Historical biography
This book is suitable for individuals fascinated by history and the lives of influential figures, offering insights into their journeys and impact.
Books, Music & Media
Books
8 kinds worth knowing, 17 picks, and what to check before you buy.
Books suit almost anyone on your list, from a parent who reads every night to a neighbour who likes a good cookbook on the counter. The books that get read match what the person already picks up. If they like getting lost in another era, look at historical fiction. If they prefer short pieces they can dip into, poetry books suit them better. Think about when and where they read, too. A long novel is right for someone with quiet evenings, and a browsable illustrated book works for someone who reads in short bursts. Adding a small reading accessory, or a hands-on kit for a shelf, makes a book gift feel more personal.
Kind 1 of 8
Historical fiction for readers who love the past
Historical fiction puts invented characters into real periods, like wartime Europe, early Canada or ancient Rome. It suits readers who like detail and a slower build, and it often works for parents and grandparents who enjoy history but want a story instead of a textbook. Before you buy, find out which eras they already enjoy and whether they have finished a series recently. If they like true stories more than invented ones, a historical biography covers the same ground with real people. Check the length, because some of these run very long.
Kind 2 of 8
Setting up a cozy reading nook
A reading nook is a corner someone sets aside for books: a chair, a lamp and a small stack within reach. Gifts for a nook are things that make that corner nicer to use. That could be a light that doesn't disturb a partner, a way to hold pages open, or a big browsable book for the side table. This works well for new homeowners and for anyone who talks about wanting more time to read. Ask about their space first: whether they read in bed or in a chair, and whether there's room for large-format books.
Neck Reading Light
Hands-free light for the page, darkness for the room — the shared-bedroom peace treaty.
Illustrated cookbook
Perfect for home chefs and culinary enthusiasts looking to expand their repertoire with new recipes and techniques.
Gardening reference guide
A practical gift for aspiring and experienced gardeners, providing essential information and tips for cultivating plants and maintaining outdoor spaces.
Large format art book
An ideal present for art lovers and those who appreciate visual beauty, perfect for display on a coffee table or shelf.
Kind 3 of 8
Choosing a novel they'll actually finish
A novel is the classic book gift, and also the easiest to get wrong, because taste in fiction is personal. It works best when you know a few authors or genres the person already likes. Mysteries, family sagas, literary fiction and thrillers each have their own loyal readers. Before buying, look at their shelves or ask a family member what they read last. Check that it isn't the middle of a series they haven't started. If you're unsure, a well-known standalone is safer than a niche pick.
Kind 4 of 8
Book nook kits for hands-on gifting
A book nook kit is a small model scene, often a tiny alley or library, that you build and slot between books on a shelf. Many include small lights inside. It suits people who enjoy puzzles, model building or detailed craft projects, and it gives a reader something to make as well as display. Before buying, think about their patience for small parts and fiddly glue work. Also check how much shelf space the finished piece needs and what kind of power the lighting uses.
Kind 5 of 8
Poetry books to read a little at a time
Poetry books suit readers who like short pieces they can come back to, and people who don't have long stretches to read. An anthology covers many poets, which makes it a safer choice when you don't know their taste. A single-poet collection is better when you know who they already love. Poetry also makes a thoughtful gift for grandparents and for anyone marking a big year. Before buying, flip through to check the style. Rhyming, older verse reads very differently from modern free verse.
Classic poetry anthology
A thoughtful present for those who appreciate lyrical language and profound expressions of human experience through verse.
Kind 6 of 8
Story books for reading aloud together
Story books are made for sharing, usually between an adult and a child at bedtime. A collection gathers many short tales in one volume, so it lasts through a lot of nights. It's a good gift for grandparents who read to grandchildren, or for a young family down the street. Before buying, check the reading level and the length of each story against the child's age. Sturdy pages and clear illustrations matter more for younger listeners.
Children's story collection
A wonderful gift for young readers, offering a compilation of engaging tales to spark imagination and encourage a love for reading.
Kind 7 of 8
A travel watercolour set for sketching trips
A travel watercolour set is a compact paint kit, often with a small brush and a folding case, made for painting outside the house. It pairs well with a travel destination guide for someone planning a trip, or for a retired parent who keeps a travel journal. It suits beginners and casual painters more than serious artists, who usually have their own supplies. Before buying, check how many colours are included, whether a brush and water source come with it, and how small it folds.
Travel Watercolour Set
A paint studio in a coat pocket — sketch the view from any café, trail, or gate
Travel destination guide
Ideal for adventurers and travel planners, this book offers detailed insights and recommendations for exploring new places and cultures.
Kind 8 of 8
Contemporary fiction set in today's world
Contemporary fiction tells stories set in the present day, often about family, work, relationships or big life changes. It suits readers who want characters whose lives feel familiar, and it's a common pick for book club members. Recent titles are often part of current conversations, so a new release can give you both something to talk about. Before buying, ask whether they prefer lighter, warmer reads or heavier themes, since this genre covers both. Check they haven't already read it with their book club.
Contemporary fiction novel
This gift suits readers who enjoy immersive storytelling and exploring diverse perspectives on modern life.
How to choose books as a gift
- Look at what they have read recently and choose something close to it, rather than what you think they should read.
- Pair a book with a small reading accessory, like a book light or page holder, so the gift feels complete.
- For uncertain tastes, choose anthologies, collections or reference books, which leave room for dipping in rather than committing.
- Consider format: large print, a lighter paperback or a sturdy hardcover can matter more than the title for some readers.
- Write a short note inside the cover explaining why you chose it; that often becomes the part they keep.
Usually safe to skip
- Self-help titles given unasked can feel like a comment on the person's life rather than a gift.
- Book two or three of a series they haven't started usually sits unread on the shelf.
- Dense subject books outside their interests tend to get politely displayed and never opened.
Questions people ask about books
- What book should I buy for someone who reads a lot?
- Heavy readers often own the obvious titles, so ask a family member what they have read recently or check their shelves. A reading accessory, a reading log journal or a book nook kit can be safer choices, since they add to the hobby without risking a duplicate.
- Is historical fiction a good gift for dad or grandpa?
- It often is, especially for someone who enjoys history documentaries or talks about a particular era. If they prefer true accounts, a historical biography of a figure they admire covers similar ground with real events.
- What is a book nook kit?
- It's a build-it-yourself model scene that fits between books on a shelf, often with small lights inside. It suits people who enjoy detailed craft projects and like to display what they make alongside their books.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
Everything else
All books picks
Showing 1–17 of 17
Scratch-Off Date Night Book
Commit first, scratch second — whatever appears under the foil is the date.
