Whoever first said “never judge a book by its cover” probably wasn’t referring to coffee table books. But while many think of these art objects as something to put on a piece of furniture that does little more than look pretty, many of them turn out to offer as much substance as style. Plus, they might just make the perfect gift if you’re looking for something more personal. With topics ranging from culinary creations According to Fashion History, coffee table books make great holiday gifts because they can cater to your loved one’s interests, no matter their niche.
Think of beautiful books as collectibles. What does your gift recipient collect? Maybe it’s something literal, like shoes or memorabilia from a particular movie. Find the book that is a natural extension of this collection. Using the first of these examples, you could try a text that catalogs the styles of one of their favorite designers (Christian Louboutin, Givenchy or Manolo Blahnik all have beautifully illustrated examples). The best example of this type of gift also engages your recipient intellectually and visually, so look for books that include expert commentary on the subject.
Let’s talk about aesthetics. There’s a reason why top interior designers love using coffee table books to bring any space to life: they can add color, pattern, and an overall sense of personality to a room. That said, spend some time looking for a coffee table book that draws you in from the outside in. If your gift recipient is someone who is dedicated to maintaining their decor, consider the color palette or style of their home. Will they be excited to display it on their table or shelf? Does this add to the ambiance they consciously created? If the answer is yes, you are more than halfway there.
Another amazing aspect of giving beautiful books as holiday gifts: They come in a wide range of prices. If you’re on a budget, it’s easy to find one for under $40, no matter how specific your subject is (even less if you opt for used editions, which in themselves can be so chic). Still, if you want to splurge, there’s no shortage of expensive texts (think limited-edition art books or designer retrospectives).
To prove the theory that there’s a coffee table book for literally everyone on your list, we’ve taken the liberty of selecting 17 in a range of topics and styles. Shopping for a flora fanatic? We have what you need. And this person who won’t stop talking about his trip to Paris years ago (or the one they’ve apparently been planning forever)? Yeah, it’s here too. There is even a recipe book/hybrid art book for the creative hostess, a collection of stunning works by Black artists throughout the story, nods to some major moments in film and television in the culture (yes, that includes barbie), And much more.
Check out TZR’s top picks for the holiday season below.