Gift Guide: Books for Everyone
Our favorite books to give to everyone on your list! We’ve pulled together a list that includes a few classic favorites and newer titles ranging from cookbooks and self help to children’s books.
*Click on the images to link to each book. We may receive a small commission from Amazon purchases.
Cookbooks
Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten - The newest from our family-favorite chef, we love to gift Ina’s books to each other during the holidays. Comfort food is what we all need this time of year, especially in 2020!
That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life by Marissa Mullen - If you don’t follow Marissa on Instagram (@CheeseByNumbers and @ThatCheesePlate), start now! She creates the most incredible cheese boards and gives instructions on how to make them for yourself. We love this book as a gift for someone who is always hosting or trying to make every occasion feel special.
Half Baked Harvest Super Simple by Tieghan Gerard - It’s no secret that we both love Tieghan’s recipes and Instagram account for quick and crowd-pleasing dinners. Her cookbook is the gold standard of her cooking style, with lots of one-pot dinners, slow cooker recipes and easy comfort food.
Fizz by Olly Smith - So technically this isn’t a cookbook - but no meal is complete without a cocktail, right? We love sparkling drinks and definitely got creative with the seltzer at home these last few months, so this collection of bubbles-focused cocktails and mocktails really speaks to us. Plus, you don’t need a crowd or a party to make a fun drink!
Interior Design and Photography
Pearls of Palm Beach by Holly Holden - Holly is a family friend and a talented interior designer who gained access to eight stunning homes in Palm Beach, that embody “old world” style. Holly takes the readers through each house and shares the details that make them elegant and timeless. It’s a great gift for anyone who is always dreaming of a Florida escape, antique hunting or living their best “grand millennial” life.
Lee by Lee Radziwill - The second book by style icon and sister of Jacqueline Onassis, this book filled with anecdotes about the rich and famous, personal photographs and intimate memories. We have always loved Lee since both she and Jackie attended the same boarding school that we both did (which is talked about in this book), and it was further cemented by Carole on RHONY and her memories of being married to Lee’s son. The cover of the book is also a gorgeous grasscloth texture, making a perfect coffee table book to display.
Rattan: A World of Elegance and Charm by Lulu Lytle - Rattan is really having a moment and this book by the founder of British brand Soane explores it’s place in design through a variety of spaces, countries, locations and eras.
The Great American House by Gil Schaefer and Bunny Williams - This is one of our all-time favorite home books that would be perfect for anyone who enjoys architecture or design or anyone who’s contemplating doing renovations while we’re all stuck at home! Gil is an architect and interior designer who has renovated iconic historic homes and helped design new ones, both of which are featured in this book.
Fun Reads for friends
Signs by Laura Lynne Jackson - For that friend who is always talking about manifesting their goals, trusting in the universe, talking about their psychic and meditating to harness good energy, Signs explores all of the little ways the universe and the “other side” are trying to guide us in our lives.
Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel- We think this is a great fun fiction read for almost any woman on our list. It bounces between NYC and a small Gilmore Girls-esque small town, features romance but also rivalries in the elite world of classical musicians, as well as the complications of friendship and family dynamics. It’s light-hearted but also intelligent enough to be a gift that you can give to all kinds of readers.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle - This is the must-read book of the year for anyone looking for inspiration, making a big change or working on finding the best version of themselves. That applies to most of us, this year, doesn’t it?
American Royals - Are we a broken record with this book yet? Along with the sequel Majesty, it’s the perfect escape, imagining the Washingtons as the royal family of the US, following the young female heir to the throne, her twin siblings and their friends. For the budding royal lover, or YA fanatic, it’s the best read!
For Kids
Curious George Classic Collection - This is a favorite to gift to younger children. It looks tasteful on any bookshelf, is gender neutral and is usually also loved by the parents.
Be Our Guest by Gray Malin - Another children’s book that is a crowd-pleaser with the parents. Gray Malin is a photographer with a pretty big following for his birds-eye view beach scenes and playful set ups. His children’s book takes place in the whimsical Parker Palm Springs hotel and features a cast of real animals enjoying a visit.
The Babysitters Club Graphic Novels - Did you know that the first seven books in the BSC series have been made into graphic novels? Eloise’s older girls started reading these before the Netflix series came out and love them! It’s the perfect update that will also help you bond with the girls in your life.
I am Rosa Parks by Brad Meltzer - The Ordinary People Change the World book series is really well researched and put together and all of their biographies are great. This one is Cece’s particular favorite-I think that a lot of emphasis is put on how small Rosa Parks was, which makes her so relatable to kids, especially the youngest in our family. This one is set up almost as a graphic novel, which the kids also love and I think we’ve read this book about a thousand times at this point.