Books as Holiday Gifts — Fiction & Non-Fiction for Every Home
Books, both fiction and non-fiction, are as diverse as the homes they illuminate. Mintel’s 2025 lifestyle trends affirm this shift: people are gravitating toward products that balance design, wellbeing, and personal enrichment. Books are no longer just stories—they’re carefully curated objects that inspire, educate, and reflect taste.
“Today’s book is more than a read—it’s a design object, a conversation starter, and a window into new worlds. With innovations in printing, binding, and thoughtfully designed covers, books have become refined essentials that are both subtly luxurious and emotionally resonant.” —Joseph DeAcetis, Editor at StyleLujo.com and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology
To help you navigate this literary renaissance, StyleLujo.com curated the Top 10 Holiday Book Gifts Under $50–$100—a handpicked selection that celebrates storytelling, insight, and seasonal spirit. Whether you’re shopping for a minimalist, a curious mind, or someone who loves cozy reading rituals, these picks deliver wonder, inspiration, and a touch of everyday luxury.
The Top 10 Holiday Book Gifts:
1. Winter Fiction Anthology
Short stories and novellas that capture the magic of the season—perfect for fireside reading or gifting in cozy bundles.
2. Non-Fiction Wellness & Mindfulness Books
Guides on meditation, journaling, or self-care practices—an ideal gift for those seeking calm in the holiday bustle.
3. Coffee Table Art & Design Books
Visually stunning tomes that double as décor, from photography to interior design—perfect for stylish homes.
4. Illustrated Children’s Classics
Timeless stories reimagined with modern illustrations—holiday-ready for little readers and family gifting.
5. Limited-Edition Collector’s Editions
Leather-bound, gold-foiled, or special-print editions of beloved novels—a luxurious treat for bibliophiles.
6. Culinary & Cocktail Guides
For foodies and home entertainers—recipes, mixology tips, and festive inspiration for holiday gatherings.
7. Travel & Adventure Narratives
Memoirs, essays, and visual storytelling for those who wander—even from the comfort of home.
8. Science, Technology & Innovation Reads
Books that spark curiosity and ignite conversations about the world of tomorrow.
9. Inspirational Biographies & Memoirs
Stories of resilience, creativity, and trailblazers to inspire and empower the reader in your life.
10. Matching Host & Guest Book Sets
One for you, one to gift—perfect for book swaps, holiday parties, or thoughtful seasonal gestures.
Why Books Are the Ultimate Holiday Gift in 2025
“Books are intimate, intentional, and transformative,” says DeAcetis. “They can spark conversation, expand horizons, and create connection—all in the palm of your hand. That’s why they’re the perfect holiday gesture.”
With more publishers embracing eco-friendly paper, artisanal bindings, and inclusive storytelling, books have become more than a seasonal staple—they’re a lifestyle choice. Whether it’s a thought-provoking memoir, a visually stunning coffee table book, or a cozy novel for winter evenings, the right book can spark joy, ignite imagination, and make any home feel enriched.
On behalf of the Editors at StyleLujo.com, we wish you a season of stories, inspiration, and stylish serenity. May your holidays be as enlightening as your favorite read.
Fiction / Poetry
“I See You’ve Called in Dead”
- John Kenney
- Item Description: (Zibby Publishing, April 2025) – The Office meets Six Feet Under meets About a Boy in this touching story about life and death, the search for meaning, and about finding and never letting go of the preciousness of life. Written by Thurber Prize-winner and New York Times bestselling author John Kenney, the book explores the life of Bud Stanley, an obituary writer who is afraid to live. His newspaper wants to fire him, but the company’s system has him listed as dead and can’t fire a dead person. The ensuing fallout forces him to realize that life may actually be worth living.
- Who is this Book For: Fans of dark humor and character-driven stories about finding purpose in unexpected ways.
- Price: $27.99 (Hardcover)
- Purchase Links:
“Pictures of You”
- By Emma Grey
- Item Description: (Zibby Publishing, 2024) – The sophomore novel from acclaimed Australian author Emma Grey centers around a second-chance romance that leads a woman to remake her life following a tragic accident. The national bestseller earned People’s Best Book recognition upon release and has been best described as “an intriguing romance” by Booklist.
- Who is this Book For: Anyone who loves heartfelt second-chance romances with depth and emotional growth.
- Price: $28 (Hardcover)
- Purchase Links:
- By Mitch Albom
- Item Description: From New York Times bestselling author Mitch Albom, Twice is a breathtaking love story about second chances that explores how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along. It chronicles the life of Alfie Logan who has the ability to get a second chance at everything. Unfortunately, that second chance could mean losing everything that he holds dear.
- Who is this Book For: For the sentimental reader who loves a good cry and a reminder of life’s “what ifs.” Gift it to the person in your life who could use a thought-provoking read to start the new year with perspective.
- Price: $26.99 (Hardcover)
- Purchase links:
“What The Deep Water Knows”
- By Miranda Cowley Heller
- Item Description: (Zibby Publishing, 2025) – The debut poetry collection from #1 New York Times bestselling author Miranda Cowley Heller (The Paper Palace), What the Deep Water Knows offers an extraordinary collection of poems, written over 15 years, that unintentionally form a powerful narrative arc about womanhood, motherhood, marriage, heartbreak and self-reclamation. Author Daisy Goodwin (The American Heiress) says the book “… will change the way you see the world.”
- Who is this Book For:
- Price: $28 (Hardcover)
- Purchase Links:
Non-Fiction
“Hope All the Way: Discovering Divine Signs in Life After Loss”
- By Theo Boyd
- Item Description: Known for transforming tragedy into inspiration for healing and change, the My Grief Is Not Like Yours author and Think Theopodcast host shares relatable insight into navigating grief and the complexities after loss. With a background in education, Theo Boyd brings accessibility to her message. For her work, she has won 17 national and international book awards, including the Indie Excellence Award, two Global Book Awards, and the 2025 Texas Rising Lone Star Author Award. Her new follow-up book Hope All The Way is a guide to move through grief and transform loss into purpose and hope.
- Who is this Book For: This heartfelt guide is perfect for anyone navigating grief or supporting someone who is. It is a meaningful gift for a friend, family member, or anyone who could use a little light in a difficult season.
- Price: $26.00 (Hardcover) (Pre-Order)
- Purchase Links:
“Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved”
- By Rocky Kanaka
- Item Description: The Emmy nominated dog rescue advocate takes his 11M+ followers with him as he visits shelters and finds dogs in need. Through patience, kindness and love, this entrepreneur and social media star gains the trust of dogs to help them find love with adoption. In his first book Sitting with Dogs: Stories of Rescue Dogs Going from Lost to Loved, Rocky shares a collection of stories from nine rescue dogs that teach the importance of trust and love, no matter the circumstances. From the story of Flip, Rocky’s first rescue and his inspiration for dedicating his life to saving lost and abandoned dogs, to Macy, who was so emaciated when she arrived at the shelter that no one thought she would survive, Rocky’s stories will tug at your heart, bring a smile to your face, and maybe even inspire you to give a little of your own time to a dog in need. And you don’t need to be a dog expert to make a difference. With a little love and patience, you can do exactly what Rocky does—change lives.
- Who is this Book For: This book is the perfect gift for the dog lover in your life. The one who tears up at rescue videos and believes every pup deserves a second chance. Gift it to the animal advocates, pet parents, and anyone who finds comfort in stories of compassion and hope.
- Price: $29.99 (Hardcover)
- Purchase Links:
“The History of Money: A Story of Humanity”
- By David McWilliams
- Item Description: (Henry Holt & Company) Global economist, podcast host and international #1 bestselling author David McWilliams explores money, the most defining innovation in our planet’s history. In this fresh, eye-opening global history, David charts the relationship between humans and money unveiling how money unlocks pleasure and brings out humanity’s darker side while remaining central to every aspect of our civilization. Called the “economics book of the year” by the Financial Times for the UK release, the book outlines the lifelong journey of money from Babylon to Wall Street, introducing readers to the innovators, emperors, frauds, and spectators who shaped it along the way.
- Who is this Book For: Readers who love history and are curious about how money shaped civilization and the people who’ve wielded its power.
- Price: $32.99 (Hardcover)
- Purchase Links:
