Monday, November 29 2021 9:00

Season’s Gifting!

Written by Shelley Laurence, Main Point Books

It’s time for find the right gift for everyone on your list

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At least, that’s what the song says. But for many, it’s a stressful scramble to find the perfect present.

Fear not! Here are some great ideas to help make a dent in your list.

There’s something for everyone, so dive in and get gifting!

Let’s start with the younger set. Construction Site, Merry and Bright by Sherri Duskey Rinker and A.G. Ford is a great choice for the tiny trucker in your life. There are fun, liftable flaps to encourage interactive reading and help little ones develop motor skills. Your child will get a kick out of trying to guess what’s under each flap. The book is a great read-along and the trucks are really cute!

Got a pint-sized Star Wars fan on your list? Celebrate the holidays with Star Wars: A Vader Family Sithmas by Jeffrey Brown. This charming book features force-wielding snowball fights, gingerbread Death Stars, sledding with Han Solo, and lots more to keep your small fry – and you – engaged.

How about putting the new Guinness World Records book under the tree? The 2022 edition is completely revised and updated. And this year, the editors put the environment front and center, showcasing eco-warriors and wonders of the natural world. There are also sections on pop-culture icons, sports heroes and achievers under 16. It’s a gift the entire family will enjoy.

A cookbook is always welcome present. And let’s face it, you’ll likely reap the benefits! For the baker in your life, best-selling author Dorrie Greenspan offers up Baking with Dorie: Sweet, Salty & Simple. Each of the 150 mouth-watering recipes is easy, accessible and uses every-day ingredients. The chapters run the gamut from breakfast sweets to cakes, pies, cobblers and crisps. Sounds yummy, doesn’t it? I may get this for someone I know.

For the vegetarian or veggie lover, there’s Milk Street Vegetables by Christopher Kimball. Kimball takes us on a world tour with 250 recipes showcasing unique spices and techniques. Do chili-spiked carrots, skillet-charred Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes with harissa and pistachios sound good? That’s a small sample of the delicious dishes in this book.

Aspiring mixologists will appreciate The Cocktail Workshop. Philly’s own Steven Grasse and Adam Erace explain the fundamentals of 20 classic cocktails, then offer ideas on how to make each drink distinctive with aging, infusing, garnishing and more.

Know someone who’s hooked on Hallmark holiday movies? Check out I’ll Be Home for Christmas Movies, from the creators of the popular Deck the Hallmark podcast. Authors Brandon Gray, Daniel Pandolph and Dan Thompson answer burning questions like why do the lead characters all have amnesia? Why do so many female stockbrokers and lawyers have to plan parties? And do all the stories happen in a place called the “Kennyverse”?

Birders will get a laugh—and some practical advice—from The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole Stupid World. Author Matt Kracht shares facts about “each bird’s (annoying) call, its (stupid) migratory pattern, and its (downright tacky) markings.” This is a fun book for bird lovers and bird haters alike.

Just want to gift someone a good read? Pulitzer prize-winner Louise Erdrich returns with a wickedly funny ghost story. It’s set in her hometown during the pandemic. A small bookstore in Minneapolis is haunted by the store’s most annoying customer. And a new bookseller who survived a prison sentence by constantly reading tries to figure out why.

Beloved author Ann Patchett offers up a new collection of essays called These Precious Days. This lovely collection touches on everything from home and family, friendships and writing, all infused with Patchett’s grace, wit and warmth. It’s a must-have for any Patchett fan.

Two friends share intimate conversations in Renegades: Born in the USA. Former president Barack Obama and rock icon Bruce Springsteen get personal about their life stories, marriage and fatherhood, and race and masculinity. The book includes full-color photos and rare archival material.

Need a break from shopping? Buy yourself or someone you love The Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan. Read how life has thrown Carmen quite a curve. Left with a fractured family, no cash and few options, she moves in with her “perfect” sister in Edinburgh and takes a job renovating a decrepit bookshop. Can she get it in shape for the holidays? Can she mend her relationship with her family? It’s a heartwarming Christmas tale for everyone.

Merry book shopping!

Shelley Laurence is a bookseller at Main Point Books, an independent bookstore with a handpicked selection for every member of the family. Check out their events, book groups and children’s activities at MainPointBooks.com or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Order on-line for delivery or pick-up. 484-580-6978; 116 N. Wayne Ave., Wayne.