It’s Mid-October as I write this, and I sit before a glowing Google Doc. On the screen is my detailed Christmas list, arranged by family member. For the kids, my youngest wants a kitty night light. My middle, a snow globe. For my oldest, a hamster tops the list (yikes.)
There is real pleasure to be found in starting a gift list early. It preempts the stress of last-minute shopping, but it also allows for breathing room to get creative.
I’ll take this opportunity to say: at Old Town Books we’re hosting a special promo in November to encourage early gift giving. To mark our eighth anniversary we’re having a buy-seven-get-the-eighth-book-free promotion.
Take this as your sign to shop early, and stock up on books for your holiday gifts - or for yourself! The promo takes place during our birthday celebration on Saturday, November 14th, all day. The perfect excuse to knock out some holiday shopping!
I’m also pleased to announce we’re launching our annual Holiday Gift Guides this month. More than 70 books on each guide, one for kids and teens, one for adults. Every book has been carefully vetted and read by a member of our team. We begin reading for these guides in early summer, and take their selection seriously. Our book buyers then assemble a stellar line up of gift picks for all ages. You won’t want to miss it.
To shop the guides, browse our in-store displays, grab a printed guide to make your list and check it twice, or shop online at oldtownbooks.com.
But speaking of pleasure, I haven’t denied myself the joy of making my own little wishlist. Here’s what is on it, along with a corresponding book I think would make for a charming gift bundle.
Happy holidays, and happy gift-giving, too!
-Ally
Small Batch Breads by Rebecca Eisenberg
This is a charming, approachable bread book. I love that every recipe deals with only one cup of flour, so if you mess up, there’s no harm done. I find it’s helping increase my baking confidence. I successfully made a tiny focaccia and got up the courage to try making a full sheet pan one. Use this book to explore bread baking with lower stakes.
Gift it to the college student in your life who lacks kitchen space or the need for a giant loaf, or to the budding baker looking for smaller kitchen projects. The loaves are ADORABLE, as are the smaller bowls and pans involved, so clean up is a snap.
Pair it with a dough whisk, a bowl, a new dish towel, or my favorite bowl scraper. The possibilities are endless.
How to Winter by Kari Leibowitz
This nonfiction book takes a look at what causes the winter blues, and provides a roadmap for conquering them. Adapt to winter by adjusting your mindset with these tips and tricks from a Stanford psychologist. I liked how the anecdotes and research intertwined to make a compelling case that anyone can enjoy winter, despite the darker and colder days.
Gift this beautiful paperback with a cozy blanket, a special tea and mug, or a fancy candle. All amount to a peaceful night in reading, which, come winter time, is a must-do treat.
Laundry Love by Patric Richardson and Karin B. Miller
Holiday gift giving is sure to include some new sweaters. Gift outside the box with this book about laundry. It’s a surprisingly charming, page-turning read.
Pair it with a sweater care kit, like this one.
Holiday Gift Guide Books
This list wouldn’t be complete without a hefty stack of novels, so I have to recommend browsing our holiday gift guide to build a pile for gift giving.
One of my favorite literary fiction books of the season was Whale Harbor by Mary Beth Keane, an epic family drama about eleven brothers cast far and wide, finding their way in the world and back to one another. It’s really beautiful at the sentence level, and also masterfully draws characters you won’t soon forget. It’s perfect for gift giving in that it appeals to a wide range of readers - lovers of historical fiction, folks who like stories about family dynamics, or lovers of just darn good writing.
Pair a few hardcovers with an Old Town Books tote bag and you’re sure to be a bookish hero come the holidays.
