Books are one of my favorite gifts to receive and give. My whole family loves to read, and there is something magical about the power of books. You can be transported anywhere in time or space with just a book. Here are some great titles for the whole family.
For Kids
Weird But True! 10
Retail $8.99
Ages 8-12
Kids are sponges for information, and Nat Geo Kids has awesome books that inspire the spirit of learning especially the Weird But True! books which is now introducing the tenth in its series. Each book has about 350 strange and interesting facts sure to grab the attention of kids and keep them reading. The books cover a variety of topics such as science, space, weather, geography, food, pop culture and much more. Kids will learning crazy facts such as ears are self-cleaning or that there is an Italian artist that creates life size sculptures out of gum! With great photos and odd, interesting facts, these books will encourage kids to keep learning about the world around them.
Weird But True! Christmas
Retail $8.99
Ages 8-12
This fact filled book is a great stocking stuffer. It is packed with fun and festive information about Christmas. Kids will enjoy reading about one of the most magical and exciting holidays.
Weird But True! Know-It-All Greek Mythology
Retail $12.99
Ages 8-12
The incredible and fascinating world of Greek mythology is also very complicated. Kids can get an early glimpse into that world with this newest edition. It captures all the important, iconic myths and characters in this large genre. Creating an easy to read guide helps encourage kids to further explore Greek mythology and its far reaching influence on even modern day works.
Weird But True! Cool and Crazy Sticker Doodle Book
Retail $12.99
Ages 8-12
This book is full of facts, activities, and stickers, of course! There are crosswords to solve, mazes to conquer and so much more that will keep those wheels turning. The many fun facts are followed by activity prompts to inspire a child’s creativity. This book is exactly what kids need on long holiday car rides.
The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide for the World’s Most Adventurous Kid by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco
Retail $13.49
Ages 8-12 years
This book takes readers to 100 real destinations found in 47 countries on each continent. Vivid illustrations transport readers to real world wonders, and give kids a glimpse into the amazing world of travel. From waterfalls to caves, it is a captivating read that highlights that magic that is mother nature and will make kids want to get out and explore.
The Book of Ingeniously Daring Chemistry: 24 Experiments for Young Scientists by Sean Connolly
Retail $10.50
Ages 9 and up
Focusing on STEM learning has been a major movement within education, and kids are inundated with STEM related learning meant to encourage interest in these rapidly growing fields. This book is a perfect example of that. Each chapter explores an element and everything you need to know about it from a to z. Then, there are a variety of experiments to use all they have learned about the elements and explore its properties. This takes complicated information about the elements and makes it easy to understand while applying it to real world situations to help kids make those connections from reading to action. This is a fun way to get kids enamored with science.
Gods and Heroes: Mythology Around the World by Korwin Briggs
Retail $13.49
Ages 9-12
Mythology exists in societies around the world, and it plays an important role in the development of literature and cultures. This book gives kids the chance to read about myths from the Greeks to Japanese. It has more than 70 characters from 23 cultures telling the stories of goddesses, warriors, and kings. These fascinating tales will captivate kids and give them a look into mythology and what role it plays in culture.
The Kid’s Awesome Activity Book: Games! Puzzles! Mazes! And More! By Mike Lowery
Retail $8.99
Ages 4-8
Kids are going to be home for a long time during the holiday season. Chances are they are going to start driving you a little batty so be prepared with activities like this epic book of interactive fun. There are games, crafts, and prompts to keep those kids busy and learning even on holiday break. Kids can solves mazes, write a song for a cat rock band, and even create their own spaceship. There are also finger puppets, paper dolls, stickers and so much more that will engage kids. From travel to chilly afternoons inside, this will be a boredom buster.
For Mom
Paint by Sticker: Cats
Retail $10.37
Get creative with this sticker book that has 12 cats to bring to life. It works like a paint by number, but instead of painting, you peel stickers and match them with their corresponding number to create pictures of cats. From Siamese to a ginger tabby, there is a variety of cats to create. The best part is you don’t have to be creative to make a masterpiece. Anyone can do it! This is a definite stress reliever especially after having to spend the holidays with family.
Life in the Sloth Lane: Slow Down and Smell the Hibiscus by Lucy Cooke
Retail $9.06
This is the ultimate just-for-fun book that is great for all ages. Full of adorable photos of silly, lazy sloths, it also has quotes reminding us to slow down and enjoy life. This book will make anyone smile with joy.
Atlas Obscura Page-A-Day Calendar 2019
Retail $8.99
From the #1 New York Times bestselling book, this page-a-day calendar is the gift you need for any traveler or adventure lover in your life. There are breathtaking photos, facts and more in the 365 days of the calendar. It features incredible destinations and attractions from around the world including places like the Snake Charmers Procession in Italy or the Great Blue Hole in Belize. It is an inspiration for travelers or anyone fascinated by the world around us.
The Best Damn Answers to Life’s Hardest Questions by Tess Koman
Retail $9.30
Ever wish someone could just give you the answers to the problems in your life? Don’t we all! This book has 54 illustrated flowcharts, lists of pros and cons and even rants that will validate all the craziness in your own life. For every adult that has found themselves wondering if they are insane or if life is really just this messy, this is for you. It will give a good dose of laughter and make you realize that we all have the same crazy thoughts on a daily basis.
The Confidence Code: The Art and Science of Self-Assurance – What Women Should Know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
Retail $11.55
This book is a New York Times bestseller and a in depth look at how people develop confidence. The authors did extensive research on confidence both in the realm of psychology and genetics coming to the conclusion that is a combination of both that creates our levels of confidence. While they claim some sense of our confidence comes from genetics, they stress how we can in fact take daily actions to build our confidence and change our daily lives.
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman
Retail $15.88
This beautiful memoir is about a woman escaping a strict religious sect of Judaism. Feldman secretly read books by Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott which inspired her to live a life of her own choosing. It is an empowering tale of creating your own destiny.
Difficult Women by Roxane Gay
Retail $10.87
This collection of stories delves into deep issues of trauma and love and the complicated women that have these intense experiences. It is very raw and untethered look at the lives of women that could be described as “difficult”.
Love Warrior: A Memoir By Glennon Doyle
Retail $9.96
This book is an intensely personal look at Doyle’s life and the complicated emotional struggles from an eating disorder and alcoholism to her unfaithful marriage. It is beautifully written and inspiring look at how we are all born to be our own warriors.
For Dad
Project Fire: Cutting-Edge Techniques and Sizzling Recipes from The Caveman Porterhouse to Salt Slab Brownie S’Mores by Steven Raichlen
Retail $10.08
This is the man’s ultimate cookbook. There are more than 100 recipes and techniques right from the expert on live-fire cooking. Guys can learn how to cook things like veal with a blow torch or chicken breasts under a salt brick, even salmon steaks on a shovel! This is the kind cooking your man will enjoy…You might want to give this gift with a fire extinguisher.
Theft by Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) by David Sedaris
Retail $19.60
In the quirky Sedaris style, this book chronicles his life through his personal diaries. Readers get an inside look at how this dropout and drug addict that couldn’t keep a job managed to become a best seller author with a great sense of humor.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Retail $9.39
This book details an elite group of students at a New England college are enticed into a new way of living by a charismatic classics professor. What ensues is an out of control experience that leads to a murder and questions about how easily people can be manipulated.
Get Well Soon – Activity and Puzzle Book for Men By River Breeze Press
Retail $8.99
We all know that men are a lot like children…This book of activities, games, puzzles, quotes, and jokes is just what your hubby needs to keep him busy when he undoubtedly gets bored during Christmas at the in-laws.
The United States of Absurdity: Untold Stories from American History by Dave Anthony
Retail $12.69
Comedians cover some of the weirdest and totally true events in U.S. history in this hilarious book. Readers can learn about things like 10 cent beer night and the Kentucky Meat Shower. Each tale has an illustration to drive it home. Men will love this unique historical perspective.
Good Clean Fun: Misadventures in Sawdust at Offerman Woodshop by Nick Offerman
Retail $16.99
Nick Offerman’s book gives readers a glimpse behind the curtain of his workshop where he creates everything from furniture to mustache combs. Offerman and friends share their experiences in the woodshop while providing instruction on a variety of projects for all skill levels.
Stop Beating Your Meat – Smoke It Instead By Grady Talbot
Retail $17.99
What man doesn’t love a good dirty joke? Make your husband the butt of the joke with this cookbook featuring dozens of BBQ recipes. Then, make him cook something delicious!
Do You Know Your Wife? By Dan Carlinsky
Retail $5.95
Here are 100 questions to see what you know and what you don’t. It may be a humbling experience, but you’re sure to have fun-and find out a whole lot about the woman you married.
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