Books make the perfect gift for the holiday season: easy to wrap, tons of options to choose from, and the recipient can enjoy it immediately. I usually stock a good mix of new books and used books, as well as some non-book gift items, so there’s plenty to choose from for you to pick out the right gift to give this year. 

Here are a few gift suggestions I have available right now:

For the food artist: 100 Best Decorated Cookies I love seeing the trend of elaborately decorated sugar cookies that look too good to eat! This book will help inspire anyone who has taken up the hobby and wants to improve their skills.

For the adventurer: Nature Hikes: Near-Toronto Trails and Adventures Getting outside has never been so popular! Perfect for anyone finding distance in nature these days.

For the gumshoe fan: Case Histories by Kate Atkinson The first book in her Detective Jackson Brodie series. Kate Atkinson is a dang good writer, and fans of Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache will love sinking their teeth into this series!

For the shopaholic: A Gift Certificate One day, shopping will be fun again. A gift certificate never expires, and lets your giftee choose their book at their own convenience – sometimes I have better selection in the summer versus the winter, why not let treat them to a shopping spree? 

For trivia and word nerds: Sidelinks, or the Canadian version: Canada Connections Part word-game, part Dominoes, this game was a hit over the summer on porches and patios. Perfect for ages 8 and up, but fun for everyone, don’t miss out on this debate-inspiring multifaceted family game.

For the art lover: The Group of Seven and Tom Thomson by David P. Silcox This stunning, comprehensive volume on the beloved Canadian artist group features biographical information and full colour reproductions of many of their most famous pieces. The kind of book that is a luxury to own and display, and makes a perfect gift.

For literally anyone: Pottery mug from Mae’d of Clay In every gift swap I have ever been in, a handmade pottery mug has been a highly sought after item. I have a selection of mugs from Haliburton-based pottery artist Mae’d of Clay. I won’t chance shipping these, so let me know if you’d like one set aside for you.

For your woke friend: Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge One of the zeitgeists of 2020 has undoubtedly been the antiracism movement. This book is one of the top recommended reads and a hotly requested title during the BLM protests this past spring and summer.

For the Sci-Fi guy: Books 1-3 of The Stormlight Archive, by Brandon Sanderson Guys, this never happens: I have popular sci-fi books in stock by Brandon Sanderson, AND I have book 1! I actually have books 1-3 available in hardcover in perfect condition. Grab them all together and wrap them up to go under the tree. Trust me on this one.