I love coming up with historical and bookish gift ideas every year (check out my past years’ gift guides here).
This year, I was honored to appear on the Thoughts from a Page podcast to discuss the best books to give as gifts this Christmas season! Listen to the episode here, and be sure to check out the show notes for direct links to the books mentioned. There is something for everyone on your list!
In addition to the books mentioned in the podcast, I have a few additional historical or bookish gift ideas!
Historical Finds
White House Historical Association
This is my favorite place to find unique historical gifts either online or at The People’s House museum experience in Washington, DC. From the special ornaments to the book selections, you can find something for everyone.
My top picks are:
White House annual ornaments – pick a special year in your gift recipient’s life or a favorite president. I have them all, and this year, I have a tree dedicated to showcasing them! Each ornament comes with a booklet about its history, and there is a book about every ornament as well.
The White House: History of An American Idea – a beautiful coffee table book. I love to look through it!
The White House in Gingerbread: Memories & Recipes – perfect book for the foodie in your life!
China replicas – pick out this tea pot with the Lincoln china design for a special gift
First Ladies collection – choose a pair of earrings or a portrait inspired by your favorite First Lady!
You can even find gifts for kids here:
First Ladies Make History – a delightful book to introduce these important women to children. Pairs wonderfully with Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.
Presidential Pets Porcelain Holiday Cocoa Mug and Plate Set – an adorable set of china to use for Santa’s special cookies!
White House dollhouse – a cute way for kids to pretend to be president
I just love this “Making History” t-shirt! Perfect for the history lover in your life and the proceeds go back to the library’s foundation.
Bookish Delights
Draper James – my favorite clothing brand by actress Reese Witherspoon also has a lovely bookish line! I have this mug and I just love this cute tote! Plus her line at Kohl’s has this cute book club kit! Check out her book box for an extra-special gift (I gifted it to myself this year!).
The Folio Society – Just look at these gorgeous editions of favorite books!
Uncommon Goods – this is a great place to look for unique gifts. Here are a couple of things on my wish list!
- Storybook DIY Kit – this adorable build-your-own bookshop is perfect for your shelves!
- Book Lover’s Tea Collection Gift Box – buy this special tea collection for the book lover on your list!
- Create Your Own Published Storybook Kit – kids will love writing and publishing their own book! My son did this when he was eight, and we still treasure his book today!
Literary Book Clubs
I am a member of the Enchanted Book Club where those who love to read classics get together on Zoom to discuss and chat. Plus we travel together to places like Prince Edward Island and England! An annual membership to this site would be a wonderful gift!
You can give a subscription to the Literary Book Club which sends beautiful editions of the classics along with little gifts once a quarter. I just placed an order for the December box!
All-Time Favorite Online Stores
You can’t go wrong with bookish items from these shops!
Pippi Post – I especially love its glass cans with fun bookish illustrations!
Carrot Top Paper Shop – such a lovely site full of bookish characters! Anything from here would pair well with the Eat Like a Heroine cookbook mentioned in the podcast above.
Outside of bookish or historical treats, here are a few of my family’s gifts from this Christmas:
Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI
I hope this helps you fulfill some of your Christmas gifts – either for yourself or for the ones you love. I’d love to hear about your favorite bookish or historical gifts to give!
Such fun ideas! 😀