Did the holiday season sneak up on you like it snuck up on me? I started to plan my Christmas shopping in early November, but before I knew it, it was the middle of December and I still needed to purchase some presents. Thankfully, I have finished my shopping but if you haven’t (no judgment, we’ve all been there before) why not give a few books this season?

I may be a little bias as a bookworm, but I truly do believe books make great gifts.

They more likely than not will be exciting for anyone to open (even if whoever you’re giving them to isn’t the biggest reader, you may introduce them to a wonderful story), they are incredibly durable (I’ve had the same copy of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens for years), and they will keep the receiver occupied for a few days (a great way to relax after the hustle and bustle of the holidays).

With that said, if you are doing some last-minute shopping, I have compiled a great (in my opinion) list of books that would make incredible gifts this holiday season (or any time of the year).

Non-fiction:

Beautiful Boy by David Sheff

If you know me personally, you are probably sick and tired of hearing me talk about this book because I haven’t been able to stop talking about it since I read it at the beginning of the year.

This book follows the true story of David Sheff and his son’s struggle with being addicted to crystal meth. Beautiful Boy is (for a lack of a better word) beautifully written, moving, and heartbreaking – it was one of my favourite books to read this year, and it is quickly turning into my favourite book ever.

Fiction:

You by Caroline Kepnes

This book is great for anyone on your list who loves suspense. I don’t even want to try to explain this book because I know I will give way too much away, but just know it is a novel involving romance, manipulation, stalking, and murder.

Light-Hearted Fiction:

The Crazy Rich Asians trilogy by Kevin Kwan

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, I have never had more fun reading a series than when I read this series. The Crazy Rich Asians series is hilarious, romantic, dramatic, and just downright fun to read. It is a real page-turner and your loved one who receives it will be done before they know it!

Short Stories:

Christmas at The Vinyl Café by Stuart McLean

This book is perfect for anyone who may not want to commit to reading a whole novel (people get busy!!) and is just a great book in general. Inside readers will be delighted with 12 Christmas stories that will remind them what the holiday season is all about. This book is a fun read, it is hilarious, and incredibly heartwarming (and it is a Canadian classic!).

Children’s:

Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola

A teacher read this story to me when I was in Grade 1 I believe, so I would have been around six-years-old. I am 23-years-old now, and I still can’t stop thinking of this book. The illustrations are next level and will completely captivate any young child along with their parents.

Again, I don’t want to give too much away so all I’ll say is that it involves a magic pasta pot and some unfortunate results for one hungry man.

Are you gifting books this holiday season?

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