15 Books To Give as Gifts This Holiday Season
If you’re looking for the perfect book to give as a gift this holiday season, I’ve got you covered with options for everyone.
Quick Disclaimer
Please note: many of the links included in this blog are affiliate links, which means if you use these links to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Dear Writer: Pep Talks & Practical Advice for the Creative Life by Maggie Smith
Perfect for the writer or other creative person in your life!
Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter
Meunter’s next release comes out in February, so it’s the perfect time to read her debut if you haven’t yet. This one is also perfect for the family member who always goes on soapboxes about the issues of social media!
Housewarming Parties by Jaci Schreckengost
Shameless plug for my own collection of poetry — it’s available for pre-order now and is expected December 30, 2025!
Helen of Troy, 1993 by Maria Zoccola
This is the perfect book for a family member or friend who loves history and poetry! You can read my review of the book here.
All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols
I love everything by Morgan Harper Nichols, and think her books are the best gifts. Visual art, poetry, inspiration — her work really has it all.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Perfect for the person in your life who has 17 existential crises a week.
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection by John Green
If you’re looking for something for someone who reads nonfiction or is interested in public health concerns, this is a great option by an incredible writer.
Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
This most recent novel by Willingham is perfect for the thriller and mystery lovers in your life.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
If a loved one is prepping for the Netflix release in early January, they might want to re-read this novel by Henry. There’s also a really pretty deluxe edition!
Burning the Ghost Light by Caitlin Conlon
I haven’t read this one yet, but I love the idea of the intersection of theater and life. Perfect for the theater lover who is interested in poetry!
Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much by Cynthia Erivo
Perfect for the loved ones who haven’t stopped singing Defying Gravity.
Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai
Another incredible nonfiction choice — this is a great choice for anyone, really, but especially those who are finding their way in the world.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
This novel is also being adapted into a movie set for release in 2026, so it’s the perfect time to read the novel if you haven’t yet! (AKA me, I need to read it)
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
I had such a fun time reading this novel. Perfect for the athlete, dancer, or figure skater in your life, this book brings you into the world of ice dancing and soooo much drama. Fargo has also said she has other plans for books in this world!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
An all-time favorite of mine, this is an older novel, but it’s timeless (IMO). Well, it also won a Pulitzer, so I guess other people feel the same. Perfect for historical fiction fans.
But if you really have no idea what they’d like
If you know they want books but have absolutely no idea what kind, a Bookshop.org gift card is always a great idea.
Why are all of these links through Bookshop.org?
Great questions, so glad you asked! Bookshop.org is an incredible organization that supports local bookstores. As of the time I’m writing this, they’ve raised $43,182,990.58 for local bookstores.
Looking for something else?
If you’re not looking for a specific book…
Book of the Month Club
I also recommend Book of the Month. It’s a great gift — and if you want to get it for yourself, this link lets you join for $5. (Their terms and conditions apply, check out the link to get all the details!)
A Free Little Library
Check out the Free Little Library map to see if you have one near you! These are, as the name implies, free little libraries based around the world. They’re amazing — and you never know what you might find!
A Day at the Library
Or if you’re ballin’ on a budget, plan a day to take your favorite loved one to the library, make sure everyone gets a library card, and explore everything available at your local library. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to spend a quality day around books together!
Plus, lots of libraries have an extensive collection of things to do, rent, and use. Some have language tools, physical products (like bikes and sewing machines) to rent, and even classes/workshops. Check out your local library to see what’s available!
