It may have gotten lost in everything else that’s been going on, but Mothers’ Day is this weekend here in the US. This year, everything is a little trickier… most of us can’t take Mom to brunch or swing by with some chocolates. If you’re short on ideas, here are some bookish options to consider!
Here it is… the last in my series of Holiday Gift Guides for 2018! These have been a lot of fun to put together, and I’ve heard from several of you that you’ve gotten great ideas for someone on your list! So, do you need to finish (or, ahem… start) your Christmas shopping? Read on…
If you missed any of the previous Gift Guides, here are the links:
Holiday Gift Guide: Beautiful Gift Books
Holiday Gift Guide: Harry Potter Edition
Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts of Faith
Let’s cap this off with one more list: great gifts relating to everything pop culture!
(This post contains affiliate links, which allow me the opportunity to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please see my policies for further information.)
Not a gamer alive doesn’t know Mario! Along with Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and the rest, Mario is Nintendo’s biggest star and a staple in gaming. Get your Mario fan this new encyclopedia that details three decades of everyone’s favorite little Italian plumber!
The books and the HBO series have both taken the world by storm! Play Monopoly as a White Walker, a Dragon Egg, and more with this customized version of the game. Fans of the show will greatly enjoy this while waiting for the last season airing in the spring.
This quirky series has a legion of fans, so someone on your list is bound to follow it. This companion guide is made to look like an old beat up book from a throwback era and contains photos and behind the scenes information!
These cute little things are only a few inches tall, which means there’s room for a boatload of them! No matter what your favorite fandom, there’s probably a series of figures to represent it… everything from Harry Potter to TV shows to entire superhero universes. Like The Flash here, and all his DC Universe friends. (Don’t worry, Marvel fans, you’re covered too!)
Fans of Star Wars are fortunate that so much great merchandise exists. If you’re looking for something a little different, how about the epic soundtrack from one of the movies? This is available to stream, but you can also get it on vinyl or CD.
No pop culture list would be complete without a nod to the boy wizard and his friends. Yes, I did a whole HP list, but let’s toss in one last item! Munchkin is a wacky game that doubles the fun by throwing in magic… great fun with a group of friends and family.
Still looking for other great pop culture options? I have an Amazon idea list with even more items… check it out here: The Biblio Blonde’s Pop Culture Ideas
So, there you have it…. all kinds of ideas for everyone on your holiday shopping list. Have you found the perfect gift for someone? If one of these lists sparked an idea for you, let me know in the comments below! Hope you’ve enjoyed them!
December on my blog will bring lots of fun content… I’m participating in #Blogmas which is a big deal in the blogging world, as well as Bookending Winter through Bookend Events. Look for gift guides, Christmas book recommendations, holiday favorites, and more!
Hello everyone! Today’s gift guide is a little different, and special because it draws on my own traditions and beliefs. Christmas is celebrated in lots of different ways, but for many people, my family included, part of the holiday is a celebration of our Christian faith recognizing the birth of Jesus.
If you have friends and family who celebrate Christmas from a religious viewpoint, or if you want something special for yourself to recognize your spiritual walk this season, one of these items may be the perfect choice! Read on for some great faith-based gift ideas!
Many of these items are from a company called Dayspring that offers beautiful cards and gifts. I’ve recently become an affiliate with them because I think they have so many lovely items to share!
(This post contains affiliate links, which allow me the opportunity to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please see my policies for further information.)
Crazy Cool Threads is a company that makes amazing faith-based t-shirts and other items… they’re cute, modern, and feature beautiful sentiments. With this particular tee, do the words sound a bit familiar? They’re very similar to (and perhaps based on) the lyrics for Lauren Daigle’s lovely Christian/Pop crossover hit, “You Say.” It’d make a great gift for someone who loves that song or needs some encouragement… perhaps paired with Lauren’s newest album on CD or vinyl?
Get this cute tee (and browse other great options) here: “You Say” Tee
Pair with Lauren Daigle’s newest: Amazon Barnes & Noble
We pretty much all know someone who lives for their tea or coffee, right? A beautiful new set of mugs is always a thoughtful gift for them. This set has four different lovely pastel styles proclaiming Strength, Trust, Hope, & Faith. (Rather have all of one color/style? Those gift sets are on the website too!) Tuck in their favorite coffee or a gift set of gourmet tea bags to finish off the perfect package!
Get this cute set or something similar at Dayspring: Stoneware Mug Set
Millions of people have loved Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” series of devotionals. Her newest is perfect for this time of year! It’s a beautiful, undated devotional to savor through the Advent and Christmas season. I have this one, and you guys, the pages are just stunning. If you’re giving a gift early on in the season (maybe a gift exchange with a friend?), this would be an ideal choice to give the recipient time to enjoy it.
Order Jesus Calling for Christmas: Dayspring Amazon Barnes & Noble
All of these, you may be thinking, are great, but… what about the guys on my list? This cross is both substantial and stylish enough that it would look great on men of all ages.
Get this gift at Dayspring: Nail Cross Pewter Necklace
I’m always on the lookout for new Christmas decor, and this simple but lovely piece would blend into nearly any decor. Order this, and then just make sure you get a big enough box or gift bag… it’s nearly 18 inches across!
Get this gift (and other holiday decor) at Dayspring: Joy to the World Wall Art
Okay, well… I could go on for a while here, but these ideas should serve as great inspiration to choose the perfect gift.
Still need other ideas? Check out my gift guides focusing on Beautiful Books or on all things Harry Potter! And, I’m planning one more gift guide launching in a few days.
Best of luck to all you holiday shoppers out there… remember when the going gets tough at the mall, the tough get… well, home, to curl up on the sofa with a good book! Happy reading! (And shopping.)
December on my blog will bring lots of fun content… I’m participating in #Blogmas which is a big deal in the blogging world, as well as Bookending Winter through Bookend Events. Look for gift guides, Christmas book recommendations, holiday favorites, and more!
Hello, friends! Well, at this point, at least here in the US, we’re all still stuffed from Thanksgiving, and many of us are recovering from Black Friday and the massive kick-off to holiday shopping (I stayed home and shopped online in my PJ’s!).
So it’s time to kick back a little. Play some games or watch holiday movies. Put up the Christmas tree and have a mug of hot chocolate. Then, it’s time to see who’s left on your holiday gift-giving list.
This is the second in my list of holiday gift guides (you can see the first here), and this one is 100% focused on Harry Potter. This series has captured the hearts of children and adults for years now, and I’m more than willing to bet you have a big fan (or five!) on your list.
Here’s a sampling of all kinds of Harry Potter goodies that are sure to bring a smile to anyone who unwraps them!
(This post contains affiliate links, which allow me the opportunity to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please see my policies for further information.)
If you have big fans of the HP universe, chances are good they’ve either gone to see this new movie, or are planning to over the holidays. Surprise them with a copy of the movie’s screenplay in this lovely book!
With an introduction by “Newt Scamander” himself, this lovely book illustrates all the Fantastic Beasts and provides whimsical descriptions of them.
I can’t imagine anything more fun for family game night! This Ultimate Edition Harry Potter Trivial Pursuit has over 1800 questions for Potter fans!
(Note: As of publication, Amazon only has this item through third party sellers, but that could, of course, change at any time. Take note when ordering!)
Have any of us ever wanted our own magic wand? (Better question: who HASN’T wanted their own magic wand?!?) This kit uses basic visual coding on a tablet (tablet not included, BYO iPad!) to program a wand that can do cool stuff. Pricier gift, but if you have a tech-loving Potter fan, this is a can’t miss item!
Potterheads who love strategy games, or those who already dabble in chess, will love this Wizard’s chess set. Now, to the best of my knowledge, this set will not actually destroy itself (or anything else) during play. But, you know, proceed with caution. Fifty points to Gryffindor!
This intricate puzzle requires patience, but the payoff looks amazing! Build a 3D model of Diagon Alley… once you’ve enjoyed the challenge of putting it together, leave it on display.
There we have it… some great options that Harry Potter fans would love to find under the tree this season! I’m currently trying to decide which of these are going to show up in my living room on Christmas morning.
By the way, if you’re ordering any of these from Amazon, and you’re not already a member of Amazon Prime, it’s the perfect time to try it free for 30 days! Free shipping for your holiday gifts, a library of videos and music at your fingertips… what could be better? Try Prime now!
Stay tuned to the blog… I’m planning at least one more gift guide (maybe a couple!) in the coming weeks, along with some reviews of great Christmas titles to read! Stay warm, stay safe…. and happy reading!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… for so many reasons!
If, like me, you’re in the US, you’re probably looking forward to Thanksgiving. Family, and traditions, and… well, pie. Let’s not forget pie. But this weekend also kicks off the biggest shopping (and gift giving) season of the year!
Do you know what you’re getting everyone on your list this season?
Me neither.
Not yet, anyway. But I’m getting there. Still need some ideas? I’m putting together a series of Holiday Gift Guide posts… between all of them, you’re sure to find some shopping inspiration just in time to play Santa! (I also mentioned my love of gift guides and shared some links to guides by other bloggers in my latest Friday Favorites post.)
Today, we’re going to start off the Gift Guide series with Beautiful Gift Books! These are lovely, visually inspiring titles perfect for a coffee table or a shelf display. And, you know, to read!
(This post contains affiliate links, which allow me the opportunity to earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Please see my policies for further information.)
This gorgeous, gracious book by our favorite award-winning actress (and girl boss!) combines Southern traditions with contemporary charm!
Reese Witherspoon’s grandmother Dorothea always said that a combination of beauty and strength made southern women “whiskey in a teacup.” We may be delicate and ornamental on the outside, she said, but inside we’re strong and fiery.
Reese’s southern heritage informs her whole life, and she loves sharing the joys of southern living with practically everyone she meets. She takes the South wherever she goes with bluegrass, big holiday parties, and plenty of Dorothea’s fried chicken. It’s reflected in how she entertains, decorates her home, and makes holidays special for her kids—not to mention how she talks, dances, and does her hair (in these pages, you will learn Reese’s fail-proof, only slightly insane hot-roller technique). Reese loves sharing Dorothea’s most delicious recipes as well as her favorite southern traditions, from midnight barn parties to backyard bridal showers, magical Christmas mornings to rollicking honky-tonks.
It’s easy to bring a little bit of Reese’s world into your home, no matter where you live. After all, there’s a southern side to every place in the world, right?
Have an animal or nature lover in your life? This photo book is sure to dazzle!
The lush and unique photography in this book represents National Geographic’s Photo Ark, a major initiative and lifelong project by photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world’s animals—especially those that are endangered. His powerful message, conveyed with humor, compassion, and art: to know these animals is to save them.
Sartore is circling the globe, visiting zoos and wildlife rescue centers to create studio portraits of 12,000 species, with an emphasis on those facing extinction. Wiht a goal of photographing every animal in captivity in the world, he has photographed more than 6,000 already and now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with National Geographic, he may reach his goal. This book showcases his animal portraits: from tiny to mammoth, from the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Paired with the eloquent prose of veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick, and an inspiring foreword from Harrison Ford, this book presents a thought-provoking argument for saving all the species of our planet.
(*FYI: On Amazon, take note of anticipated delivery dates; it says it may arrive after Christmas but gives a wide range… you can look at other sellers for quicker delivery.)
Someone in your life a big Fixer Upper fan? Get this beautiful book full of inspiration!
In Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave, Joanna Gaines walks you through how to create a home that reflects the personalities and stories of the people who live there. Using examples from her own farmhouse as well as a range of other homes, this comprehensive guide will help you assess your priorities and instincts, as well as your likes and dislikes, with practical steps for navigating and embracing your authentic design style. Room by room, Homebody gives you an in-depth look at how these styles are implemented as well as how to blend the looks you’re drawn to in order to create spaces that feel distinctly yours. A design template at the end of the book offers a step-by-step guide to planning and sketching out your own design plans. The insight shared in Homebody will instill in you the confidence to thoughtfully create spaces you never want to leave.
Need even more Joanna Gaines? Have a loved one who loves entertaining? If they haven’t picked this one up already, they’ll love this!
Magnolia Table is infused with Joanna Gaines’ warmth and passion for all things family, prepared and served straight from the heart of her home, with recipes inspired by dozens of Gaines family favorites and classic comfort selections from the couple’s new Waco restaurant, Magnolia Table.
Jo believes there’s no better way to celebrate family and friendship than through the art of togetherness, celebrating tradition, and sharing a great meal. Magnolia Table includes 125 classic recipes—from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to small plates, snacks, and desserts—presenting a modern selection of American classics and personal family favorites. Complemented by her love for her garden, these dishes also incorporate homegrown, seasonal produce at the peak of its flavor. Inside Magnolia Table, you’ll find recipes the whole family will enjoy!
Full of personal stories and beautiful photos, Magnolia Table is an invitation to share a seat at the table with Joanna Gaines and her family.
Anyone would love this amazing photo journey capturing the cosmos!
One’s perspective shifts when one lives for an entire year–as Commander Scott Kelly, and no other American astronaut in history, has–in the isolating, grueling, and utterly unforgiving vacuum of space. Kelly’s photos prove that this perspective–from 250 miles above earth–while hard-won, is also almost unspeakably beautiful. He mastered the rare art of microgravity photography. Using a Nikon D4 with a long 800mm lens and a 1.4x magnifying zoom lens, he panned the camera as the shutter released in order to compensate for the space station’s velocity: 17,500 mph relative to the earth. Kelly’s artist’s eye helped make him a social media sensation, and here his photos are collected alongside his own commentary, which sets the images in their proper contexts, human and cosmic. Kelly captures sunsets, moonrises, the aurora borealis, and the luminous, hazy tapestry of the Milky Way. He presents snapshots of life and work on the International Space Station, from spacewalks to selfies. But above all–or floating amid all–he takes the earth itself as his celestial muse. Here are hurricanes, wrinkled mountains, New York City shining like a galaxy–glorious photographs that are, in themselves, a passionate argument for the preservation of our planet in the face of climate change and environmental destruction.
History or geography lover in the family? Aspiring world traveler? This gorgeous volume will bring rave reviews!
More than 140 detailed maps tell the story of pivotal episodes in world history, from the first human migrations out of Africa to the space race.
Custom regional and global maps present the history of the world in action, charting how events traced patterns on land and ocean–patterns of exploration, discovery, or conquest that created empires, colonies, or theaters of war. Thoughtful organization of information will help you follow the story of civilizations through ancient, medieval, and modern times.
But not every page is full of maps. At key points in History Map by Map, broad, sweeping introductions provide a chance to step back and look at entire periods, such as World War II, or to explore overarching themes, such as the Industrial Revolution. Picture spreads, meanwhile, focus on epoch-defining moments or developments, such as fascism and communism, and the invention of printing.
I hope that gets your creativity flowing for amazing gift ideas! Stay tuned… over the next couple of weeks I’ll be releasing more gift guides. In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving, and of course, happy reading!
P.S. – If you’re ordering from Amazon, and you’re not already a member of Amazon Prime, it’s the perfect time to try it free for 30 days! Free shipping for your holiday gifts, a library of videos and music at your fingertips… what could be better? Try Prime now!
