Books
10 Holiday Book Gifts For Picky People
Gift-giving is one of my favorite things to do, but there are a few people on my list who are just impossible to shop for, from my best friend (whose tastes change every five minutes) to my dad (who will return anything he doesn't see an immediate use for). And with the holiday season in full swing, that means I have my antennae up for presents that even they will love. Which, of course, includes some amazing books that will knock anyone's socks off. Because, of course, books make the perfect Christmas gifts.
These books are all a little out-of-the-box, which is exactly what you need when the person you're shopping for is picky. Each one of them is a ton of fun, and will bring a smile to even the Grinch-iest face. There are all also plenty of books on here that will appeal to even people who don't consider themselves big readers, including interactive journals and books that have been fabulously illustrated.
So don't let those hard-to-shop-for loved ones make your holidays a time of stress. Head over to your local bookstore, and you'll find everything you need, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the company of loved ones (no matter how picky they may be).
1. For Literally Anyone: Pick Me Up: A Pep Talk for Now and Later by Adam J. Kurtz
I don't know any person who wouldn't love this book/journal. Filled with interactive pages for you to doodle and write in, this book is designed to uplift you, encourage you, and allow you to explore.
2. For the Foodie: Knives and Ink: Chefs and the Stories Behind Their Tattoos (with recipies) by Isaac Fitzgerald and Wendy MacNaughton
I labeled this as a great gift for foodies, but really anyone who loves connecting to people will fall hard for this book. Fitzgerald and MacNaughton collected the actual stories behind chefs' tattoos and paired them with beautiful illustrations and delicious recipes.
3. For The Person Who's Already Read Everything: Am I Alone Here?: Notes on Living to Read and Reading to Live by Peter Orner
Sometimes it's hard to buy a book for a book nerd, because you don't know what they haven't read yet. But any book-lover will be enthralled by this spirited exploration of life as a reader.
4. For the Feminist: How to Win at Feminism: The Definitive Guide to Having It All—And Then Some! by Reductress
This hilarious book from the creators of the satirical website Reductress is sure to make any feminist laugh. Filled with chapters like, "Menses: The Original Feminist Accessory" and " How to Get Catcalled for Your Personality."
6. For the Nerd: A Hundred Thousand Worlds by Bob Proehl
Nerd culture comes alive in this lively novel, which follows several characters as they travel to comic cons across the country. The best part of this book is trying to spot all of the cleverly hidden references and amalgams, from Doctor Who to the X Files.
7. For the Twentysomething: Quarter Life Poetry: Poems for the Young, Broke, and Hungry by Samantha Jayne
Based on the popular Tumblr and Instagram, this book of poetry will make any twentysomething go "YAS."
8. For the Artist: 642 Things to Draw by Eloise Leigh
This journal is exactly what it says: 642 prompts for drawing, and the space to draw them. Perfect for study breaks, subway rides, and self-care nights. (Psst, there's also a version for writers: 642 Things to Write About )
9. For the Scientist: Lab Girl by Hope Jahren
In this beautiful memoir, acclaimed scientist Hope Jahren reflects back on her life and work studying plant-life. Any person will get sucked into this read, but especially the scientifically-inclined will feel connected to Jahren's story.
10: For the Hamilton-obsessed: Hamilton: The Revolution by Lin-Manuel Miranda
OK, who isn't obsessed with Hamilton right now? This amazing book chronicles the rise of the amazing musical, and even includes the full libretto text annotated by Lin-Manuel Miranda himself.
Image: The Cat in the Hat Productions
