As I mentioned yesterday, I'm in full Christmas prep mode. Like everyone, I struggle with coming up with unique and thoughtful gifts. Doesn't it seem like most people have everything already? My one "go-to" gift is a book. If you pick the right one, it can be personal, not too expensive and a useful item for the recipient. What could be finer?
So I thought I'd share some of my favorite books I've given (and received) as gifts.
So I thought I'd share some of my favorite books I've given (and received) as gifts.
For beginner level photo buffs:
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
I know I've recommended this book before but its a must have for anyone wanting to learn the basic science behind getting the photos you want. It takes some concentration (I certainly didn't absorb it all) but its a great resource. I've given this book at least 4 times.
I received this book as a gift this year. I always love getting these kinds of compilation books but I'm often disappointed when they don't hold any worthy projects for me. Not Marthas version - it has quite a lot of great ideas (simple ones too) and is a wonderful reference. They may not all be winners but its definitely worthy of its shelf space.
Ive had the original version of this book for years and its a great reference. It seems to have almost everything a new cook could ever want. I've given this book out a few times over the years and am just seeing there is an updated edition out. Nice. Bonus: Its Christmas Red!
For the wanna be seamstress:
Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp
Ok I admit Im kind of a flunkie here. I received the book and think its fab. Very clear instruction on sewing terminology and easy to practice projects. For someone who knows absolutely nothing about sewing (me!) this is a godsend because there is a language to learn. All that said, I haven't really graduated to much beyond the basics but when I attempt, this book will be at my side.
Ok I admit Im kind of a flunkie here. I received the book and think its fab. Very clear instruction on sewing terminology and easy to practice projects. For someone who knows absolutely nothing about sewing (me!) this is a godsend because there is a language to learn. All that said, I haven't really graduated to much beyond the basics but when I attempt, this book will be at my side.
Those are my favs. What are yours?
The how-to's are fun. I got a Home Improvement one for my hubby that he loves. I personally prefer a good classic for myself~or any antique copy of a book that I love that I can use for decorating.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased the Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson a gift to me! I am still reading and really like it! Full of great info and easy reading. Great choices of books. xo
ReplyDeleteFor all the parents out there... I love to give:
ReplyDeleteThe Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
& How to Get your Child to Love Reading by Esme Raji Codell
I think books are among the best gifts to give, especially in the digital age of google readers and kindles.
I'm like you- loving giving and getting books- Would love the exposure one for myself:)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! I always feel like material items are a waste of money at times. Books are always useful!!
ReplyDeleteGood timing - I was just trying to put together a Christmas list!
ReplyDeletelove love getting AND giving books! i second 'Understanding Exposure' - great for beginners to photography! i also own the 'sew everything workshop' book - though i have yet to really dive into it....& that mark bittman book is on my list of 'to buys.'
ReplyDeletegreat recommendations.
I think I just might give "How to Cook Everything" to a couple people this year. Great gift idea, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the recommendations. I also love giving and receiving books. Plus, thanks to you I've just added the SEW book to my Christmas list!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE getting books, especially ones I didn't ask for! Some of my faves are the tounge-in-cheek Amy Sedaris books or The Onion compilations...both highly entertaining.
ReplyDeleteWhat great books here! I will def be adding some to my list!
ReplyDeleteLuvs!
A most excellent gift suggestion Mrs. L! And for the minimalists in your life-- ebooks rock too. :)
ReplyDeleteNice suggestions! I'm so getting that sewing one for my husband. As a sort of joke, I got him a machine last Christmas. He has been saying he will make some panels for me..tee hee..now he will have no excuses!
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Maureen
ok so you have been given a ton of ideas on books. But, One last ok? The digital Photography book by Scott Kelby!! Is the bomb. He is the photoshop guru and he is so easy to understand on everything from exposure to f stops!
ReplyDeleteI love reading fiction books and my favorite author is Laurell K. Hamilton. She has a 19 book and counting series, Anita Blake Vampire Hunter. It's like Underworld meets GI Jane and Buffy. Love it!
ReplyDeleteI love giving books to my nieces and nephews and last year gave out a few cookbooks to my sister's inlaw. I find gift giving so stressful! thanks for the suggestions! hugs from conroe, tx
ReplyDeleteThe exposure book looks compelling. Very.
ReplyDeletethe Mark Bittman cookbook is a MUST ... it is my go to wedding present idea complete with a gift card from Williams-Sonoma!
ReplyDeleteyes, How to Cook Everything is a great gift - love my copy - and I have given it three times as a wedding gift - also How to Cook Everything Vegetarian is great as well!
ReplyDeleteamy of four corners design
I NEED Martha's craft book!!!
ReplyDeletethe encyclopedia of crafts looks sweet. i could deff get that for a few people.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions! I am on my way to Amazon.com right now to order Ms. Rupp's book.
ReplyDeleteOK, I am so asking for that photography book for Christmas! There are so many out there, I never know which ones are good! Thanks for the recommendation.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE books! Sadly, noone ever buys me any as gifts so I just buy them for myself. I'm learning photography on my own right now (Not an easy task because get distracted quite frequently) and that book would be an excellent resource for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure my husband would love for me to get the cooking book but eh, if I learn how then I'll actually have to do more cooking. ;)
Martha's craft book looks interesting but I'm thinking that I am sew (hee hee) getting that Sewing book! My husband bought me a sewing machine three years ago for Xmas and so far it's only gotten minimal use -I used it to sew his boxers shut. I want to venture out and do some sewing crafts so this book would be a great way to finally stop saying I should and start actually doing it.
Thanks for the great book recommendations!
~Jazz
Love Bittman! Try the lamb and bean stew - I don't even like lamp but I wanted to lick the bowl when I was done!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the Understanding Exposure recommendation. I popped over to Amazon and had a little look at the other reviews...and bought it!
ReplyDeleteIt arrived today and I'm thrilled with it.
Sarahx