The Best Gift Books
Below is a selection of books that came highly recommended by participants in Gretchen’s 2025 annual challenge Read 25 in 2025.
Books for Acquaintances
Before the Coffee Gets Cold
by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
“This book helps you consider how you frame things.”
Beautyland
by Marie-Helene Bertino
“It’s a beautifully written book with heartwarming and sad, though not sentimental, observations about being human, and being a bit apart from others.”
Instant Karma
by Barbara Ann Kipfer PhD
“It is inspiring, uplifting and easy to read for 1 minute or 10.”
The Happiness Project
by Gretchen Rubin
“It inspires people to be their best.”
“A very intriguing plot and characters you grow attached to very quickly. The mysterious ship’s destination keeps you guessing until the end.”
Around the World in 80 Plants
by Jonathan Drori
“It’s filled with amazing information and history of plants and fantastic illustrations. Treat yourself to a plant a day!”
Atmosphere
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“It’s a great love story.”
The Little Prince
by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
“It’s a short read with a lot of impact.”
The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans
“It’s a book about letter writing, I would gift this book with stamps and a box of cards and maybe a gift card to the Hallmark store.”
Envelope Poems
by Emily Dickinson
“It is among the makeshift and fragile manuscripts of Dickinson’s later writings that we find the envelope poems gathered here. These manuscripts on envelopes (recycled by the poet with marked New England thrift) were written with the full powers of her late, most radical period. Intensely alive, these envelope poems are charged with a special poignancy—addressed to no one and everyone at once.”
Books for Best Friends
“Compelling, relatable, funny, heart breaking.”
The Murderbot Diaries
by Martha Wells
“Short compulsively readable novellas about loneliness and finding your place in a world that doesn’t understand you, written as a space adventure. Science fiction that anyone will love, easy entry.”
The Shell Seekers
by Rosamunde Pilcher
“Rosamund weaves a tapestry of emotions, people, and places that will capture the reader’s heart, while exploring lands that were unknown (to me).”
All the Light We Cannot See
by Anthony Doerr
“A captivating story that brings history to life by sharing a perspective that heightens senses in a powerful way.”
Small Things Like These
by Claire Keegan
“It’s nostalgic, informative, and hopeful. So much warmth in the writing.”
“It’s perfect for anyone chasing their dreams, as it reminds us about not missing what’s in front of us in the process.”
“It’s perfect for women/girls to give to their best girlfriends/sisters/etc because it’s about the power of women connecting and supporting each other.”
Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Pelt
“A beautiful story about a Mother’s grief, a son’s quest to find his father, and a remarkably bright octopus named Marcellus.”
Little Women
by Louisa May Alcott
“It is story of strong women, good neighbors, resilience, and sisterhood.”
“Great story about self-acceptance. It’s sexy, funny, and feel-good.”
Keeper: The Governess
by Nicholas Adams
“For all of the fantasy lovers. Beautifully written story with an intricately fleshed out world. A great story from a new author!”
Seems Perfect
by Rebecca Hanover
“An amazing mystery that i finished in one sitting! For anyone who wants to be engrossed in a thriller for an afternoon or weekend”
Books for Children
Where the Wild Things Are
by Maurice Sendak
“Generations have shared this iconic beautiful picture book, and children of all ages will want to return to it again and again..”
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave
by Jessica Hische
“Journey through the beautifully hand-lettered messages by award-winning illustrator Jessica Hische. This uplifting and positive book encourages kids to promise that tomorrow, they will try new things, do their best, and be brave.”
A Bad Case of Stripes
by David Shannon
“A fun story about finding courage and staying true to yourself.”
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
by Eric Carle
“The all-time classic starring the world’s favorite caterpillar! This beautiful book is a perfect gift for new babies, baby showers, birthdays, and other new beginnings!”
This is the Way to the Moon
by Miroslav Sasek
“In This is the Way to the Moon, Sasek rockets readers to Cape Canaveral—the space capital of the world, a science-fiction-turned-fact spot on the Florida coast—with a nostalgic look at the electronic brains that put our man up into space and brought him down again.”
Love Makes a Family
by Sophie Beer
“This fun, inclusive board book celebrates the one thing that makes every family a family . . . and that’s LOVE.”
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History
by Vashti Harrison
“Meet the little leaders. They’re brave. They’re bold. They changed the world.”
ADA Twist, Scientist
by Andrea Beaty
“Inspired by mathematician Ada Lovelace and physicist Marie Curie, this book champions STEM, girl power, and women scientists in a rollicking celebration of curiosity, the power of perseverance, and the importance of asking “Why?””
“Perfect for reading aloud and shared story time!”
All the World
by Liz Garton Scanlon
“All the world is here. It is there. It is everywhere. All the world is right where you are. Now.”
The Seven Silly Eaters
by Mary Ann Hoberman
“A funny picture book about solving—finally!—a growing family’s picky-eater problem!”
Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever
by Richard Scarry
“Make learning fun with Richard Scarry’s ultimate vocabulary picture book, perfect for teaching basic words, items, concepts, and more!”
Little Bear
by Else Holmelund Minarik
“Celebrate the timeless warmth of a mother’s love.”
“An endearing tribute to love and belonging.”
Books for Dads
The Library Book
by Susan Orlean
“It has something for everyone—mystery, true crime, history, science, books…”
“It makes a great gift for anyone facing a transition and especially young adults.”
A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles
“Great characters, hard to put down. It’s a book you don’t want to come to an end.”
The Last Lecture
by Randy Pausch
“Great advice that will stick with you through out life.”
Bicycling with Butterflies
by Sara Dykman
“It’s educational, informative, adventurous, funny, and moving. A wonderful story for all to read!”
The Serviceberry
by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“It discusses nature, humanity, and invoked a sense of wonder, gratitude, and awe in the intricacies of the experiences of earth.”
The Impossible Fortune
by Richard Osman
“There is humor and warmth along with a mystery to solve in this wonderfully written novel.”
Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party
by Edward Dolnick
“It’s a great mix of history, culture, and science, and you get a sense of a personalities involved with the research and exploration of paleontology.”
Books for Extended Family
The Ministry of Time
by Kaliane Bradley
“For fans of time travel, history, espionage/thrillers, romance, and so much more, this book is a delight.”
The Artist’s Way
by Julia Cameron
“For anyone with an creative streak, or whom you suspect has one, it’s an inspiring book to get them started building a creative practice in their life. The accompanying workbook is also recommended.”
Tiny Beautiful Things
by Cheryl Strayed
“This is a wonderful book of advice on all kinds of topics, from someone who manages to find the exact right thing to say to comfort you when you are searching.”
“Cozy murder mystery that is more about community, food and family then it is about murder.”
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting
by Clare Pooley
“A five-star feel good read.”
The Thursday Murder Club
by Richard Osman
“This is a delightful, cozy mystery featuring four friends in a retirement village trying to solve a murder.”
The Overstory
by Richard Powers
“The prose is beautifully descriptive and the story is so creative. For someone who enjoys reading and can get lost in another place and time.”
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
“Its beautiful message is a gift, an iconic picture story book for all ages.”
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion
by Beth Brower
“This book series as so delightful. If you know a reader that loves Jane Erye, they will love Emma M Lion!”
“A thrilling hard science fiction novel about an astronaut stranded on Mars who must use his ingenuity and scientific knowledge to survive.”
Books for Moms
“It is an honest, raw portrayal of motherhood that is so rare. Makes you feel less alone when you don’t feel constant joy in the role.”
“It’s a very funny and unique take on husbands.”
“This a fun, hilarious, witty fantasy adventure story set in an alternative Earth during the early Middle Ages. The Pope needs help delivering the long-lost heir of Troy to her rightful throne and enlists the help of an unusual band of not-quite-heroes for the task.”
Girl, Woman, Other
by Bernardine Evaristo
“This novel is unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The author’s storytelling is sharp and the writing is personal. I’ve never seen such an intricate web of stories, and with fascinating protagonists (woman across the African diaspora in London, with so much diversity in class, sexual orientation, education, etc.). The ending actually surprised me, like I gasped aloud, which was also quite novel for someone like me who reads a lot. I recommend it all the time!”
The Book of Awesome
by Neil Pasricha
“Quick one page reads of things that make you think “this is awesome!” and it just makes your day.”
A Confederacy of Dunces
by John Kennedy Toole
“This is the funniest book ever written. Everyone have ever given to has agreed. Explore the life of Ignatius J. Riley.”
The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America
by David Allen Sibley
“This book makes learning fun and encourages seeing beauty in nature.”
“A beautiful winter-time read that looks at family, tradition, and legacy while delivering some of the most beautiful language imaginable.”
The Boys in the Boat
by Daniel James Brown
“Very well written, it’s a true story of grit and determination in hard times with tons of amazing historical background. Of course there’s now a movie, but forget about that: the book is ten times more enchanting.”
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“The story is absolutely amazing!”
Books for Siblings
I’ll Tell You When I’m Home
by Hala Alyan
“It’s a book that makes you think about where you come from and what home means to you.”
A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman
“It’s a beautiful story of love, loss friendship and resilience.”
“The book weaves together deep themes of friendship, family, chosen family, loss, art, and all kinds of love that make it amazing we ever existed in this wonderful world.”
“Inspiring and resonating because we are all capable of harnessing creativity!”
Extremely Happy Holidays
by Devin C B McEwan
“This recipe book provides unique cocktail and mocktail recipes for the whole year, with delightful illustrations by Sandra Boynton.”
Letters to a Young Poet
by Rainer Maria Rilke
“This has great advice for young adults on how to make good decisions.”
“It’s a book about a young man seeking a way into his own life.”
“Great starter for anyone wanting to get into thrillers!”
The Book of Delights
by Ross Gay
“Changes the way you look at the world…in a good way!”
The House in the Cerulean Sea
by Tj Klune
“You fall in love with all of the characters, who all have distinct personalities. It makes you feel hopeful and warm.”
Books for Teachers and Coaches
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff . . . and It’s All Small Stuff
by Richard Carlson, PhD
“This book helps to make life simpler in this complicated time.”
I See You’ve Called in Dead
by John Kenney
“Equal parts touching and hysterical.”
Be Ready When the Luck Happens
by Ina Garten
“Beautiful story about being our own best friend.”
The Last Unicorn
by Peter S. Beagle
“Some valuable reminders for hopeless times.”
“It is such a beautiful story about two generations of black people and the trials they had to face to get to a point of triumph. There’s still so much love, friendship and community amidst all the struggle too.”
The Small and the Mighty
by Sharon McMahon
“The Small and the Mighty shows that each of us—all of us—can perform acts of kindness and justness that can make a difference, change history, and better lives.”
All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
“Engaging characters and lots of plot twists.”
“The Canon is a well written, delightful, and engrossing book about science. Recommended for anyone with an interest in science.”
A Beautiful Year
by Diana Butler Bass
“52 Meditations on Faith, Wisdom, and Perseverance. Good daily devotional.”
Einstein’s Dreams
by Alan Lightman
“Each chapter of this short book is a dream Einstein might have had while working out the theory of relativity. Time moves differently in each and some of the stories come to mind on a weekly basis. It’s used by philosophy and physics professors in colleges now and is seen as a bridge between humanities and science. Love this book!”
Books for Young Adults
“Feel good story with a mystery.”
Watership Down
by Richard Adams
“It’s my favorite book and it’s a great story!”
“This is an easy read and a great introduction to sci-fi for young readers.”
The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams
“This book is just absurd and perennially funny. I kept lending it out and not getting it back so now I just gift it!”
“Such an unusual premise that delves into themes of what if, mortality, group think, destiny. Makes the reader really think about what decision they’d make in the same circumstance. Amazing book!”
The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
“It’s a sweet reminder that the best life is the one we’re living and that we are the authors of our own stories.”
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
“Gorgeous illustrations. Kind message.”
The Catcher in the Rye
by J D Salinger
“Such a great thought provoking piece for young adults.”
“The extraordinary, beloved novel about the ability of books to feed the soul even in the darkest of times.”
The Secret Garden
by Frances Hodgson Burnett
“The Secret Garden is a heartwarming story about a lonely, spoiled girl named Mary who finds healing, friendship, and purpose when she discovers a hidden, neglected garden and brings it back to life with her new friends.”
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