We love books. And while eBooks and audiobooks have their pulses, there’s nothing like a real book you can hold in hands. We also think books make wonderful gifts, and here are a few choices to help with your gift giving. And if you want to add to the gift, we have some thoughts on that too. PS – And yes, we have some shameless plugs of books from The Three Tomatoes Book Publishing, but they’re great books and we would have picked them even if we hadn’t published them.

Books for Your BFFs

50 Fun and Irreverent Quips from the Martini Ladies

Martini Wisdom from The Three Tomatoes mother and daughter duo, Cheryl Benton and Roni Jenkins, is the perfect anecdote to all those motivational and inspirational books about midlife and beyond. It’s the inappropriate thought bubbles that the “martini ladies” dare to say out loud.  Come on…you know you’ve had some of these thoughts too. It’s the perfect anywhere read and you’re going to want to share it with your BFFs too. Get the book.

Pair the book with these snarky cocktail napkins with 4 different funny sayings. Available at Amazon.

An Inspiring Book About Growing Older

This honest, straight from the soul book of essays is filled with wisdom and humor about the challenges and joys of growing older and living a life without regrets. A witty and sharp observer of life, Jane H. Goldman reveals her fears and thoughts about growing older and most of all learning to live life as herself and living a life without regrets.  Get the book.

Add this mug. Kinda says it all. Available on Amazon.

An Enduring Friendship

Carly Simon and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis made an unlikely pair―Carly, a free and artistic spirit still reeling from her recent divorce, searching for meaning, new love, and an anchor; and Jackie, one of the most celebrated, meticulous, unknowable women in American history. Nonetheless, over the next decade their lives merged in inextricable and complex ways, and they forged a connection deeper than either could ever have foreseen. Get the book.

Pair with this BFF pillow cover. Available on Amazon.

For Poetry Lovers

100 Poems of Hope and Encouragement

The book features one hundred poems that the author has selected from her many years of writing poetry only for herself. After she started posting some of her deeply personal poems publicly, she was surprised and delighted by the responses and realized her words mattered to others.  By giving a voice to pain and anguish, Madlyn’s poems also provide hope and encouragement that there is a better tomorrow. It is her hope that the poems will help others who have suffered or are suffering from abuse, betrayal, bullying, trauma and depression to realize they are not alone, and that recovery is possible. Get the book.

Pair it with “The Singing in the Rain” Umbrella. Available on Amazon.

Wise words from Maya Angelou

We lost the woman this year, but not her wise words and inspiration. “Pocket Maya Angelou Wisdom: Inspirational Quotes and Wise Words from a Legendary Icon” for anyone. Get the book.

Pair it with this photo art print of one of her Maya Angelou’s inspirational quotes. Available on Amazon.

For Those with Wanderlust

Andorra to Zimbabwe and 98 Countries in Between

Places I Remember is a unique combination of travel memoir, travel almanac, personal journal and an illustrated album that also makes it a beautiful coffee table book. It’s organized in alpha order by country and goes back in forth in time over five decades. Lea Lane is a beautiful writer and an insightful traveler who was always willing to leave the most traveled path in search of adventures. She has a thirst for wanting to know the real country, not just the tourist spots. The reader will find many lessons along the way and you will relish the journey. Get the book.

Pair it with this delightful passport holder cover. Available on Amazon.

For Royal Lovers

The Crown: The Official Companion, Volume 2: Political Scandal, Personal Struggle, and the Years that Defined Elizabeth II (1956-1977) 

If love “The Crown” on Netflix you or anyone you know will love this companion book. The show’s historical consultant answers all your questions alongside beautifully reproduced archival photographs. Get the book.

The Other Side of the Coin: The Queen, the Dresser and the Wardrobe

The Official Book, Fully Endorsed By Queen Elizabeth II. From Her Majesty’s trusted confidant and Dresser Angela Kelly LVO comes a lavishly designed book of never-before-seen photos of The Queen, Her wardrobe and Her jewels and features intimate anecdotes from Angela’s 25-year career working closely with Her Majesty. A truly unique keepsake and collectors’ item to be treasured.  Get the book.  

Pair the books with the Queen’s moto. Available on Amazon.

For Homebodies and Cooks

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. This comprehensive guide will help you assess your priorities and instincts, as well as your likes and dislikes. A design template at the end of the book offers a step-by-step guide to planning and sketching out your own design plans. Get the book.

Pair it with this Yankee Candle a heartwarming blend of cinnamon, baking spices, and a hint of freshly poured tea. Available on Amazon.

5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food

We love Jamie Oliver and easy recipes. Focusing on incredible combinations of just five ingredients, he’s created 130 brand-new recipes that you can cook up at home, any day of the week. From salads, pasta, chicken, and fish to exciting ways with vegetables, rice and noodles, beef, pork, and lamb, plus a bonus chapter of sweet treats, Jamie’s got all the bases covered. This is about maximum flavor with minimum fuss, lots of nutritious options, and loads of epic inspiration. Get the book.

Pair it with this sea salt collection, one of Jamie’s 5 ingredients. Available on Amazon.