Best Books to Give as Gifts - Ideas for Every Reader

Updated: Sep, 18 2025

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Looking for the best books to give as gifts? A carefully chosen book is a timeless, personal present that offers an escape, a new perspective, or a thrilling adventure. This guide is your curated list of the best books to give for any occasion, perfect for every type of reader on your list.

The Art of Gifting a Book: A Quick Guide

The secret to gifting a book they'll actually read is to match it to their personality and interests. Here's how to choose:

Think About Their Favorite Movies & TV Shows: This is the best clue. If they love historical dramas, a compelling biography is a great choice. If they're a fan of crime shows, a gripping thriller is a safe bet.
A Beautiful Hardcover is a Special Gift: For a true book lover, a beautifully designed hardcover edition feels more substantial and special than a paperback.
When in Doubt, Choose an Acclaimed Bestseller: A book that has won awards or topped the bestseller lists is usually a crowd-pleaser.

For the person who is always on the go, an Audible subscription for audiobooks is a fantastic alternative to physical books, allowing them to "read" during their commute or at the gym.

Best Books to Give as Gifts - Ideas for Every Reader

The Best Books to Give as Gifts, by Genre

Here are our top recommendations, organized by interest to make your choice easy.

For the Fiction Lover

These are the critically acclaimed, can't-put-down novels perfect for getting lost in.

A Recent Award-Winner: Look for the winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction or the National Book Award from the past year.
A Beautiful Box Set of a Classic Series: A complete, beautifully packaged set of a series like "The Lord of the Rings" or "Dune."
A Bestselling Modern Classic: A book that everyone has been talking about.

For the History Buff

These are gripping, narrative non-fiction books that read like novels.

A Major Biography of a Historical Figure: A deep-dive into the life of a fascinating figure.
A "Big Idea" History Book: A book like "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari that offers a sweeping and fascinating look at human history.
A Gripping Narrative Non-Fiction: A book that tells a true story from history in a thrilling, novelistic way. For more ideas for men, check out our guide to the best book to gift a man.

If you know their absolute favorite novel, finding a special, leather-bound or first edition copy is an incredibly thoughtful and impressive gift.

For the Cook & Foodie

These are the best books for the person who loves to spend time in the kitchen.

A Beautiful Cookbook from a Renowned Chef: The latest release from a famous chef or a classic like "Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat."
A Book About Food Science or History: For the foodie who is also a geek.
A Cocktail Recipe Book: A beautifully illustrated guide to making classic and modern cocktails.

Conclusion

A book is a deeply personal and cherished gift that shows you've considered a person's intellect and interests. Whether you choose a gripping thriller or a beautiful cookbook, the best book you can give as a gift is one that will leave a lasting impression. For more gift ideas for the reader in your life, explore our guide to the best gifts for the book lover.

For even more gift ideas, you can always explore our ultimate guide on the best gift ideas for a woman or for him.

Gifts are for making an impression, not just for the sake of it.
**GiftsPick - Meticulous, Kind, Objective.