10 Books to Gift Your Friendsgiving Host
While getting ready for Friendsgiving this year, you may be asking yourself, as a very mature and very chic guest, what should you bring the host? Well, I have the perfect answer: a book! I mean, obviously, if the host asks you to bring green beans or something, you should also bring green beans. (But books are better, and we both know it!) Gifting a book is the perfect way of telling your friends you’re thankful for them—whether or not they’re hosting Friendsgiving. Books are personal, and inspiring, and beautiful! What else could anyone ask for in a gift?
So, I’ve compiled a list of books for every type of host. Read below to discover what book you should gift to your Friendsgiving host!
Poems for Tortured Souls
by Liz Ison
If the host is a Swiftie—and in this day and age, I bet they are—then this is the perfect book to gift them! Inspired by the announcement of The Tortured Poets Department, this poetry anthology reflects Taylor’s favorite themes and features poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Emily Dickinson and William Shakespeare. But, even better, nothing about this book is explicitly Swiftie, so it’s also a fabulous gift for poets and poetry readers. And tortured souls, of course.
Games Untold
You will always win the best gift-giver award—not that it’s a competition—with Jennifer Lynn Barnes. (But also, with Jennifer Lynn Barnes, it’s always a competition). This collection of stories and novellas dives deeper into the beloved characters who inhabit the Inheritance Games series. I’ve even heard it called the series’ most romantic book yet! Also, this cover would look amazing on any and all bookshelves.
Murdle Jr.: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds
by G. T. Karber
In my non-competitive and completely objective opinion, a holiday isn’t a holiday unless there are games. Murdle Jr. is the perfect game to bring along to any gathering—especially if that gathering includes friends of a competitive nature. You can work through the book together as a team, or if you have some Aries in your group, print out extra worksheets here to get a real competition going.
Chinese Menu
by Grace Lin
If I was the host of Friendsgiving, this is the book I would want to receive. (My dearest friends, take note). This gorgeous book is a stunning coffee table book, encyclopedia, and magical adventure. It delves into the histories, myths, and legends behind your favorite American Chinese foods, and is gorgeously illustrated throughout by the author, Grace Lin. It’s the perfect gift for your foodie friend. And not to make assumptions, but if your friend is hosting Friendsgiving, they’re probably a foodie.
Zilot & Other Important Rhymes
by Bob Odenkirk, illustrated Erin Odenkirk
I gave a copy of this book to my father last year, and one of my favorite parts of Thanksgiving 2023 was watching him read it aloud at the kid’s table. If you’re looking to get the party started, this whimsical, hilarious, and collaborative poetry collection could inspire tableside poetry readings—or even better, tableside poetry writing!
At Our Table
by Patrick Hulse, illustrated Madelyn Goodnight
I love, love, love this book. And my grandma always told me, if I love something 3x, I should get it. This cozy picture book honors all the different ways Thanksgiving can look. It’s lyrical and joyful, and the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving! And, again, if your friend is hosting Friendsgiving, they most likely love Thanksgiving, so you should bring them a book that is about their favorite holiday.
K Is in Trouble (A Graphic Novel)
by Gary Clement
This book, my friends, is the perfect Friendsgiving book for the Thanksgiving host who can never get it right. That’s a joke, of course. But we all have that misanthropic, chronically ironic friend with bone-dry wit—often our most funny, and deep down most loveable friend—who needs this book to remind them that they are not alone! Other people are also always getting it wrong!
Turkey vs. Santa
by Todd Tarpley, Giovanni Abeille
I feel like this book is pretty self-explanatory. Who wouldn’t want a book about Turkey and Santa battling it out? This is the perfect book to get the holidays started. Maybe you can even get a Thanksgiving debate started. Hopefully, there won’t be any black eyes like in the book, but I love a lively post-dinner debate. A fistfight could be kind of fun too. Maybe.
You Will Be Found
by Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Does your Friendsgiving celebration include a trip to the movie theater to see Wicked? Does your Friendsgiving celebration revolve around seeing Wicked? Is Wicked the most important thing to happen to your friend group this year? Then you must give your musical-obsessed Friendsgiving host You Will Be Found! This book beautifully illustrates the lyrics of “You Will Be Found,” from the iconic musical, Dear Evan Hansen. It is a must-have for all lovers of musicals.
The Belladonna Collection
by Adalyn Grace
For the host who loves vintage clothing, antique furniture, teatime, and gothic romantasy, the Belladonna series is the most thoughtful of gifts. This box set will look gorgeous on your friend’s bookshelf, and they will be so grateful to you, dear gift giver, for giving them something absolutely divine to dive into this holiday season, as they sit fireside with a warm cup of tea and a cat curled up by their feet.