Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Gift ideas from the bookstore



Thanks for stopping by today. A quick look around here and you'll know at least two things about me: I'm a word lover, and a lover of the Word Made Flesh. So with this post I'm offering a few holiday gift ideas that mix the two.

First off, let me say a great place to discover Christian fiction is over at She Reads. You'll find my review of the new Melody Carlson novel The Christmas Shoppe posted over there today. Pop over, check it out, and comment there to win a copy of the novel.



You'll also find my review of Dan Walsh's holiday novel Remembering Christmas posted here on my blog. Either of these novels would make a sweet present tucked into a gift bag with a festive tin of hot cocoa  - something like this one from Williams & Sonoma. Maybe add some peppermint candy stirring sticks - like these from Dillards. Or a faux fur throw to read underneath - I love these which are currently at half price at Macy's (but a snuggie would work too).

Got a girlfriend who loves football?  I have a couple! Create the same gift above but use the novel The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren. Better yet, replace the cocoa with red and green tortilla chips and some salsa for game day. And find a throw with her favorite team's logo.


Got a girlfriend who loves mystery or suspense? Grab a basket, fill it with a couple of fresh loaves of bread - maybe one sweet and one savory - and a copy of The Baker's Wife by Erin Healy. You can put a little jar of local honey in the basket too. I'll post my review of this novel later this week.



Have a young boy on your gift list? I highly recommend The Action Bible. It's a Bible done in comic book style with terrific color illustrations. My elementary-school son loves his.


It's hard to pick out a Bible for someone else, but one that I've given as a gift to both men and women is the C.S. Lewis Bible. I have one that lives on my treadmill where I sometimes do my quiet time - admittedly it's not all that quiet on those days. But if you know someone is a Lewis fan or a Narnia fan, package this Bible with the DVD set of the movies.  This could even be a gift for a pastor.



Got a foodie on your list? Get some butcher paper and wrap up a new cookbook (such as The New Best Recipe, or one specialized to her tastes ... Italian cooking, Farm-to-Table, Gluten-free, etc.). Include a devotional book too (like this one or this one) and a card with the "man does not live by bread alone but by every word that come out of the mouth of God" quote from Deut. 8:3 or Matthew 4:4.  Oh, and tell her she has to have you over when she makes one of the recipes!



Finally, if your girlfriend is more of a non-fiction fan, may I suggest a copy of It's No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know wrapped up with a pretty journal and some Starbucks' Christmas blend coffee? This cover is ready made in Christmas colors.


Got any books you like to give as gifts, or one you're hoping to receive this Christmas? ... do tell.

16 comments:

  1. Gave Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore to several friends a couple of years ago. Such a beautiful (& true!) story that really changed me. :)

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  2. Jolyn, that is an excellent book!

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  3. I am so glad you shared the Action Bible. I have never seen that one! I think my 10 year old boy (and probably my 6 year old girl) would really enjoy it! I need to find a way to introduce them to sitting down with the Word, and it looks like a great way to do that!

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  4. I hope to read the new Karen Kingsbury book over the holidays!!!

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  5. Patti A. O'ByrneDecember 06, 2011

    Would recommend my book. It's not out yet and I'm not telling anybody the title. Your blog justs inspires me for "that day to come." It's always been there. You describe all that I would want everyone that loves me to have. It's that lifetime of waiting to say "here it is, it's what I wrote for you".

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  6. I am a "Bookaholic! I love to read many different kinds of books. My favorite Christian Fiction writer is Terri Blackstock, I love the suspense. But lately my new love is the Word of God. I have been reading the NLT Daily Bible, and it is changing my life. I have been a Christian for a very long time, and I have read the Word in snippets practically my whole life, but to "really" read it, and soak it in, I am sad to say that this is the first time. So the Book I want for Christmas is the NLT Leather Bound Bible in LARGE PRINT!!! My eyes are getting older, and I want to read this wonderful Book with ease.... Thank you for this awesome website!! Shannon Brown

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  7. I LOVE the idea of giving a book basket as a gift this year. As much as I love books, look out family- I know what you are getting!!!!

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  8. I love the idea of giving books! I have a friend that I am seeing soon and this is a great idea for her!

    Thanks.

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  9. Giving books is like giving a piece of history..it can never be replaced!! Lovely gift ideas you suggested too Rachel!! A Sound Among the Trees, Naomi's Gift, Christmas at Harrington's,Color of Rain, A Simple Amish Christmas are some of the books I highly recomend. Merry Christmas!

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  10. I love books and especially love giving books. I have done the basket idea for many years. I get a small canvas garden basket or small tool bag and put a devotional book, some notecards, stamps a pen and sticky notes in for a place to keep all your Bible Study things together.

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  11. I love the basket ideas - with a great book and another gift that is somehow tied in. I especially like the bread and the book "the bakers wife" Very clever.... now I need to go finish my shopping!

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  12. OMG! (As my granddaughter says;) )I would love any book for Christmas, but "The Christmas Shoppe" looks very inviting, as well as your book, "It's No Secret". I love December the 'Christmas month'! And I love to curl up with a good book - every day, if I could. So many books, so little time...
    Thanks and God Bless!
    Susan G.

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  13. Great ideas, Ladies!! I love to read yet don't get the chance as often as I would like. I have a question...my 8 year old daughter loves to read...would the Christmas Shoppe be appropriate for her?

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  14. I love to read. Wouldn't mind getting The Christmas Shoppe or It's No Secret. I jusdt sent a friend a copy of Mac Anderson's book Motivational Quotes. She told me it was the best thing she ever got. She also said that after she reads it a few times, she will pass it on.

    Cynthia

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  15. LOVE the C.S. Lewis Bible!! Thanks for sharing, Rachel :-)

    Socialworkconfessions.com

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  16. Please join me in prayer for my son Michael. He needs direction in his life. Lord touch and heal him spiritually, mentallly and physically. Remove any limitations and strongholds that are preventing him from following the path you have for him. Father touch him and give courage and Strength. Thank you for filling him with you healing spirit, you light and presence. Keep him from away from danger and harm. Surround him with good people. Thank you Lord..and so it is!! Amen.

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