American Wildflowers: A Literary Field Guide

I’m a simple woman: I like flowers and I like poetry. So how lovely that Susan Barba and Leanne Shapton compiled this beautiful book of flowers and poetry. I’m sure you know someone who just wants flowers and poetry–here’s the perfect gift for them.

This devotional quietly asks you to gather together and contemplate what is sacred. If you are like me and have resisted returning to the church building during these crazy times, pick up this volume and be blessed by my wise friend Bonnie.

Revenge of the Librarians

Looking for a gift for the voracious reader in your life, but have no idea where to start? Let me introduce you to Tom Gauld, an incredible literary cartoonist based out of London. His newest comic strip collection lies somewhere between a coffee table book and a graphic novel—accompanied by Gauld’s witty, wry humor and signature illustration style.

All Creation Waits — Gift Edition

Gorgeous woodcuts of animals preparing for winter will quiet your spirit this Advent. Darkness, waiting, preparing, anticipating… Each creature represents a day of the calendar as the world anticipates rebirth and light.

Inciting Joy: Essays

Whenever I need a pick me up I grab this beautiful book of essays by Ross Gay. He is just a balm in chaotic times. This new one is no different. The perfect gift for that person in your life who needs a reminder that there are absolutely beautiful things around us always.

Punk 45: The Singles Cover Art of Punk 1976-80

An in-depth compilation of the four (arguably) greatest years in music history. Cover artwork, band history, and interviews with some of the drivers behind the singles that defined the birth of punk (as well as some that faded into history). An amazing look at an era and a must for any punk fan (like me!)

The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present

This two-volume set spans over 60 years with McCartney’s commentary, notes, and photos for 154 of his songs. This collection includes pre-Beatles, Beatles, Wings, and solo songs from McCartney’s iconic career. Get this for the Macca superfan in your life, and they will love you for it.

Mythology (75th Anniversary Illustrated Edition): Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes

Everyone loves a Greek retelling but keeping up with all of pantheon is so hard. This beautifully illustrated version of Edith Hamilton classic is perfect for the person in your life who wants a beautiful reference book for the wild cast of characters in Greek Mythology.

Ruth Asawa: Citizen of the Universe

This is not your average “coffee table art book”. What I love most of about this book is that while it is filled with lovely images of Asawa at work, creating her beautiful sculptures and details of her incredible life it also has guides for doing your own recycled art projects that liken to some of her most famous work. This book is so cool!

Hayao Miyazaki

This book is a must-have for anyone who adores Studio Ghibli and the characters Hayao Miyazaki created. Anyone who has seen a Studio Ghibli film is more than familiar with what fantastical works of art they are- and who doesn’t need that in their lives even when they can’t sit down to watch a movie?

Delicious Metropolis: The Desserts and Urban Scenes of Wayne Thiebaud

The prettiest art book I have ever seen. The pastel colors only amplify the seemingly unrelated juxtaposition between sweet treats and cityscapes. I could stare at this all day.

Cryptid Club

This hilarious collection of charmingly drawn comics is perfect for the person in your life who might love anything weird, strange, or cute, or just needs a laugh.

Joan Didion: What She Means

I love Joan Didion. I love Hilton Als. I’m so glad that there’s a book combining the two in an homage to Didion’s life and the art that inspired her!

Pride and Prejudice: Illustrations by Marjolein Bastin (Marjolein Bastin Classics Series)

You can’t go wrong with any of Bastin’s stellar editions of classic books. Perfect for the Austen-loving book collector in your life, you’ll find family trees, maps, and actual letters from the story within the gold foil! I collect editions of Pride and Prejudice, and this is easily the most beautiful I’ve found.

Little Women (Painted Edition)

An illustrated copy of a well-loved classic, this painted version of Little Women is the perfect gift for all readers young at heart.

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters

Ocker is one of my favorite horror writers, and this beautiful volume is HILARIOUS. The perfect gift for a literary nerd who has read everything out there.

Film Noir Portraits

In addition to being one of the most influential film movements ever, film noir also boasts a strong claim as the most gorgeous. This striking photography collection, which features Humphrey Bogart, Joan Crawford, and everyone in between, is a great gift for the film fan in your life.

Annie Leibovitz, Portraits 2005-2016

I believe that Annie Leibovitz is the most important photographer of a generation, and this reissue of her latest book of portraits will not disappoint. Along with presidents and royalty, Leibovitz has captured portraits of icons in sports, literature, entertainment, fashion, and business in this collection. There is good reason why Leibovitz might be the best-known photographer in the world today.

Catffirmations: Mindful Mantras to Awaken Your Inner Cat

This is a charming little book filled with beautiful illustrations – colorful, playful cats as part of nature, bursting out of the landscape! Each image is paired with an encouraging affirmation such as “Inner peace is just a catnap away.” Swee is a fantastic artist and this first book would be a lovely gift for a fellow cat-lover – or yourself!

One-Hour Comfort: Quick, Cozy, Modern Dishes for All Your Cravings

I feel like this cookbook is the gift that keeps on giving, because I always find something new that I want to cook whenever I pick it up. Those familiar with America’s Test Kitchen will already know that all the recipes are vigorously tested, which is a nice safety net. This is true comfort food that will be perfect for the upcoming months.

Still don’t know what to get? Try our subscription boxes!

And take advantage of our special offer for young (and young at heart) readers, happening Black Friday through Cyber Monday! Sign up for a 6- or 12-month subscription to Sprout, Spark, or ParnassusNext and get a $20 Parnassus gift card!* Learn more about each club below.

Sprout Book Club

Sprout Book Club is the book subscription box for picture book lovers. Every month members will receive a newly published, first edition picture book. Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite picture book lover for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Past Sprout selections include Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall, A Library by Nikki Giovanni, & A Little Ferry Tale by Chad Otis

Spark Book Club

Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers (usually readers age 8-12). Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Past Spark selections include Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao, Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston, and The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo

ParnassusNext

ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.

Past ParnassusNext selections include Gallant by V.E. Schwab, In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner, and These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

First Editions Club

Every member of the First Editions Club receives a first edition of the selected book of the month (usually literary fiction, with the occasional nonfiction selection), signed by the author. Books are carefully chosen by our staff of readers, and our picks have gone on to earn major recognition including the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, and the PEN/Faulkner Award. Plus, there’s no membership fee or premium charge for these books. Build a treasured library of signed first editions and always have something great to read!

Past First Editions Club Selections include The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead, City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, and The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich