It’s no secret that I love books.
I definitely think that giving books as gifts for birthdays and Christmas – and every celebration in between – is an awesome idea!!
If you’re giving books as gifts this Christmas, and especially if you’re buying books online, you want to know that the books you buy will be a much-loved addition to the recipient’s book collection. (And not that you’re just adding clutter to an already overflowing bookshelf.)
Here is a collection of my favourite books, and I can almost guarantee that these will be opened to the sound of oohs and aahs and squeals of delight!!
In fact, these books are all so gorgeous, that you might be in no hurry to wrap them up and give them away. (And you may even want to wrap one or two up for yourself and pop them under the Christmas tree – from Santa!!!)
THE BIG BOOK OF CUPCAKES
Of all the cupcake books I’ve seen, this is my very favourite!
The Big Book of Cupcakes, from Betty Crocker, contains an amazing collection of over 175 cupcake recipes and designs, each with its own inspiring photo and step-by-step instructions.
There’s a great selection here of both simple and more creative cupcakes, from Strawberry Cream Cheese Cupcakes or Banana-Toffee Cupcakes to the Dreamy Sleepover Cupcakes and Puffer Fish Cupcakes that will totally impress the kids and their friends at children’s birthday parties!!
The perfect gift book for: Cupcake lovers and bakers of all ages will love the amazing variety of gorgeous, creative and scrumptious cupcakes in The Big Book of Cupcakes!
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond.
CAKE POPS CHRISTMAS
Who doesn’t love Cake Pops?? They’re so very cute! (Not to mention delicious!!)
Cake Pops Christmas (also published as Cake Pops Holidays) is filled with exciting Christmas cake pop ideas from the oh-so-talented Bakerella: Gingerbread House Cake Pops, Red-Nosed Reindeer Pops, Santas, Freckled Elves, Stuffed Stockings…and many more!
You can read my review and have a sneak peek inside Cake Pops Christmas here.
The perfect gift book for: Cake pop lovers of all ages. And anyone who loves getting creative in the kitchen!
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
MADE BY ME
Made By Me, by Jane Bull, is filled with craft activities that are so adorable, colorful and beautifully presented that any girl couldn’t help but love it!
The many embroidery, sewing and knitting projects in Made by Me include decorating a T-shirt, making a “Hello/Goodnight Dolly”, creating felt Cupcakes, and even making your own knitting doll (just as effective as “Knitting Nancy”).
Stitching and knitting techniques, and the equipment needed for each activity, are clearly and beautifully illustrated throughout the book.
A perfect gift book for: Girls aged 7-11 with an interest in craft and pretty things. And girls with crafty mums or grandmas!!
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
COOKBOOK FOR GIRLS
The pages of Cookbook for Girls are filled with beautiful photos and easy to follow step-by-step instructions.
From snacks like Nachos or Spicy Potato Wedges, to something more substantial like Sweet Potato Lasagne, and desserts like Raspberry Cheesecake, Mango Pops or Chocolate Brownies, the most difficult thing about the recipes here will be deciding what to make first!
The many recipes for drinks and snacks include Pink Lemonade and Toffee Popcorn. And… perfect for this Christmas season… Coconut Ice and Chocolate Truffles. There’s even a recipe for a Gingerbread House!
A beautiful gift book for: Girls aged anywhere from 6-11 who love to cook – and love beautiful books. Or Mum’s little kitchen helper!
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
AWW COOKING SCHOOL FOR KIDS
This 352pg book from The Australian Women’s Weekly contains everything kids will need to know to cook delicious meals, snacks, desserts, and so much more.
Filled with mouth-watering photos, a wealth of information such as cooking terms, a glossary of ingredients, a glossary of equipment, and information specific to each chapter (melting chocolate, cutting slices, storying & freezing biscuits and slices…), this book is the perfect addition to any young would-be chef’s collection.
An excellent gift for: Aspiring junior masterchefs, or any kid who’d love to do more in the kitchen! Suitable for ages 12+, and a sweet design that – although written for ‘kids’ – will probably appeal more to teen girls than boys.
Available from Fishpond
CRAFTY CHLOE
This very cute children’s picture book tells the story of Chloe, who’s great at making stuff and can usually find a crafty solution to every problem.
When Chloe has to find a present before her friend Emma’s birthday party, and the ‘perfect’ gift is already taken, Chloe decides to make something. She’s just not sure if Emma will like her handmade gift…
A gorgeous gift for: Craft-loving and creative girls, ages 4 and up
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond.
JENI’S SPLENDID ICECREAMS AT HOME
From Jeni Britton Bauer, owner of eight Jeni’s Splendid Icecream stores in Ohio, US, comes this beautiful book filled with recipes for icecream flavours that you won’t find in your corner icecream shop!
There are over 100 fascinating flavours here, including Salty Caramel icecream, Wildberry Lavender icecream, Sweet Corn & Black Raspberry icecream, and Roasted Pumpkin 5-Spice icecream.
You’ll also find recipes for sorbets and frozen yoghurts, sauces and brittle… even icecream cones!
The perfect gift book: To wrap up with the Icecream Maker… for the artisan or icecream connoisseur.
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
WITH FABRIC & THREAD
This gorgeous book from Joanna Figueroa, fabric designer and owner of Fig Tree & Co, contains over 20 adorable quilting and sewing projects.
Along with these beautifully illustrated projects, and the step-by-step instructions and patterns to accompany them, there are chapters filled with information about that basics (and differences) of sewing and quilting, the equipment you’ll need, and working with colour, patterns and fabrics.
The projects in With Fabric & Thread inclue the adorable Dear Betty Apron (in both adults and childrens size), a Boardwalk Beach Tote, quilted Slipper Booties, and Pin Cushion Buttercups.
A beautiful gift for: Anyone you know who loves to sew, dreams of quilting, and is inspired by beautiful fabrics and designs.
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
HAPPY HOME
This gorgeous book from Sis Boom Fabrics creator, Jennifer Paganelli, contains over 21 great sewing and craft projects to add colour and creative flair to your home.
There’s an “Express Yourself” Applique Pillow, adorable Laundry Bags, Vintage Banner, and even a beautiful Christmas stocking pattern.
All patterns are included, along with step-by-step instructions, and loads of inspiring photography.
The perfect gift book for: Sewers and craft lovers from teens up, and crafty home decorators.
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
DECORATE WORKSHOP
If you’ve seen Holly Becker’s blog Decor8, you’ll know just what an amazing and inspiring sense of style the author of Decorate Workshop has.
Here, Holly shares the 8 creative steps that she uses, and that anyone can use, to design and style their space.
From finding your personal style to identifying your project, preparing your space, and translating your ideas, this book is filled with immensely practical instruction and inspiration for anyone wanting to create a beautiful home that reflects their own style and creativity.
The perfect gift: To wrap up and put under the tree for yourself. Seriously!! But buy another copy for your sister, or a friend, or anyone you know whose home is a blank canvas and can’t wait to create a masterpiece!
Available from Book Depository, Amazon and Fishpond
Hope that gives you a few great ideas for your Christmas book shopping!
If you have any other great book suggestions for Christmas gift giving, I’d love for you to share those in the comments below.