Books

a book lover’s gift guide

There’s no better gift for a book lover than another book to read. But sometimes it’s hard to find something new and different to give to the avid reader. Whether you’re getting a head start on next year’s Christmas shopping, or have a birthday party to attend, hopefully this list will help you find the perfect gift. Here are some of my favorite titles, old and new, that might not yet be on the bookshelf or Kindle of the book lovers on your list. (And, if you like, comment and share your favorite titles!)

There is no better gift for a book lover than another book to read. Here is a list of old classics and new titles that will make the perfect gift for any occasion! https://gretchenlouise.com/book-lovers-gift-guide/

(This page contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.)

For Children

James Herriot's Treasury for ChildrenJames Herriot’s Treasury for Children
We love these heart-warming tales of a country veterinarian. Especially because my grandfather was a veterinarian!

The Mommy Cup by Heather Ruskievicz
I love this simple tale with its sweet illustrations. It helps little ones understand that when mommy needs a break, it’s not because she doesn’t love them, but because she does. Help them understand what fills up mommy’s cup so that she has more love to give. (Read my review of The Mommy Cup.)

The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones
Our kids have enjoyed this simple storybook Bible that traces Jesus’ name through all of Scripture.

Leading Little Ones to God by Marian M. Schoolland
My husband has really enjoyed reading out of this to our kiddoes.

Long Story Short by Marty Machowski
Don’t tell my kids, but they are getting this for Christmas! Their daddy needs another devotional to read to them at night.

For Tweens & Teens

Zucchini SummerZucchini Summer by Anne Siegrist
I can’t wait to read this one. It looks like a fun book for any age, really.

The Sugar Creek Gang Series by Paul Hutchens
My brother and I grew up on this series. They are a favorite re-read. Fun classics chock-full of Christian character lessons. (Read my review of The Sugar Creek Gang books.)

The Jodi Fisher Mysteries by Virginia Ann Work
If you loved Nancy Drew as a young person, then the young people in your life will love the Christian mysteries about teen Jodi Fisher.

Speak Love by Annie Downs
Annie is amazing. I love her heart. And I love her heart for teens. (Get them Perfectly Unique, too, while you’re at it.)

The Abolitionist by Elisabeth Allen
Historical fiction that will inspire all ages. I loved this glimpse into the life of William Wilberforce.

Toxic by Vicki V. Lucas
I haven’t read this fantasy fiction yet, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews about it. Definitely worth checking out for the fantasy fans on your list.

For the Whole Family

Hawthorn’s Discovery by Alan Harris
Everyone will love these tales of the one-inch tall people called “Larkin”. They might be small, but they serve a big God. Their stories are enjoyed by my parents and siblings alike. (Click here for full review of Hawthorn’s Discovery.)

The Railway Children by Edith Nesbit
This is one of our children’s favorites that is much-loved by their parents as well. The author has a delightful writing style.

The Keeper of the Bees by Gene Stratton-Porter
If you haven’t read Gene Stratton-Porter, you are missing out. She’s better known for her classics A Girl of the Limberlost and Freckles, but The Harvester, Laddie, and The Keeper of the Bees remain some of our favorites (if we had to choose favorites–we own almost all of them!).

Little Britches by Ralph Moody
True stories of a boy growing up in America in the 1950’s. Classic tales of hard work, determination, and family values. Absolute favorites in our family. (Read my full review of the Little Britches series.)

Eric Sloane’s Weather Book
Eric Sloane’s books are always a safe gift for the men. Filled with fascinating drawings of how things work, and how to build everything from tools to barns, all ages will find something new to learn in these books.

Paddle-to-the-Sea by Holling Clancy Holling
These are some of my husband’s favorites to read aloud to our children. Educational and fun with lots of amazing illustrations done by the author.

For Moms

Embracing BeautyEmbracing Beauty by Trina Holden
I wish every woman could read this book filled with practical encouragement that helps you face the closet and the mirror with confidence. (Read my full review of Embracing Beauty.)

Mom in the Mirror by Emily Wierenga
This book tears apart the lies we believe about beauty, and helps put us back together again. Powerful book for every woman, but especially moms. (Read my full review of Mom in the Mirror.)

Stepping Heavenward by Elisabeth Prentiss
This classic book is one I need to re-read every year. The journal-like account of one young woman’s life, beginning at age 16, its stories will touch your heart and soul in ways that nothing else will. A must-read.

Undivided Mom by Kayse Pratt
An easy-to-read devotional eBook that is convicting without being condemning, and super encouraging as well! (Read my review of Undivided Mom.)

Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson
For the mom who’s floundering among the little ones and the dishes…this book is a must.

For Everyone

The Thing About Dairy FarmersThe Thing About Dairy Farmers by Natasha Metzler
Whether you’re in agriculture, love the land, or simply love some good clean humor (with a bit of manure mixed in), you’ll love this book by farmer’s wife Natasha Metzler. Perfect gift for those who already have every John Deere themed item already. (Read my full review of The Thing About Dairy Farmers.)

Real {Fast} Food by Trina Holden
Local food, slow food, organic food–it’s all the rage these days. But how do you cut through all the information to find out what’s really real food–and how do you do it when you’re limited on time? This book will help even the busiest person figure out how to do real food, fast and on a budget. (Read my full review of Real {Fast} Food.)

A Million Little Ways by Emily Freeman
I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. (A friend has promised me her copy.) The reviews have been simply beautiful in themselves.

Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist
Shauna’s work is easy to read whenever you have a moment to pick it up, yet it touches your soul deeply leaving you longing for more of Him. Bread and Wine combines story with recipes–it will be especially loved by the cooks on your list. (Shauna’s books are personal memoir style, so Cold Tangerines actually comes first, followed by Bittersweet, then Bread and Wine–but they can be read in any order.)

Deadline by Randy Alcorn
Randy Alcorn is one of my favorite modern authors. He deals with modern-day issues of ethics while weaving a tale of mystery and suspense you can’t put down.

A Memoir of Mercy by Jessiqua Wittman
I am looking forward to delving into Jessiqua’s self-proclaimed “gritty fiction”. She takes an unusual slant on tough issues in ways that make you consider your own views on the matter.

For Lovers of Classic Literature

O Ye Jigs and Juleps!O Ye Jigs and Juleps! by Virginia Cary Hudson
A delightfully humorous little book written by a 10-year-old girl at the turn of the last century. (Read my full review of O Ye Jigs and Juleps!)

The Egg and I by Betty MacDonald
The true story behind the old movie of the same name. Hilarious story of chicken farming in Washington state in 1945! (Read my review of The Egg and I.)

Adventures in Contentment by David Grayson
My husband really enjoyed this book of simple short stories about country living.

The Fisherman’s Lady by George MacDonald
George MacDonald’s classic Scottish fiction is a delight to lovers of literature. The versions edited by Michael Phillips are my favorite.

Jeeves Omnibus by P.G. Wodehouse
For those who love British humor–or need a proper introduction–none does it better than P.G. Wodehouse in his tales of Jeeves and Wooster. Eggs, Beans, and Crumpets was the first of his books I read, but all the Jeeves and Wooster ones are delightful. For the golf lovers, The Clicking of Cuthbert or The Golf Omnibus is an easy choice.

For Those in Love

The Sacred SearchSacred Search by Gary Thomas
This is a favorite among the unclaimed single treasures that I know. (But be careful who you give a book on singleness to. It might not always come across the right way, if you know what I’m saying.)

Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
This comes highly recommended from my most trusted sources…and it’s next on our list to read together.

Sacred Influence by Gary Thomas
The book for wives that I asked my husband to give me for Christmas.

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhaun
I just re-read the updated version of this book and remembered anew how much I appreciate it’s easy-to-read format and all the helpful information Shaunti compiled in her surveys.

For the Techies

The No Brainer BlogThe No Brainer Blog by Hayley Morgan
Perfect eBook gift for anyone wanting to enter the blogging world! (Read my full review of The No Brainer Blog.)

Blog at Home Mom by Christin Slade
Every mommy blogger will appreciate this eBook! (Read my review of Blog at Home Mom.)

31 Days to Build a Better Blog by Darren Rowse
The eBook that all serious bloggers will love. (It’s on my wishlist!)

For Christmastime

Two from GalileeTwo from Galilee by Marjorie Holmes
This fictionalized account of Mary and Joseph’s love story has been a favorite of mine ever since I read it to prepare for playing the part of Mary in a play one year.

The Bird’s Christmas Carol by Kate Douglass Wiggin
A timeless classic that will bring tears to the toughest face.

The Birth by Gene Edwards
A Christmas tradition in my husband’s family.

The Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
Our housesitter (and friend) left us this after she stayed in our home over Thanksgiving. It’s a beautiful work of art with words. And the perfect thing to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas time.

For Pre-Order & Brand New Releases

(Because the safest way to get someone a book they don’t have is to pre-order one that isn’t out yet or get them a first edition of a brand new book!)

Praying for BoysPraying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin
The older my son grows, the more I realize how much he needs to be protected by his mother’s prayers. I am so excited about the message of this new book!

Notes from a Blue Bike by Tsh Oxenreider
I love everything Tsh writes. This looks excellent.

The Antelope in the Living Room by Melanie Shankle
This gal’s writing is hilarious. I can’t wait to get my hands on this book.

Love Idol: Letting Go of Your Need for Approval by Jennifer Dukes Lee
I’m not sure how I only just now heard about this book. It sounds excellent. I really respect Jennifer and so appreciate her writing.

Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker
Lisa-Jo’s writing is real and relate-able, not to mention beautiful. I can’t wait for this book!

Say Goodbye to Survival Mode by Crystal Paine
I think I need to read this book. Crystal speaks with the wisdom gained from experience.

Want to share a love of books with someone who doesn’t love to read?

Want to schedule a Kindle gift?

Amazon makes it easy to give a Kindle book as a gift, and even schedule its delivery date!

Want to give a book that will only increase in value?

Choose one of the gorgeous vintage tomes available at Lanier’s Books.

Not sure what to get your book lover?

Let them choose! You can’t go wrong with an Amazon gift card. Throw in some dark chocolate and a Starbucks gift card and you have the truly perfect gift.

What books are you giving as a gift or wishing to receive for yourself?

I love discovering new books. Please comment and share your favorite titles!

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18 Comments

  1. I enjoyed reading this list! I should try one of Gene Stratton-Porter’s books as I’ve seen them mentioned a few times before.

    A couple of recent favourite books are Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer.

    1. I really enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society! I’ll have to check out Eva Ibbotson’s. And yes, Gene Stratton-Porter’s work is a must-read. I hope you enjoy it!

  2. Thanks for this great list! We also love The Jesus Storybook Bible at our house and The Greatest Gift is a beautiful read. I’m the “book aunt” in our family and every gift I give our nieces and nephews includes a book. I always buy new books for them and my own child gets second-hand thrift store books. I don’t know if he realizes that books don’t come with dog-eared corners and scribbles on the pages. Books are the best gifts; they always fit and can be re-used and even re-gifted. Again, thank you for the super suggestions.

  3. I just love reading your book reviews… I always want to buy the book after reading the post 馃檪 So thank you for this list; I love it! I should send it to my family as a wish list, lol.
    I think my kids and I need The Mommy Cup right now! Baby number Three arrived 7 weeks ago and our oldest is almost four… so it’s been busy and i don’t seem to get as much refreshing mommy time 馃檪
    My brother and i read many of The Sugar Gang series and my siblings and I loved listening to the radio broadcast on Saturday mornings 馃檪
    Well you have inspired me to compile my own list of personal and family favorites! 馃檪

    1. Why thank you, Carrie! I appreciate hearing from you. Congratulations on your newest little one! I have discovered that 3 keep me very busy–perhaps because I only have 2 hands? 馃槈

      Hoping you get some mommy time to read and relax during this busy season…

      Merry Christmas!!

  4. Great list! Several of my favorites (I’ve ready The Fisherman’s Lady numerous times) and several that I need to add to my reading list.

    P.S. I love your new look!

  5. I love these lists. Gene Stratton-Porter is a favourite and Stepping Heavenward ministers to my soul. I also have every children’s book you suggest -love! I’m going to check out your youth fiction recommendations and your classical list. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Thank you for commenting, Vanessa! Good to find another fan of Gene Stratton-Porter. We may have mourned quietly when we asked at a bookstore the other day and the clerk had no idea who we were talking about.

      And isn’t Stepping Heavenward just the biggest blessing ever?

      Merry Christmas!!