Welcome to Metropolitan Mama’s 2024 Christmas Gift Guide for Readers. Below you will find gift recommendations for: books (of course!), clothing, decor, and accessories for people who appreciate the written word.
This is always my favorite guide to put together since I read between 50-100 books per year and genuinely appreciate giving & receiving bookish gifts.
* Be sure to follow me on Goodreads to find reviews on the titles listed below as well as many other books that I read throughout the year. Note that I also include parental content guides for books geared to children and teens.
If you know an Anne of Green Gables fan, they WANT this pillow cover. The simple, elegant design will match with anyone's decor and the message is an encouraging one.
If you want to find gift-worthy bookish supplies, don't forget to check Barnes & Noble. B&N has a wonderful assortment of adorable book-themed bags, stationery, and knickknacks.
For anyone who enthusiastically admires the work of Jane Austen, consider the lovely accessories put out by Insight Editions. Adorned with favorite quotes, appealing fonts, and exquisite details, it won't be easy to choose between the file folders, pencil pouch, memo cube, and journal. Can't decide? Get them all and go with a Jane Austen gift theme!
For the best bookish pencil pouches on the block, we highly recommend Out of Print. These beautifully-designed, zippered cloth pouches are handy for storing pencils, markers, phone chargers, lip gloss, and other on-the-go necessities.
Godine Books' beautiful editions of Frances Hodgson Burnett's beloved children's novels are undeniably gift-worthy. These gorgeous hardcovers feature easy-to-read typeface on silky pages along with captivating illustrations by Graham Rust.
Your bookshelf is yearning for these gorgeous painted editions of classic literature, including Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, Jane Eyre, Persuasion, Peter Pan, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The Secret Garden, and Winnie-the-Pooh. Each book has elegant and eye-catching hardcover artwork painted by artist Laci Fowler, with a distinctive one-of-a-kind jacket. In addition to sculptured embossing on the cover, other features include gold foil title and page edges, a satiny ribbon marker, and quote pages throughout.
I was first introduced to Robin Jones Gunn's work as a high schooler and immediately fell in love with the Christy Miller series and Sierra Jensen series. Gunn is gifted in creating believable characters and scenarios that make you laugh, think, and become a better person. Author Liz Johnson put it this way, "Robin Jones Gunn sets the standard in books about female friendships." I can't wait to read Gunn's newest release about two friends who go on the trip of a lifetime together to Africa.
The tag for this autobiography is "the remarkable true story of Chinese Christian Brother Yun." Translated by Paul Hattaway, it is indeed remarkable. Yun shares his story as a young believer and later a pastor in China. Imprisoned three times, tortured, and slandered, Yun puts his hope in Christ alone. Although not in the top-tier for written eloquence, I give this book five stars because it is a powerful account that simultaneously encourages and challenges.
I appreciate Sally Clarkson's gracious tone, elegant demeanor, and gently way of mothering. Her books are invitations to a more grateful and refined life with a delightful mix of philosophical and practical applications. Clarkson's newest book (released in October of 2024) is infused with serene photographs of Oxford along with tidbits of wisdom on the topics of discipleship, family, and hospitality. I can't wait to read the book in its entirety!
More than 1 million copies of this reference book have been sold - and for good reason! This fascinating and breathtaking coffee table book features stunning photographs of every element, organized sequentially by atomic number. In addition to a photo of the element in its purest form, additional photographs are also included that show each element in slightly altered forms or as used in various practical ways. If you prefer the same material in an easy to study format, consider the card deck of the same name.
This science book for kids aged 9-12 answers plentiful "how" and "why" questions about ocean currents, rivers, sulfur ponds, tornadoes, tsunamis, and tectonic plates. Exploratorium of Earth brings science to life with striking photographic explanations, helping kids to understand how the world works.
Newly published by DK in October 2024! Explore is a children's reference book that features a combination of maps and other diagrams that break down history and science topics, combined with stats, facts, figures, and explanations.
Another new release from October 2024! DK presents "Knowledge: A Visual Compendium," which offers bright and colorful pages that break down big topics in an engaging and accessible way.
I first picked this book up at the library and immediately knew that I wanted to buy it! This full-color, kid-friendly book is packed with more than 100 nutritious lunch ideas and 60 easy-peasy recipes! Especially designed to be used with bento boxes, the content is super approachable for young children through tweens, which will encourage your young student to be creative and independent in preparing healthful meals to take to school.
Just released in March 2024, this brand new cookbook bills itself as "the quick-and-easy cookbook for busy families, featuring 150 simple, everyday recipes." I'll preface this by saying that I'm somewhat of a cookbook snob. In other words, I'm not easy to impress. This one, however, appears to offer the things I value most in a cookbook: bold, beautiful photographs; clear directions; simple ingredient lists; a cover without a picture of the author on it, and recipes that serve 6-8. We tried the Grilled Flatbread with Arugula and Vegetables recipe last night and it won rave reviews among the whole family. Can't wait to dive in more in the upcoming weeks!
The Circus Ship is one of my very favorite read-alouds for young children due to the wonderfully imaginative illustrations and carefully crafted rhyming text. The story is thoroughly engaging and the full-color, vivid drawings on every page are detailed enough to make you want to stop and stare before turning to the next page. Young children will especially enjoy searching for the fifteen animals who are hiding in the middle of the book. I can't think of a better book gift option for a child in the 3-8 age range.
Scott Gustafson's exquisite illustrations will engage readers of all ages - young and old alike. The breathtakingly beautiful paintings, alongside familiar stories, make these oversized hardcover editions truly gift-worthy.
'Trician Ann is putting on her favorite dress and hat to prepare to go to "someplace special." This someplace is somewhere she feels welcomed - despite being an African American in segregated Nashville, Tennessee in the 1950's. Young readers will contemplate lessons from history in this wonderful tribute to public libraries.
Based on a true story about Katherine Olivia Sessions, Tree Lady is a fascinating biography about a female scientist and dreamer. As frequent travelers to San Diego, we found the geography of the book to be particularly interesting.
My Yellow Balloon is a beautiful story about loss and grief, told with compelling narrative and accompanied by absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Erwin Madrid. Children and adults alike will enjoy soaking in the words and staring at the marvelous pictures. Also available in Spanish, this gentle book will be a welcome addition to any family's bookshelf.
Fairy tales are the best tales - but they are made even more appealing when talented artists bring them to life. Such is the case with The Elves and The Shoemaker. Jim LaMarche's paintings are extraordinarily beautiful and rich in detail.
This delightful and sonorous picture book introduces young readers to the various parts of the orchestra with rhythmic text and interesting accompanying illustrations. I completely understand why this title, which is written by Lloyd Moss and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman, is a Newberry Honor Book because of the way that a somewhat complex topic is simplified for small children.
An interesting premise. Likable characters. Nefarious villains. And talking horses! Best for ages 11-15. Romance is mild, innocent, and done with taste.
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Some of the products in the list below were sent to us to try. Other products are ones that we purchased ourselves or were given by family members and friends. Know that I will always provide both the pros and cons of each featured product.