Last minute, thoughtful, universally brilliant books to gift
For when you need them most
I know it’s too late for Christmas stockings now, but these are my list of go-to books for a token gift. You know the type - a birthday, a leaving present, for a dinner party host or as a thank you present. Books that feel sufficiently unique or different, that they don’t already own but are a joy to read and are (somewhat) universally appealing.
Currently, top of my list is The Golden Mole. I have grabbed so many of these, for everyone, of all ages. It very well could be my gifting book of the last year. It is uplifting and warm, reflecting on the truly astonishing and joyous animals we share this earth with. Read this, then do something to support our planet. This is a great reminder that no act of service is too small, but we must all start.
Ikigai is a beautiful book inside and out (a great one for the coffee table) and is full of little pieces of wisdom that feel genuinely upbeat and positive. I still have the bookmark I wrote on, filling it with quotes from the book, and it’s a great daily reminder of a life well lived. This has become a go to for wedding presents, as has Yung Pueblo’s Clarity and Connection (I love and would recommend all his books).
Anthony Bourdain needs little introduction, but Kitchen Confidential is a brilliant look at the love of food and kitchens - perfect for any foodies in your life. Same for Mrs Dalloway, a short and perfectly formed classic.The last two (Heartburn, Excellent Women) have been referenced here previously, but are such perfect books to gift they couldn’t not make it on to this list.
Here they are:
The Golden Mole - Katherine Rundell
Ikigai - Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles
Clarity & Connection - Yung Pueblo
Kitchen Confidential - Anthony Bourdain
Mrs Dalloway - Virginia Woolf
Heartburn - Nora Ephron
Excellent Women - Barbara Pym
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