea: my take on what value investing is. A laughing stock for those working on Wall Street, I'm sure. Too bad most of them aren't avid blog followers.)

11. The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to The Sports Guyby Bill Simons
The first book I ever saw Stephen read. He's going to kill me for this:

12. Sunday Soup: A Year's Worth of Mouth-Watering, Easy-to-Make Recipes
I bought this for Stephen a few Christmas's ago, and we love it. There's something so relaxing about actually making soup on Sunday, too. (We are secretly 70.)

13. Roots: The Definitive Compendium with more than 225 Recipes
This book is beautiful. Perfect for the chef that has mastered the basics and is ready to move onto the more obscure underground kingdom. (Like me!) (hahahahaha. Sorry, I clearly like my own jokes a little too much.)

14. Outliers: The Story of Successby Malcolm Gladwell
If you know someone who hasn't read this, it's a great gift! Interesting studies on success, and famous. Great for new grads who are exiting school and realizing reading for pleasure is a thing.

That's it! I hope you enjoy my picks. If you're thinking of getting someone a $20 gift card, but want to get them something more thoughtful, but just don't know what, you can't go wrong with a book**! Even many people who don't read a lot read occasionally (when traveling, for example), and I'm sure they'd love to have something new and fresh in their personal library.

Any books I missed that you think should definitely be included? Happy gifting, friends!

--

p.s. My shop small gift guide.

*And a pretty good rapper.
**Many are cheaper than $20, and make you look more thoughtful. Win-Win.

{Note: this post contains affiliate links. That means if you purchase a book through a link here, I receive a commission with no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own. Es}