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A week before Christmas is usually when I realize I wasn’t quite as organized as I thought. The big gifts are wrapped, Santa’s workshop is officially closed—but then it hits me: teachers, crossing guards, neighbors, hosts, aunts, the friend who slipped me a gift I wasn’t expecting. Suddenly, the list grows.
Luckily, I have a foolproof last-minute formula that never feels rushed: a beautiful book paired with something cozy. Plush socks. A bar of really good chocolate. A tin of tea, a packet of hot cocoa, a homemade treat wrapped in parchment and twine. It’s simple, thoughtful, and always feels intentional.
Below is my go-to list of books I gift repeatedly—crowd-pleasers, well-loved favorites, and a few special editions that feel extra special. The best part? Every one of these ships fast from Target or Amazon, with many arriving as soon as tomorrow. Crisis averted.
For the Design Lover or Creative Spirit
Johanna Basford
Pair with a small bud vase, floral notecards, or a pressed flower bookmark—for the creative soul who could use a quiet moment amid the holiday rush.
Rick Rubin
Pair with a beautiful notebook, pencil set, or match striker—for the creative soul craving inspiration, clarity, and permission to approach their work (and life) with more curiosity in the year ahead.
Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë, & Anne Brontë
Pair with cozy socks, a classic mug, or a wool throw bookmark—for the reader who loves timeless stories and appreciates a gift that’s as beautiful to display as it is to read.
For the Host, Cook, or Food Lover
Adeena Sussman
Shabbat: Recipes and Rituals from My Table to Yours
Pair with linen napkins, flaky salt, or olive oil—for the home cook who believes the most meaningful meals are rooted in ritual, tradition, and gathering around the table.
Will Guidara
Pair with cocktail napkins, a bar towel, or a handwritten hosting note—for the host who sees generosity as an art form and loves creating moments people never forget.
For the Reader Who Loves a Good Story
Liz Moore
Pair with a candle, a reading light, or a bookmark—for the reader who loves getting lost in an atmospheric, page-turning story on long winter nights.
Emily Henry
The People We Meet on Vacation (Deluxe Edition)
Pair with a travel-sized candle, cozy blanket, or hot chocolate—for the romance lover who wants a familiar favorite wrapped in something that feels extra special.
Uzma Jalaluddin & Marissa Stapley
Pair with festive chocolates or a holiday tea blend—for the reader who loves cozy rom-coms, inclusive storytelling, and stories that feel like a feel-good holiday movie.
For the Reflective, Spiritual, or Soulful
Mary Oliver
Pair with a journal, Blackwing pencil, or morning tea—for anyone who finds grounding, beauty, and quiet wisdom in words that invite you to slow down and pay attention.
Timothy Keller & Kathy Keller
God’s Wisdom for Navigating Life
Pair with a devotional journal or linen bookmark—for the person seeking daily grounding, gentle guidance, and a meaningful ritual to carry them through the year.
Anne Lamott
The Comfort and Joy Collection
Pair with cozy socks, a candle, or a handwritten note—for anyone who could use humor, honesty, and hope wrapped up in one deeply comforting gift.
For the Sports Fan
Joe Posnanski
Why We Love Football: A History in 100 Moments
Pair with a team mug, cozy throw, or game-day snacks—for the fan who loves the stories, legends, and emotion that make football more than just a game.
When time is short, a good book does the talking for you. Add one cozy detail, wrap it simply, and you’ve got a gift that feels thoughtful—even if you ordered it yesterday.
