Over the past few years we've seen e-readers and iPads take the place of traditional books and magazines. However, I'm still a believer in the old fashioned book - especially coffee table books...or grown-up picture books as I sometimes call them. I realize I'm quite likely in the minority on this, but I still believe paper books can be great gifts.
Coffee table books can bring beauty to a room and are great for browsing - especially if the subject matter is reminiscent of a great trip, a place or theme one really enjoys or just filled with beautiful pictures. Local guide books or picture books also make great gifts. I love the Wildsam Field Guides which highlight certain U.S. cities and are great for those who love to travel or are just are enamored with a particular city.
Regional books I keep on my bookshelf. Image southerngiftologist
Giving the gift of a great - perhaps regional - cookbook can be a wonderful gift idea whether the recipient loves to cook or not. Many cookbooks are essentially beautiful picture books - I was gifted with a cookbook from Blackberry Farms and enjoy it for the beautiful photos as much as the delicious recipes it contains.
Cookbooks! Image southerngiftologist
Last, but certainly not least, a book from the Images of America series makes a great gift for those who enjoy history or have a very specific interest. I have a family member who's a long-time fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and gave him an Images of America book about the Cardinals a couple of years ago - and he loved it! These historical picture books span so many subjects - you're likely to find the perfect one for your recipient.
Images of America books from my own collection. Image southerngiftologist
So the next time you find yourself stumped for a gift idea, head on over to your local bookstore (they do still exist!) and browse the shelves for the perfect gift...a book.