The inflatable ghosts have come down, the Christmas lights are out of storage, and our Thanksgiving books are on the shelves. It’s officially the holiday season y’all!
With the joy of the holidays, however, comes the stress of gift-giving. My family celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah, which means we have to prepare a LOT of gifts, and do it pretty early in the season.
To be honest, I don’t really love giving gifts. It’s not my “love-language,” as the kids say. However, since I can’t actually see most of my family this year, I’m planning on leaning in to more “classic” gift giving.
Below, you can find my lineup of sure-fire book-related gifts, as well as gifts that have nothing to do with books (because we all have a cousin to hates to read…). I also included a list of my go-to gift shops in the Long Beach and Seal Beach area. One silver lining of the pandemic is that many of these small shops have really beefed up their online presence, so even if you’re not local, you can still shop their inventory online.
I hope you find something that you love, and that your friends and family love even more. And happy holidays!
Bookish Gifts:
A Great Book Bag
Everyone needs a great book bag. Even your friend who just pretends to read could use it at the farmer’s market. My favorite casual book bag, and the one I use religiously for our weekly library trips is this Herb Garden Canvas Tote from Blue Windows–one of my favorite Long Beach small shops. They also sell a nylon tote that converts to a handbag, which I have been eying of late.
For occasions when my bag will NOT be half full of snacks and crayons, I use the Madewell leather transport tote (linked below). I can fit my laptop, planner, and a couple of books in here, and you can even get it monogrammed if you’re feeling fancy. I LOVE this tote, as it is classic, stylish and very functional.
Book Bag Essentials: Headbands, Scrunchies, Notebooks & Pens *Also make great TEACHER gifts!
This might not sound very “bookish,” but I honestly can’t read without a headband or a scrunchie. If I ever post a picture of myself reading with my hair down, you know it’s a lie, because there is literally nothing more annoying.
Lately, I’ve been loving a good knotted headband or bow scrunchie, because they keep the baby-hairs at bay, and really elevate your loungewear. I own all of the items linked below, and thoroughly recommend.
A lot of readers are also writers, so a beautiful journal and pen can make a great gift. I own a lovely “fancy pen” similar to this one, and the journals linked below (both from Rifle Paper Co.) and get compliments on them wherever I go.
Rifle Paper Co. has a ton of beautiful gift-able products, so I also linked their lovely planner, travel mug, wine glass, and clipboard — all of these would also make AMAZING teacher gifts, for all the educators who have been putting in double duty this year.
Book Sleeve
This is a great gift idea for the on-the-go reader. I recently purchased a book sleeve from Happy Go Lovely Sleeves on Etsy, and it is SO beautiful. Mine is the “maxi” size, which fits pretty much any hardcover or paperback. I enjoy it, but might also purchase the “midi” size to fit a little more snug around my beloved paperbacks. The owner Rachel is always switching up fabric and styles, and is also a pretty fun follow on Instagram, @happygolovelysleeves.
Bookshelf Tees
I am very honestly obsessed with Bookshelf Tees. Owner Lauren designs and prints super fun literary-inspired t-shirts and sweatshirts for both kids and adults. I currently own both the “When In Doubt Head To The Library” Tee, and the “Read Banned Books” sweatshirt. Both are super soft and cozy, and perfect for curling up on the couch with a good book. Everything runs pretty true to size–I own a small in the tee, and a medium in the sweatshirt (for extra coziness, and to accommodate my expanding belly).
Booklight
My husband and I definitely have different reading schedules. And sometimes, if what I’m reading really has me hooked, I’ll stay up long after he’s asleep to finish it. We both have little reading lights that allow us to be on our own schedule without driving each other crazy. The first light linked below is the one that I use, and the second (which goes around the neck) is the one my husband prefers.
Gifts to Cozy Up and Read With:
Phlur Candles
I love to burn candles while I’m reading, but am pretty health conscious and always worry about what that sweet-smelling smoke is actually made of… Phlur candles are the perfect alternative to traditional candles, as they are clean burning, non-toxic and cruelty-free. They also smell AMAZING. Phlur also sells fragrances in full size, and travel sizes. I bought a set of three sample sized fragrances (which I love) and they have lasted me FOREVER.
Chappy Wrap
I was recently influenced by pretty much everyone on the internet to buy this super-soft fleece throw blanket and I do not regret it. It is SO cozy, and basically goes everywhere with us. I bought the great lakes design to remind me at home, but the company offers a wide array of designs for full-sized blankets, as well as kid’s ones. I have my eye on this ABC kid’s design, as well as the buffalo check one for winter.
Weighted Blanket
If you have a friend or family member with ANY level of anxiety, this blanket is the gift for them. I ordered this at the beginning of quarantine and I am obsessed with it. It works a little bit like a “thunder shirt” does for dogs–the pressure of the weighted beads helps calm your sympathetic nervous system. I bought this one from Amazon and use it almost every night.
Bookish Mugs:
There’s nothing better than a good book and a cup of tea. (Or a mug of wine.) I ordered a few of these for myself (the “obstinate headstrong girl” and “bookmarks are for quitters” ones) and am eagerly awaiting their arrival. With Etsy, shipping can be slow, so order early.
#Coffeeandcurrentlyreading Supplies:
I currently stay at home with two young children, so reading in the morning isn’t really an option. But, when I was working, one of my favorite parts of the day was the 15 or so minutes of reading time I would allow myself while I drank my coffee at my desk.
If your book-loving family member or friend is also a coffee/tea-loving friend, then the gifts below would be a real treat:
Pour-Over Coffee System
This year, I switched over from regular drip coffee, to pour over. The process is a little more high-maintenance, but it’s honestly worth it. Below, I’ve linked the entire system that we use in my home, as well as my preferred brand of coffee.
1. We use this OXO kettle to heat water for coffee (I also use it for tea in the evening). It heats on a stand, allows you to choose the exact temp of your water, and stays hot for up to 30 minutes.
2. We also use this Chemex Pour-Over Maker. I love that it’s made of glass (so no weird chemicals), and is surprisingly sturdy.
3. These CoffeeSock reusable filters pair well with the Chemex. They are easy to clean, and very earth-friendly.
4. I’ve tried several coffee bean grinders, and this is the best one. It’s expensive, but comes with a good warranty, and I plan on using it forever.
5. We use this scale to weigh our coffee beans (because you have to make sure that ratio is perfect). It’s also a useful kitchen appliance to have on hand for weighing recipe ingredients.
6. And, lastly, Kicking Horse is both the best coffee, and one of the most beautiful ski resorts in Canada.
Giftable Books and Subscription Services:
Libro.fm
Libro.fm is an audiobook streaming service that supports independent bookstores (yay!). When you sign up, you can choose which bookstore you want your purchases to support. You can purchase a membership, or stand-alone “credits,” which would be a great gift for the busy reader who needs to get books in on the go.
Literati
Literati has subscription book boxes for both kids and adults The kid’s boxes cost about $10 per month and include 5 books. You can pay for the ones you want to keep, and send the rest back after reading. Literati offers different “clubs” for different age groups, so you know that the books you are getting are age-appropriate. Although we haven’t tried it yet, it is one of the gifts I plan on getting my own daughter for Christmas, as I have heard such great things about it.
The adult subscription is basically a membership to one of several book clubs, curated by people like Susan Orlean and Malala Yousafzai. Both subscriptions can be purchased as a gift, and emailed to the recipient.
An “Intuitively Chosen” Book from The Book Oracle
I don’t really know how to describe Ayesha Ophelia, but I guess you could call her a modern, spiritual hippie / life coach. Her website is full of a bunch of cool stuff and spiritual wisdom, but my favorite part of it all is “The Book Oracle.” Basically, Ophelia will “intuitively” choose a used book that has in some way impacted her life (with a little surprise inside) and send it to you or your loved ones. I thought this was so fun, and surprising, and left me with a book I truly enjoyed, and never would have chosen on my own. A great gift for the hippies and truth-seekers in your life.
BOOKS!:
Ok, so I know it’s really hard to suggest books for people. We all have different opinions on what we like, and what’s “good.” But, just so you have some options, I’ve included a few of my husband’s favorite books, as well as a few of my own favorite books, and some cookbooks as well (because those ALWAYS make a great gift, even if they end up being used for display purposes only…)
Books for Dudes:
Books for Women:
Books for New Moms:
To Have and To Hold
A great book about what it’s REALLY like to be a new mom. If you know a new mom who is struggling, this can really help put things in perspective, and help her realize that she’s not alone in the struggle.
The First 40 Days
An incredibly informative book for new moms about how to nourish their bodies during pregnancy, and in the crucial 40 days afterwards. It is a very interesting read for moms, but if we’re talking postpartum, the cooking should really be done by dad.
Cookbooks:
The Defined Dish
This is one of my most-loved cookbooks. It’s great for the more health-conscious people in your life, and includes many keto and gluten-free recipes. And the taco bake is what dreams are made of.
Healthier Together
Healthier Together is another great cookbook for people who are trying to cut down on sugar and/or gluten, but still want to enjoy some decadent treats and meals. I also love following the author on Instagram, @lizmoody, as she is always sharing more foodie, fitness and mental health tips.
The Family Meal
This book is for the wanna-be home chef who doesn’t really know what they’re doing. The author does a great job of laying out what tools and ingredients you always need to have on hand, and then walks readers through EXACTLY how to prepare some pretty awesome (but not over-the-top) 3 course meals. This one is a kitchen must-have.
