If you, dear readers, are anything like us, you carefully inspect wrapped holiday presents for anything that might possibly be a book. Is it the right shape and weight? Is it the new novel by your favorite author that was at the top of your wishlist? Or a delightful surprise from someone who knows your reading tastes perfectly? Let’s face it: For a certain kind of recipient, there’s just no gift that can compare with a book.
For this special breed we offer our annual holiday recommendations. There’s something in our gift guide for every kind of reader, from amateur historians and book club mavens to fashion mavens and sports nuts, along with young readers of all ages. You can be sure that when the wrapping has been torn away, you’ll get the ecstatic reaction you were looking for. And if you’re extra lucky, you’ll be receiving plenty of books, too.
Regular readers of Kirkus Reviews know that there are two categories of books that we don’t typically review: art books and cookbooks. Since these books are staples of holiday gift-giving, our editors recommend 20 of them here.
GIFTS FOR ART LOVERS
Giants: Art From the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys
By Alicia Keys
Phaidon, $69.95
A thrilling glimpse into the world-class art collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys.
The Art of DreamWorks Animation: Celebrating 30 Years
By DreamWorks Animation, Ramin Zahed, Jerry Beck, foreword by Cameron Diaz
Cameron + Company/Abrams, $200
A must-have for DreamWorks fans.
Yayoi Kusama: I Spend Each Day Embracing Flowers
By Yayoi Kusama, Lynn Zelevansky, Robert Slifkin
David Zwirner Books, $60
Art lovers will embrace this vibrant volume from an influential artist.
Manhattan Skyline: The City Unfolds
By Laurent Dequick, foreword by Adam Gopnik
Abrams, $60
This interactive gift book provides a spectacular panoramic portrait of Manhattan.
Copacabana Palace: Where Rio Starts
By Francisca Mattéoli, photography by Tuca Reinés
Vendome Press, $85
A pretty pictoral history of Brazil’s most glamorous beachfront hotel.
By Thandiwe Muriu
Chronicle Chroma, $40
These eye-catching portraits are a testament to Muriu’s immense talent.
The Young Man and the Tree: Fernando Wong Landscape Design
By Tim Johnson, photography by Carmel Brantley
Vendome Press, $75
Gardeners will gape at Wong’s exquisite landscape designs.
The Book of Printed Fabrics: From the 16th Century Until Today
By Aziza Gril-Mariotte
Taschen, $200
Fiber artists will swoon over this gorgeous two-volume set.
By Margot Robbie, Andrew Mukamal
Rizzoli, $55
A dazzling tour of all the Barbie-inspired looks Margot Robbie wore to promote the film.
Italian Interiors: Rooms With a View
By Laura May Todd
Phaidon, $69.95
Sumptuous is the word for this paean to Italian interior design.
By Phaidon editors, introduction by Lisa Le Feuvre
Phaidon, $69.95
An inspiring survey of signature projects by the greatest women sculptors.
GIFTS FOR FOODIES
Greekish: Everyday Recipes With Greek Roots
By Georgina Hayden
Bloomsbury, $35
A celebration of Greek-Cypriot cuisine you’ll want to reach for again and again.
Saucy: 50 Recipes for Drizzly, Dunk-able, Go-To Sauces To Elevate Everyday Meals
By Ashley Boyd
Chronicle, $19.95
A heaven-sent handbook for big dippers.
Big Night: Dinner, Parties, and Dinner Parties
By Katherine Lewin
Union Square & Co., $35
Lewin’s hospitable guide will have everyone clambering to be your guest.
Dolci!: American Baking With an Italian Accent
By Renato Poliafito
Knopf, $38
Aperol Spritz cake, malted tiramisu, and more from a James Beard Award nominee.
The Bean Book: 100 Recipes for Cooking With All Kinds of Beans, From the Rancho Gordo Kitchen
By Steve Sando with Julia Newberry
Ten Speed Press, $35
Rancho Gordo fans will simmer with excitement.
Sobremesa: Easy Mexican Recipes for Every Day
By Susana Villasuso
Interlink, $35
A winning collection of approachable, enjoyable recipes from a trusted name in Mexican cuisine.
The Cake Bible (35th Anniversary Edition)
By Rose Levy Beranbaum
William Morrow Cookbooks, $45
When it comes to cake, Rose Levy Beranbaum deserves the last word.
Bodega Bakes: Recipes for Sweets and Treats Inspired by My Corner Store
By Paola Velez
Union Square & Co., $35
Dominican flavors star in this standout baking book from patissiere and social justice activist Velez.
Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, With Lessons and Stories From My Kitchen
By Martha Stewart
Clarkson Potter, $40
The O.G. spills tea and names favorites in her 100th book.
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