The FictionMatters Holiday Gift Guide

Books and more for everyone on your list

Nov 12, 2023

It’s been a slow reading week over here as I’ve been catching up on work—and, let’s be honest, TV and podcasts. So instead of my usual review roundup, I thought I’d share a little gift guide. You’ll find some books and bookish goods, as well as a handful of my favorite gifts to give, and the things Louise and I are loving right now.

I hope you find something fun for yourself, your littles, or the readers in your life. I’d love to hear your go-to gifts (books and otherwise!) so please drop your best ideas in the comments!

Best books to gift to any reader

The most giftable books of the year…

For the scientist or the pop scientist: Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon
For the millennial: Dolls of Our Lives by Allison Horrocks and Mary Maloney or Generations by Jean M. Twenge
For the lit fic lover: The Hive and the Honey by Paul Yoon, Orbital by Samantha Harvey, or Roman Stories by Jhumpa Lahiri
For the person who reads one, really good book a year: North Woods by Daniel Mason, Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff, or Let Us Descend by Jesmyn Ward
For the under-the-radar reader: The Sense of Wonder by Matthew Salesses, Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt, Jewel Box by E. Lily Yu, Company by Shannon Sanders, or Ordinary Notes by Christina Sharpe
For the purist: The Passenger and Stella Maris (now in paperback) by Cormac McCarthy, Best American Short Stories 2023 ed. by Min Jin Lee
For the person who’s read everything: A Guest at the Feast by Colm Toíbín, The Upstairs Delicatessen by Dwight Garner, or Big Fiction by Dan Sinykin

Perennial favorite gift books…

For the deep reader: A Swim in the Pond in the Rain by George Saunders or Poetry Unbound by Pádraig O Tuama
For the reader who has too many (and never enough) books: Bibliophile and Bibliophile: Diverse Spines
For the English nerd: a favorite from the Painted Classics, Penguin Vitae, or Penguin Classics Deluxe series
For the collector: a set of Jesmyn Ward’s backlist books (one, two, three in the Bois Sauvage trio) or the newly released matching editions of Maggie O’Farrell’s books
For the Shakespeare fanatic: The Invention of the Human by Harold Bloom or Will in the World by Stephen Greenblatt
For the backlist reader: A book subscription is never a bad idea. Right now, I’m loving Vignette Books. They send used books which is great for sustainability and you can choose from a variety of edits for yourself or your giftee. You can use code SARA15 for 15% off through the end of January! [Disclaimer: they sent me a free box to trial, but this mention isn’t sponsored.]
For the translated fiction lover: An Imaginary Friends book subscription from Skylight Books, which focuses on small press and translated lit.

Bookish goods and accessories

For your own wishlist or for the book lover who really has your heart, this personalized library card charm is the most enviable accessory for any avid reader. You can give a similar look at a fraction of the cost by personalizing this Able necklace.
A Papier journal feels like an indulgence without breaking the bank.
Rifle Paper Co.’s bookish designs are sure to delight. My favorites are this mug, this notepad, and this embroidered pillow. For the chef in your life, this cookbook tea towel is adorable.
Book darts make for a great stocking stuffer and you can never have too many.
If you have a major fangirl in your life, consider some fresh book jackets for her favorite series.
Yellow Owl Workshop was kind enough to send me a little bundle of their bookish goodies. This hair pin and this bag are my favorites.

Assorted favorites I love to give

In my opinion, fancy candles make a perfect gift because they’re beloved, long-lasting, and something I’m disinclined to buy for myself. I have yet to splurge on a Hotel Lobby candle, but if I did, I’d try this or this. I was once gifted this Book Club candle and I love the scent.
As a kid I turned my nose up at socks as gifts, but now I know that they are truly wonderful gifts. Nice socks are pricey! Everyone wants them but no one wants to spend their own money on them! These are cute and inexpensive. These, these, and these are the best of the best.
A bookish puzzle can be a great gift. I love this Jane Austen one, but this bookshop image and this banned books collage are also great.
We gifted these glasses to family members last year and they were a hit.
This belt bag or this toiletries bag would make a great gift for you travel-loving pals.
I adore these colorful mugs with their big handles.

Sara’s favorite things

I live in this Henley sweater and this cardigan in the fall and winter. For something just as cozy but a little more special I love this or this.
I’m still obsessed with these house shoes. My husband swears by these slippers though.
My everyday bag—fits diapering essentials plus a book or Kindle, keeps my hands free, and is currently 30% off.
Bookish hats are very in right now—the NYT even wrote about it! I love this one and these.
These oversized bandanas are perfect as headbands or scarves.
This is a very cozy beanie and comes in so many fantastic colors.
My Moroccan tile rug is where I take many of my book pics and it comes in a doormat size all the way up.

Louise’s favorite things

This little doll house has served us so well, especially now that the Tiger family has moved in.
Her current favorite reads include Chirri and Chirra and anything Eve Rice. This Chris Haughton boxed set is also a hit.
Jackets are hit or miss, but this vest is always a winning layer as is her owl hat. And for sun protection, her Rey to Z baseball hat is still going strong.
We’re working extending naps into quiet time when they run short and the Tonie Box has been helping start the process.
Her very own reading chair—just like mama’s.

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Happy reading!

Sara