Obsessed with Gift Guides

so here's one more for the last minute ho-ho-hos

Because there really is a book for everyone, here are my picks for the hard to shop for and easily amused.

I implore you to go to your local bookstore. But hey, if you click my affiliate links, you’re low-key Robin Hood: taking from a giant corporation to give me cash and I do good things with it. If time is not on your side, go audio or e-book.

(Inspired by the books Goodreads says I read this year — who knew I had taste?)

For your friend with high body count hair:

In a life-twist I didn’t expect I loved Elizabeth Gilbert’s fictional book, City of Girls, but I still retain contempt for her non-fictional books (eat, pray, love. big magic). Follow non-conformist Vivian as she joins a wild theater crowd in 1940s NYC and lives her fullest life. No marriage! No kids! All the Champagne! Gift with feather boa and bottle of Prosecco.

For your mom and your grandmother:

Lisa Marie Presley’s memoir, From Here to the Great Unknown, is the peak audio memoir. Julia Roberts and Riley Keough do a remarkable job narrating. What makes it next level, though, is the included snippets from Lisa’s recordings throughout the book. It felt personal, it felt like I was there and it felt tragically short. Gift this with a set of tissues and a spotify playlist of Elvis and Lisa songs. Bonus: slip in some waterproof mascara, just in case.

For your college-aged sister or niece:

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe so ridiculously entertaining it’s already been snapped up by Apple. The series will star Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman (may she never get off our screens). Gift it with a year of Apple TV.

For Gramps:

Grandpa probably resents Tom Selleck because of all that hair but it’s an interesting look into his career up through Magnum PI. It also moves at a snails pace and is repetitive, so perfect for Gramps. The large print paperback edition is linked. I got you. Gift with this perfect shirt.

For the friend that still thinks they can do it all or anyone with adhd:

how to keep house while drowning deserves the viral buzz — a gem among BookTok clutter. I used the information and bought myself a copy after listening on libby. Better than the life-changing decluttering book. This isn’t another joy-sparking fold-fest; it’s practical, realistic, and dare I say... soothing? Gift with a cozy cashmere blanket because, let’s face it, giving a cleaning book is pretty cheeky on its own.

For your dad, hubs, adult brother:

Revisiting Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain for my book club proved it holds up incredibly well. It’s still thought provoking and conversation-inducing. It’s a bookshelf must. I linked to the annotated version and you should absolutely gift this with any food except gas station Jerky.

For the Swiftie in your life:

Heartbreak is the National Anthem by Rob Sheffield is Swiftie-approved magic (I know because I am one). Rob gets Taylor and unpacks her songs like a heartbroken literary genius. Gift with a Taylor Swift Vinyl record and maybe a homemade friendship bracelet.

For the friend who only reads romance:

Track down trashy vintage gems at a used bookstore or ebay, like Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins; perfectly trashy, scandalous and 100% bonkers. Basically, the literary equivalent of too much wine — but actually better for you. It's also a Roman a clef so they can spend the rest of their time googling old Hollywood. Gift with hairspray and a statement necklace so they can live their best campy life.

For your relative/friend who won’t leave the office.

""The only way out is through" people say but they are talking about heartbreak or grief, not Tuesday. " Author Kristi Coulter in Exit Interview recounting her ambitious career at Amazon and serving plenty of tea. It’s a perfect read for over-achievers running on cold brew and Excel sheets. Gift with a bottle of Tequila and scratch off lottery tickets.

For the person who doesn’t read and listens/watches to true crime only:

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll is loosely based on an infamous serial killer and victim-focused. It’s captivating and will reinvigorate those podcast addict’s need to read. Pair with another book, a compelling memoir from a survivor of Ted Bundy for a follow-up fix.

For yourself (because self-care matters):

The only thing better than Michael C. Hall would be Truman Capote himself narrating Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s perfection and short enough to get you through a gift-wrapping session. Another substacker,

Pixie Cuts and Bookmarks

recommended this and I am so glad she did.

If you made it to the end, thank you! Please share this list with your friends and show me some love, I put far too much thought into this.