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These Are The Best Books To Get Everyone On Your Holiday Shopping List

You can’t go wrong with a good read.

November 21, 2022

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While it can be difficult to shop even for people you know the best, there’s one item that always makes gift-giving just a little bit easier: A good book. Sure, you may think that’s something that would be way too hard to pick for any individual person. (Especially since you probably have some trouble settling on one for yourself at any given time.) Yet if you know even the most basic of information about your gift recipient’s hobbies, lifestyle, etc., you can likely find a read they’ll love with ease. When it comes to books that make for great gifts, it’s not just about discovering a random good story — it’s about giving something that truly speaks to someone and what they’re passionate about.

Fortunately, it goes without saying that there’s truly an option for everyone out there. From books about pickleball for your favorite sports lovers to memoirs of beloved stars (we all know some extreme fans), it’s actually pretty easy to shop for reads that will satisfy any interest.

That said, the holidays are here and you’ve got no time to waste. If you’re stumped on what to give someone you know, stop scratching your head; instead, continue on for some book suggestions for (almost) all the people on your to-buy-for list this season.

Best For: The Sports Lover

Rachel Simon

Pickleball for All

$17.99

That friend who won’t stop talking about picking up pickleball? This is for them. The book delves into the history, rules, and future of the sport, providing a fun primer to get someone started or inform their current game.

Best For: The Reality TV Devotee

Dave Quinn

Not All Diamonds and Rosé: The Inside Story of The Real Housewives from the People Who Lived It

$14.49

This is for all the diehard, longtime Real Housewives fans. The book explores the history of the television franchise and gives a juicy behind-the-scenes look at the show’s making. “I like to think of Not All Diamonds and Rosé as the ultimate reunion,” said Andy Cohen. “I know readers will be surprised, entertained, and even shocked at what’s in store.”

Best For: The Avid Outlander Fan

Sam Heughan

Waypoints: My Scottish Journey

$24.50

If you know someone who’s *obsessed* with Outlander (there’s always that one friend), there’s no doubt they’d love to have a copy of this memoir on self-discovery by Sam Heughan, who stars in the cult-favorite show. (That is, if they don’t already own one.)

Best For: The Wellness Guru

Maya Feller, MS, RD, CDN

Eating from Our Roots

$30

Any wellness enthusiasts in your life will delight in this cookbook from Maya Feller, a registered dietitian and nutritionist, which features more than 80 recipes of nourishing dishes from around the globe. “A multicultural road map to healthier eating . . .,” said Jessica B. Harris, Ph.D., author of High on the Hog. “While most dietitian-driven cookbooks are full of ‘No!’ . . . this one delights with ‘Yes!’ and makes the reader want to head for the kitchen.”

Best For: The Design Obsessed

Malene Birger

Move & Art

$74.94

Danish fashion and interior designer Malene Birger brings new design ideas via the four houses and flats she’s designed in England, Italy, Greece, and Spain in this third volume of her best-selling series. This one will serve as a beautiful adornment for any design lover’s coffee table — but also an endless source of inspiration when they’re in need of ideas.

Best For: The Poet

June Jordan

Directed by Desire: The Collected Poems of June Jordan

$24

For the budding poets you know, gift this “definitive overview of June Jordan’s poetry,” which features works from the author’s ten volumes, plus many others that were never published during Jordan’s lifetime. “Directed by Desire . . . is a powerful addition to the entire canon of American poetry,” said Booklist of this collection.

Best For: The Cocktail Curious

Brad Thomas Parsons

Amaro: The Spirited World of Bittersweet, Herbal Liqueurs, with Cocktails, Recipes, and Formulas

$15.59

It seems like everyone’s developed a passion for bittersweet liqueurs these days, so there’s bound to be someone on your list that this book is perfect for. It takes readers on a tour of bars, cafés, and distilleries in Italy, and explores the history and culture of amaro today. Once they’re done reading, your recipient can try the more than 100 recipes included.

Best For: The Person Who Needs A Smile

Assouline

Smiley: 50 Years Of Good News

$60

Let’s be real — everyone on your shopping list could use a few more reasons to smile these days. In this bright book, Smiley reflects on its first 50 years and features its “most exciting collaborations, a look back at moments in history that gave us a reason to smile, and more.”

Best For: The Nature Lover

Robin Wall Kimmerer

Braiding Sweetgrass - Gift Edition

$35

This beautiful hardcover special edition of Braiding Sweetgrass by botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer is meant to “inspire readers to spread the word about scientific knowledge, indigenous wisdom, and the teachings of plants.” It’s perfect for those with a love of nature — and also those who appreciate a truly stunning book in their home.

Best For: The Hostess

Shop KSW

A Loving Table - Signed Copy

$55

In this colorful tome, 34 tastemakers share the ways in which they keep traditions inherited from their mothers and grandmothers alive in their families. The touching book is perfect for the perpetual hostess in your life.

Best For: The Burgeoning Chef

Marcus Samuelsson

Yes, Chef: A Memoir

$22

Marcus Samuelsson takes readers through his life and career as a chef in this memoir, which chronicles his journey from childhood to renowned chef. “Plenty of celebrity chefs have a compelling story to tell, but none of them can top [this] one,” said The Wall Street Journal of the inspiring book.

Best For: The Outdoorsy Adventurer

David Moscow & Jon Moscow

From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet

$24

Author David Moscow takes readers on a different kind of culinary adventure, exploring the food that shapes our lives and the complex sources from which we gather them.