I’ll be the first to admit that I have a problem with hoarding books. And it’s not just the ones that I read on my commute or in bed at night. It’s the big, honking, behemoth coffee table books that I literally never read and definitely do not put on my coffee table (does anyone?). But they’re so pretty! They’re like the formal living room that is nice to look at but no one ever uses, except on special occasions. Coffee table books may be my Achilles heel, but they also make really great gift ideas for anyone that appreciates the finer things in life. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best ones to gift this year.
If you want to elicit oohs and aahs, get someone this book. Whether they’re already a world traveler or they dream of becoming one, this big book looks at hidden gems across the globe and pairs traveling tidbits with stunning photography.
When it comes to street fashion photography, Bill Cunningham was the creme de la creme. His signature blue chore coat and bicycle remain as iconic as his ability to capture fashion icons (both known and unknown) in a spontaneous way that made them feel effortlessly cool, always.
I mean, if your recipient is a fan of beautiful homes, beautiful dogs, or both, this is the perfect present. Sniff around architects’ own homes, and enjoy the dogs that reside there too. It adds a little more warmth to the typical interior design book.
Since 2014, Andria Lo and Valerie Luu have been interviewing and photographing the most stylish seniors to be found in Chinatown’s across the country. The book doesn’t just offer beautiful images, but wisdom and humor from some of the coolest people around.
Looking for some inspo? Look no further. Oasis captures the culture of minimalism out in the desert. Full of beautiful desert homes, this collection of images will make you want to pick up your roots and go down a road less traveled.
There’s got to be a Game of Thrones fan on your list and this book takes a new, in-depth look at the important characters, important landmarks, and important plot points of the show. It’s a true guide to all things Game of Thrones.
For the foodie in your life, this is another delicious twist on the typical design coffee table book. It features Frida Kale-o salad, as well as the Robert Raucschenburger. Need I say more?
Whether you know an adventure seeker or a person who prizes solitude, this is the book for them. Filled with cabins set in idyllic locales, this book of handcrafted cabins might inspire them to craft their own little respite in the woods.
You’ve heard of wine and cheese pairings, but what about wine and music pairings? This compendium brings together classic records from the 1950s through the 2000s and tells you the best cocktails and booze to pair with them. It’s all about setting the mood, ya dig?
Look, even as whatever stage Marvel is coming out of in movie form is ending, there will always be those who can’t quite quit the comic books. This brand new edition of the Marvel Encyclopedia features essential facts about all the best-known superheroes (and supervillains) plus an intro by the late, great Stan Lee to round it all out.
With a foreword by Wes Anderson himself, this collection began as a personal travel bucket list and morphed into one of the most popular blogs on the internet. Now, in coffee table book form, this book contains more than 200 idiosyncratic spots that look as though they were plucked from a Wes Anderson film. Whether you know a Wes Anderson fan or just a person who loves to travel, this is for them.
This is basically the end-all-be-all book of whisk(e)y for every kind of drinker. It explores the complexities of the liquor and what the added “e” really means. Learn what flavor profiles you can pick up from a neat sip compared to one on the rocks.
Go deeper into the life and inspiration of one of the most prolific artists, Andy Warhol. This book compiles an examination of his work and dives into new research and materials that span his commercial illustrations in the 1950s up to his groundbreaking paintings of the 1980s.
Have an animal lover on your list? Bring portraits of farm animals into their homes with this unique book. With gorgeous photography and interviews with farmers and ranchers, this is a collection of animals up close and personal.
There’s a whole world beneath the waves that is like an alien planet. Silent Kingdom is a stunning collection of black-and-white photographs that showcase the lights and shadows that only our oceans can create.
If you have a boss lady on your list, gift them this big book of confidence. In the Company of Women is a collection of words and photos to give anyone the inspiration and advice to chase their dreams.
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