Slacker Holiday Shopping Ideas: Books

I did the bulk of my holiday shopping this year at the bookstore, both online and IRL (new and used). One of the reasons why I like to give books is that you can find something for everyone at a bookstore and walk out with gifts for everyone all in one tidy bag, usually without breaking the bank. 

I know I've said it before--we don't go overboard during the holidays, never have, probably never will. The girls are getting a bunch of new books this year because I buy them during the holidays (socks, undies, books). Most of them were bought used and are in great shape (they'll never know).

This year, if you still haven't purchased gifts, check out your local bookstore or take advantage of the online deals that are probably bombing your email in box.  If you are looking for suggestions, here are a few of my  family's favorite books of the year, all would make wonderful holiday gifts. Some of these we read together or alone, some are finding their way under our tree. (Side note: I sure wish I could figure out the Amazon affiliate thing. Sigh. Next year.)

Wallie (age 4) recommends:

The Little Horse series by Betsy Byers

Snow Ponies by Cynthia Cotten

What Does Mrs. Claus Do? by Kate Wharton

Mask Parade by Stephanie Trelogan (I know the author, she is wonderful and so is this book. Highly recommend.)

In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck (I highly recommend this sweet bedtime story.)

The Bunnies are Not in Their Beds by Marisabina Russo. (Both girls love this book.)

Bunny (age 6) recommends:

The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl (A recent gift from a friend that has her entranced. Dahl is my favorite children's book author.)

Thundercake by Patricia Polacco (One of her favorite authors. Mine, too.)

The Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park

The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne

Spyology by Spencer Blake (she is a budding Harriet the Spy)

Destination: Space by Seymour Simon

And, finally, for the adults on your list, here are some books that truly delighted me this year. They'd make great gifts:

Fast Food My Way and Most Fast Food My Way by Jacques Pepin. Step aside Rachael Ray. Let a pro show you how it's done. An inspiring series for anyone who loves to cook.

Jamie At Home: Cook Your Way to the Good Life by Jamie Oliver. However you feel about him personally, his sensible approach to food is something I share. This book contains my favorite garlicky-anchovy crudite dip. And his garden...one can only dream. Also noteworthy, the retro design of the book.

The Little House Cookbook by Barbara M. Walker. Bunny is fascinated by the food Ma Ingalls cooked. I would love to have this under my tree so we can cook together.

101 Sangria and Pitcher Drinks by Kim Haasarud. I like booze throwing parties. Beautiful photography in this one.

The Green Collar Economy by Van Jones. I cannot shut up about this book. Give it to any reluctant environmentalist on your list.

32 Third Grader and One Class Bunny: Life Lessons from Teaching by Phillip Done. I am not recommending this book because I was a 3rd grade teacher or because Mr. Done teaches in my school district (lucky kids). I am recommending it enthusiatically because it's a book that it will have you smiling from ear-to-ear with its message. And we need more of those books.

Scratch Beginnings: Me. $25, and the Search for the American Dream by Andrew W. Shepard. This is another hope-filled book, but reaches its conclusion in a scrappier way. Could you leave home with a sleeping bag and just $25 in your pocket and within a year be able to have a job, a car, your own place to live, and $2500 in the bank? Shepard finds out. The hard way.

The Middle Place by Kelly Corrigan. This book kicked off my book group. The author and her father develop cancer at the same time. You will laugh and cry your way through this book. And if you are my age, you will relate to her pop-culture-reference-filled childhood stories.

Sleep Is for the Weak edited by Rita Arens. What else can I say? I am in this one.

Comments

[Briana]

Ha! My son ADORES "The Bunnies are Not In Their Beds".
I picked it up at the library, not even knowing glancing inside, right during the time when my 2 1/2 year old was getting up repeatedly at bedtime.
It was like magic! The story totally communicated with him what I wasn't able to... and shortly thereafter he started staying put. Thank goodness!
Happy Holidays!

[Pamela]

Thanks!

[Kari]

I grew up loving the Little House series and always wondered about the foods described in the books. I so want that Little House Cook Book! I love all of your recommendations!

[kat]

giving out books is my favorite idea for any occasion. birthday, holidays, baby shower - who doesn't want lovely and your stamp of approval in reading material.

[katelin]

oh man i want that sangria book!

[Jen]

Here is the author of A Middle Place reading an excerpt. It brought me to tears :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q