Gift Ideas: Books + Mugs

By Kate Riley December 10, 2014

I had the luxury of two uninterrupted hours in a bookstore yesterday, coffee in hand, holiday music playing throughout the store. Bliss! Browsing the bookstore is one of my favorite ways to relax and seek out inspiration. This trip was also for gifts since books make wonderful presents. Here are my latest favorites.*

holiday book recommendations 2014

Sarah Style, by Sarah Richardson. Everything she touches turns to gold, Sarah is flawless in her combination of color, pattern, and style. A great resource for all who seek a stylish home!

What I Know For Sure, Oprah Winfrey. An inspirational linen bound text filled with edited, revised, and condensed pearls of wisdom from the experiences and mind of one amazing entrepreneur.

The Day the Crayons Quit, Drew Daywalt. Charming and cheeky, the crayons have penned letters suggesting why their owner should use them less, more, or differently. Blue and green are exhausted, and yellow and orange are in an argument over who is the better color for the sun. A children’s book you won’t tire of reading over and over again.

The Encyclopedia of Animals, David Alderton. A detailed profile of all the animals in the kingdom from big cats to reptiles, including beautiful illustrations and photographs, this is a fascinating and informative resource for both children and adults.

Smithsonian: Great Design, Philip Wilkinson. A wonderful coffee table book and resource for anyone who appreciates good design from the Ericsson telephone to the Cadillac to the Eames chair. Beautiful images paired with text that explains the history of the design and bio of the designer. 

The Body Book, by Cameron Diaz.  A lifestyle approach to nutrition, fitness, and caring for your body, it’s down to earth and motivating from a gal who walks the walk and has a beautiful physique to show for it. Surprisingly informative too.

Animal Architecture, Ingo Arndt. An up close look at the shelters, nests, shells, and habitats created by creatures in the living world. Beautiful!

The Medal of Honor: A History of Service Above and Beyond.  A history of the military’s highest honor with stories of the bravest acts of heroism, given context with the history of wars and battles of our nation.

The Making of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, J W Ritnzler. For the Star Wars fan, this in depth tribute (and its companions for Star Wars and Return of the Jedi) are a detailed look at the making of the films, filled with rare photos, edited scripts, anecdotes, and challenges on the set. Nostalgic for all of us who grew up with these films.

Unbroken, Laura Hillenbrand. A World War II story of survival, this was Matt’s favorite book he read this year. The hero survives brutality and the trials of being a prisoner of war to surviving in a raft on the open ocean, starvation, and much more.

* * *

I can’t think of anything better than a good read coupled with a hot beverage on a cold winter day, I love all of these mugs! I’ll take one of each please. :)

winter mugs

mr & mrs mugs / golden swirls / black and white stripes / 2 carat diamond ring / classic plaid / monogrammed mugs / snow leopard / somecards humor / winter birds set / ceramic sketch mugs

 

What books have you discovered this year that would make a great gift?

 

*amazon affiliate links

10 comments

  1. those are great books to gift!

    I have been searching high and low for a childrens cook book and was so happy to find this:

    kids cook 1-2-3
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1582347352/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1582347352&linkCode=as2&tag=acoj-20&linkId=D5C5APLEBU377NYL

    and also this one is awesome. I had received it as a gift and absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

    Betty Crocker cook book for boys and girls

    http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Cookbook-Boys-Girls-ebook/dp/B008JJTBZE/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1418262063&sr=8-11&keywords=childrens+cook+book

  2. I also love a good book and I think these would make great gift with the exception of, Unbroken. I actually had to stop reading this book do to the heat wrenching torture described. It was very emotional and even knowing the outcome of survival, I was deeply affected. Please choose your recipient wisely.

  3. I really want to read Oprah Winfrey’s ‘What I Know For Sure”. I’ve heard great things about it. I bought “Unbroken” a few months ago and I haven’t had the chance to read it yet. I want to read it before the movie comes out!

    just-randomlittlethings.blogspot.ca

  4. I am equally book and mug obsessed (though I can’t store all the mugs I want), so this is the perfect gift idea, that I know others on my list will love too!

  5. I read Unbroken last year. It’s a great story about a remarkable man. I’m looking forward to seeing the movie.
    How are you all doing with all the rain. I’ve been reading about flooding and massive power outages. Prayers for you and yours that you are dry and safe! Vikki in VA

  6. I almost bought those winter bird mugs awhile back. Glad I waited, they are 1/2 price now!

    Happy New Year!

Leave a comment!

Keep the conversation going! Your email address will not be published.*

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Lately on Instagram (@centsationalstyle)