Whether a display title for their coffee table or a hardcover they can sink their teeth into, a book is a reliable standby when it comes to gifting. We sifted through all the titles that crossed our desk this year and picked out the ones we think make the best gifts.
Supersonic: The Design and Lifestyle of Concorde
The Concorde jet marked the marriage of beauty and functionality in a design. This book is an ode to the aircraft and its unique history.
$26Beastie Boys Book
One of the most influential musical acts of the ‘80s and ‘90s gets the book it deserves. The Beastie Boys Book takes readers back to 1981, when a group of guys formed a group that would one day rise to hip hop stardom.
$30Myles Apparel Everyday Crew Sweatshirt
[Partner] Whether you’re wearing it for morning warm-ups or pairing it with jeans at night, the Myles Apparel Everyday Crew Sweatshirt is a welcome addition to your wardrobe. This sturdy sweatshirt is made with heavyweight organic Storm Cotton—a remarkable fabric with water-repellent performance and the classic look and feel of cotton. This means it’s a comfortable wardrobe staple with extra protection in case the weather takes a turn. Throw in a bit of stretch in the fabric and ribbing side panels for mobility and you have a timeless crewneck design that works with everything.
$62Newspaper Design
As people consume more and more of their news and entertainment online, it’s nice to pay respect to what came before. Newspaper Design is an ode to the finest examples of newspaper design from newsrooms all over the country.
$50Tom Cotter’s Best Barn-Find Collector Car Tales
If you have a lover of fine automobiles on your list, gift them this book and spark in them a desire to start hunting down relics. This book combines some of the most fascinating vehicle discoveries, a collection of rides lost to time that were found sitting dusty in someone’s barn.
$15An American Marriage
When all the year-end lists come out, we expect An American Marriage to be featured prominently. It’s probably the novel of the year, which makes it perfect for gifting this holiday season.
$17Stan Smith: Some People Think I’m a Shoe
The adidas Stan Smith is a timeless sneaker, one that’s as cool today as it was the day it debuted. This book tells the sneaker’s tale and lets you meet the tennis icon that inspired it.
$35Booze & Vinyl: A Spirited Guide to Great Music and Mixed Drinks
What’s the perfect drink to pair with License to Ill? What should you mix up when the needle drops on Sticky Fingers? This is the book that helps pair music with mixed drinks.
$17LEGO Micro Cities
No one outgrows LEGO blocks. That’s why LEGO Micro Cities is a perfect gift for damn near anyone on your list. The book teaches readers how to create classic architectural styles using everyone’s favorite toy block.
$17Brand by Hand
Jon Contino is a good friend of ours, but that’s not why we’re recommending his new book. We’re recommending Brand by Hand because it’s loaded with incredible examples of hand-lettering and stunning design. Plop it on your coffee table and guests won’t be able to keep their hands off of it.
$261,000 Books to Read Before You Die
It’s the gift of other books to read, but it will set someone you love on a journey to become more well-read. As The Washington Post puts it, “[It’s] the ultimate literary bucket list.”
$23Don’t Make Me Pull Over! An Informal History of the Family Road Trip
The family road trip is a big event in any child’s life, one that often ends with incredible memories and a strong desire for some alone time. Relive a little of that glory with Don’t Make Me Pull Over!, a book that charts the history of families setting out on the road for a little adventure.
$22The Monocle Guide to Building Better Cities
Let’s face it: our cities are poorly planned metropolises in desperate need of retooling. Monocle, one of our favorite publications, takes up the challenge and showcases ways we can improve cities for the future generations.
$52Educated
Another book in the running for title of the year, Educated is the true story of a young girl who deserts her survivalist family to pursue a PhD at Cambridge. It’s a stunning story of courage and passion, and a book that will inspire the person you give it to.
$17