10 Books to Give as Gifts (To Someone Else or Yourself)

Here lies the list of some of my favorite books I came across at my previous job in a bookstore. These books are unique and make great gifts for friends, family and coworkers. And maybe you want to give yourself a little gift book, which is also fine…..no judging here! Just so you know: These are my opinions and do not have anything to do with the publishing companies or business entities that represent the books or authors.

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1. Penguins with People Problems by Mary Laura Philpott

This book is hands down hilarious. It helps if you like penguins, but it’s funny all the same. Each page has a quick few lines that describe the “problems” penguins have that are really the “problems” people have.

For example, “After a breakup, Karla takes extra special care of herself, making time to do healthy things. For example, today for lunch, she’s having a cup of organic Greek yogurt….topped with Oreos, Gummi snakes, coconut, M&Ms and caramel sauce – a dish she calls ‘Suck it, Brian'” One of the funniest laugh-out-loud books I’ve come across in a while.

Get it here.

2. Pantone The 20^th Century in Color by Leatrice Elseman and Keith Recker

This book is great for any designer/fashion/art obsessed person. It has pages of color inspiration from each decade. You can read through and witness the color changes that influenced our lives through fashion, interior design, product development and more. It’s very visual and very cool.

Grab it here.

3. Color Therapy An Anti-Stress Coloring Book

Maybe it’s a girl thing, but I love coloring. I have ever since I was a kid. My sister hates coloring with me because apparently, I put too much emphasis on shading. I don’t know why that’s a bad thing…..I think she just gets annoyed with how long it takes me. Anyways, this book is an awesome excuse to do the little kid thing and color as an adult. The pages are very detailed and the attention to that detail by you and your colored pencils, is said to de-stress! Win-win.

Get yours here.

4. 52 Lists Project by Moorea Seal

This book is based on journaling. It provides space for 52 prompts, one a week. (That’s not too much to handle). Each one is thought provoking and meant to make you think, discover joy, and help you with self-expression. It separates them by season and is super beautiful! Definitely one of my favorite books in the list.

Buy yours here.

5. Name That Movie by Paul Rogers

This book is a collection of pictograms that are meant to be a puzzle. The puzzles are fun and the answers are in the back of the book, in case you get super frustrated! It’s fun to play with friends or significant others. There are 100 puzzles, so you’ll be busy for a while! Can you look at a few drawings and guess what movie is being depicted? Challenge accepted! There’s also a Name That Show (the TV version).

Get yours here.

6. The Number Devil by Hans Magnus Enzensberger

Ok, this one is a little niche. I don’t know how many people remember The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. I freaking loved it. Still love it. Anyways, this book reminds me of the adult version. It is a math adventure with fun math facts and puzzles along the way. There are illustrations (win) and the story is fun. Great gift for a math/science friend!

Buy yours here.

7. Maps of the Disney Parks by Kevin and Susan Neary with Vanessa Hunt

This is a must for any Disney fan. Period. It is an awesome collection of different Disney maps. Maps of the parks, maps of the rides, maps of fantasy worlds. It is so colorful, unbelievably detailed and just plain cool. It’s a great coffee table book too. The front opens like the gates of Disney and transports you into the creative world of Walt himself.

Buy your here.

8. The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories by Tim Burton

I think everyone knows who Tim Burton is and it’s quite possible that this book is well known. But I think it makes a great gift for anyone who is a creative, Gothic, Disney lover, humorist, or horror lover. Basically, this book works for a wide variety of people. It’s got unique characters and stories that only could’ve come from the one of a kind mind of Tim Burton. Mine has a different cover than the one available with Prime, but same book!

Get yours here.

9. The Physics of Christmas by Roger Highfield

I may be reaching with this one. I am a lover of math and science. It’s just a fun adult take on the magic that we loved as kids. The subtitle is “From the Aerodynamics of Reindeer to the Thermodynamics of Turkey”. We all know someone who would totally geek out over this book right? Clearly me. Ahhh. So great.

Physics here!

10. Norbert’s Little Lessons for a Big Life by Julie Steines and Virginia Freyermuth

Norbert is basically the world’s cutest therapy dog. And if you’re not already part of the Norberthood, you should be. He’s on Instagram and Facebook and has his own website. I practically begged my mother for this book last Christmas. (For real, I’m 33). Norbert is a registered therapy dog that visits people in the hospital and provides much needed smiles. He gives high fives. (I’m not kidding). He is so adorable it almost hurts. This book is a compilation of cute pics and fun sayings. It’s a cute and very uplifting little gift.

Get your Norbie here.

There is one honorable mention that I would like to share. It is called Graph Out Loud by graphjam.com. The reason it’s not included on my gift books list is that new copies don’t seem to be available. But let me tell you if you like pop culture and graphs, this book is SO WORTH finding a used copy. Like really – pie charts, Back to the Future and Jay-Z references….

Finally, if you have a book loving friend, chances are they would like some art in their niche. I made some printable art that is themed (of course) around book quotes. It comes with a textured/colored background, or just plain white for a more minimal look. You can pick them up here on Etsy.

What do you all think? Any favorite unique, fun, ridiculous books you would gift that I missed? Feel free to comment below or post on our facebook page with your favorites www.facebook.com/eventotb.

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Happy Reading!