Just in case you waited a little bit to start your Christmas shopping, (no judgement here!) I’ve put together a list of last minute book gift ideas for all those readers still left on your list.
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All of these titles are available through Amazon Prime (the procrastinator’s lifeline) or at your local independent bookstore which might even be willing to gift wrap for you! If you don’t see something for someone specific, leave a comment and I’ll help you find just the right title.
Make everyone on your list happy with a book that’s just right for them and they’ll never know you were shopping at the last minute!
Last Minute Book Gift Ideas for Everyone on Your List
Your Entrepreneur Brother-in-Law
Anything You Want: 40 Lessons for New Kind of Entrepreneur by Derek Sivers
This super short book (under 100 pages) is packed full of the wisdom of both the success and failures of one entrepreneur who started a company from scratch, turned it into a $10 million dollar company, and then walked away. This is a business book that doesn’t feel like one. The quick chapters are easy to pick up between other activities and it certainly gave me some food for thought as I read it. A great gift for anyone who is starting a business.
Your Wanderlust Sister
At Home in the World: Reflections on Belonging While Wandering the Globe by Tsh Oxenreider
One of my favorite travel memoirs ever! Beautiful writing that chronicles one ordinary family and marriage through a year-long trip around the world. Bucket list inspiration abounds but the themes of family, faith, and searching for yourself will resonate even if you never leave home. Read my full review
Your Literary Best Friend
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
British chick lit with a literary twist. I love all of Jenny Colgan’s work but this story, set in Scotland, is a delightful treat for any readers. Nina Redmond is a librarian turned book seller who’s literary matchmaking skills will have book lovers swooning. I recommend anything by Jenny Colgan, so you can’t go wrong with some of her other titles as well.
Your Too-Cool Tween
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Just in time for the release of next year’s much anticipated film version, give this book to any tween or tween in your life who feels like someone they just don’t fit in. This sci-fi/fantasy classic is a beloved book for a reason. Read my full review
Your Downton Abby Fan Mom
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen
A murder mystery set at an family manor during World War II. A page-turning plot, plus all the drama of mixing social classes, keep things interesting and make this piece of historical fiction work for both history and ‘who-done-it’ fans. Read my full review
Your Sherlock-Loving Husband
IQ by Joe Ide
My husband loved this urban modern take on Sherlock Holmes. When LAPD can’t keep up with the murders happening in a high crime neighborhood, they turn to IQ, a high school dropout who gets caught in a crazy case helping a notorious rap star. An edgy, unique take on the mystery/crime solving genre.
Your Bookclub Buddy
This is How it Always Is by Laurie Frankel
Contemporary fiction about a timely topic. This family based novel asks the questions about identity, gender, marriage, parenting, and belonging that makes it uber-discussable and perfect for your next book club pick. Read my full review
Your Adventurous Young Reader
The Dragon Masters Series Tracey West
For young readers or a family read-aloud, this series will have your kids tearing through these books. Lighthearted and easy to read, the adventures of the dragon masters and their dragons are perfect for the under-10 crowd who isn’t quite ready for other popular fantasy series like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. The illustrations keep kids engaged and the chapters all end with cliff-hangers so be prepared for lots of pleas for “just one more chapter”. So far there are 8 books in the series but you can start with Book #1, Rise of the Earth Dragon.
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Need more last minute book gift ideas?
Let me help you win the best gift giver award! If you don’t see a title that will work here, leave a comment or send me an email and I’ll help you find the perfect book. Be the Christmas hero this year with books for your whole list, even if you only have a few days left to shop!
Or check out these related posts for more gift ideas.
My dear niece— I’m very impressed with your writing in your blog. Kudos!!
Aunt Kathie