Gifts & Must-Haves
The gift to give when you don't know what to give
Photography: Stacey Brandford | Story: A Chic Home With High- and Deceptively Low-Cost Flourishes
Gifts & Must-Haves
The gift to give when you don't know what to give
Whether you're shopping for someone who is frighteningly picky or claims they "don't need anything," this one gift idea is always a winner.
The ideal gift is something that's thoughtful but not something the receiver is likely to treat him- or herself to. It's original and unexpected, affordable and timeless — what is it? A coffee table book.
Filled with inspiring pictures, words and ideas, books make a gift for the eyes, mind and home (that's the thing with coffee table books — they double as stylish room accessories).
But of course, not any book will do. You'll need to choose one that covers your friend's particular interests so the gift is truly meaningful. (Need help? Check out their Instagram page to see which designers, artists, chefs, etc. they follow, and go from there). Aim for an option on the newer side, to lower your chances of them already owning it.
To help you out, here's a roundup of some of the coolest picks that came out this year, sorted by whom you may be shopping for.
The fashion girl
"Fashion Climbing: A Memoir with Photographs" by Bill Cunningham, $24, amazon.ca.
"In Paris: 20 Women on Life in the City of Light" by Jeanne Damas and Lauren Bastide, $36, amazon.ca.
The one who loves good style will appreciate these books. Fashion Climbing is by infamous fashion photographer the late Bill Cunningham and features his own street style shots from decades passed. In Paris is by ultimate French It girl Jeanne Damas and looks at the lives of twenty chic Parisian women.
The design enthusiast
"Sofas" by Agata Toromanoff, $31, indigo.ca.
"May I Come In?" by Wendy Goodman, $57, amazon.ca.
Sofas takes a look at the best designs of the home staple from the 20th and 21st centuries, and May I Come In? features a collection of over 75 homes that act as a sneak peek at their owner's passions and imagination.
The pop culture junkie
"Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color" by Valerie Steele, $57, amazon.ca.
"Buckingham Palace: The Interiors" by Ashley Hicks, $68, amazon.ca.
The one who favours Millennial Pink will enjoy learning about its past — in particular, its significance from the eighteenth century to now, with Pink: The History of a Punk, Pretty, Powerful Color. The royal family fanatic will appreciate a glimpse at the interiors of the British royals' palace with Buckingham Palace, which reveals photos of some of the most iconic rooms including the Ballroom and the Throne Room.
The photographer
"The Swimming Pool in Photography" by Francis Hodgson, $57, amazon.ca.
"Dior Images: Paolo Roversi" by Paolo Roversi, $95, amazon.ca.
Shopping for a photographer? No matter how experienced they are (Instagram photographers count, too!) these two stunners are sure to inspire. The Swimming Pool in Photography includes over 200 images of pools, captured in unique ways, and Dior Images: Paolo Roversi is a collection of hauntingly beautiful images shot by famed fashion photographer Paolo Roversi.
The foodie
"The Missoni Family Cookbook" by Francesco Maccapani Missoni, $55, amazon.ca.
"The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal" by Gwyneth Paltrow, $38, amazon.ca.
In The Missoni Family Cookbook, the famous fashion house's family recipes are being shared, which includes favourites passed down from author Francesco's grandparents. The Clean Plate is the latest cookbook by Gwyneth Paltrow and features recipes that are meant to heal the body. Note: It's due to be released in the New Year, but it makes a fabulous pre-ordered gift!
The book lover
"Writers and Their Cats" by Alison Nastasi, $22, amazon.ca.
"Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany" by Jane Mount, $28, amazon.ca.
The one who loves classic authors (and/or felines!) will adore the book Writers and Their Cats, which looks at the funny friendships between authors (such as Ernest Hemmingway and Mark Twain) and their furry friends. Friend a foe to felines? Go with Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany, which is basically an illustrated guide of all things book-related and a coffee table essential for any book lover.
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