Last-Minute Gift Ideas!

This quick guide will save your loved ones from regifting nightmares

7 min readDec 20, 2017

Did you procrastinate getting holiday gifts? Of course you didn’t. But just in case you have a “friend” who needs a little last-minute inspiration, this guide is just the thing “they” need. Check out some of our favorite books to gift below, as well as a few Strand-exclusive bookish goodies because, honestly, book gifts make the best gifts.

See the whole Gift Guide here. And browse signed book gifts here!

After Kathy Acker by Chris Kraus

Chris Kraus’s After Kathy Acker is a biography about the notorious lost girl icon Kathy Acker. Who was Kathy really? Author of I Love Dick Chris Kraus gets to the bottom of a life wrapped in mysteries and mythologies.

Spineless: The Science of Jellyfish and the Art of Growing a Backbone by Juli Berwald

Part memoir, part deep-dive exploration of jellyfish, Juli Berwald’s marine science book Spineless tells us about the creatures that have been swimming in the oceans for half a billion years.

We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates

In this incredible collection of essays, Ta-Nehisi Coates explores the tragic history of the United States in terms of racism as well as the country’s brief yet important time under the leadership of President Obama. He discusses how the U.S.’s experiment with a multiracial democracy ended with white supremacist leader whom he argues is the “first white president.”

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond

Matthew Desmond’s Evicted is the winner of the 2017 general nonfiction Pulitzer Prize. A Harvard sociologist follows 8 Milwaukee families struggling to find shelter in 21st century America.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

From the winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Kazuo Ishiguro, comes a suspenseful and moving novel about the meaning of humanity and the impact of the past. Three students look back on their time at an isolated boarding school days, only to discover dark disturbing secrets that cause the reader to confront questions of morality and ethics.

Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

George Saunders’ masterful historical novel shows an unforgettable father-son story about Abraham Lincoln, narrated by many diverse voices over one night in a cemetery. These fascinating characters make us see a new perspective on the loss of Lincoln’s son, Willie, while exploring how love and grief intersect.

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

This a stunning debut short story collection by Carmen Maria Machado contains eight short stories focus on a variety of topics, from queer womanhood to violence against women. The author’s wry humor and incredible grasp of language makes it obvious why it was selected as a National Book Award finalist.

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

This stunning and impactful novel set in rural Mississippi won the National Book Award for fiction. It centers around a young boy named Jojo who must come of age while coping with his dysfunctional family environment. Through his heart-wrenching journey, we find ugly truths about the history of the U.S.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Turtles All the Way Down follows 16-year-old Aza as she and her fearless friend Daisy become unofficial detectives looking to solve the mystery of fugitive billionaire Russell Pickett. You will laugh, cry, laugh some more, and have a better understanding of mental illness after reading this best-seller!

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor

The much-anticipated sequel to Akata Witch will simply enchant you. This coming of age story involves magic, friendship, and adventure following Sunny as she goes on a dangerous mission with her secret society friends.

All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

All’s Faire in Middle School is a heartwarming graphic novel about eleven year old Imogene and her Renaissance Faire-loving parents. We follow her new journey into middle school as she deals with new friends and family embarrassments.

Feminist Baby by Loryn Brantz

Feminist Baby is an adorable board book about a girl who’s not afraid to be herself or like what she likes, including pink AND blue! Inspiring to girls, boys, and adults alike, this book shows that even the little ones can be empowered!

Smitten Kitchen Every Day by Deb Perelman

Smitten Kitchen Every Day by award-winning blogger Deb Perelman is a cookbook with unfussy recipes and lovely photos taken by Deb, herself! With recipes from sticky toffee waffles to a three cheese pasta bake, you’ll keep your family and yourself happy and satisfied for a long time after the oven has been turned off.

Infinity Mirrors by Yayoi Kusama

This oversized book captures Yayoi Kusama’s most well-known and captivating series, the Infinity Mirrors. The photos beautifully capture the kaleidoscope effect Kusama’s astounding work has on the viewer.

America: The Life and Times of America Chavez by Gabby Rivera

Gabby Rivera writes about the adventures of America Chavez, a Young Avenger and the leader of the Ultimates. When America decides to go to college, her action-packed experiences intensify as she visits the front lines of World War II with Captain America.

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur

Rupi Kaur has captured the hearts of the many who are drawn to her relatable stories of growth and healing. Her second book of poetry showcases more beautiful drawings and moving celebrations of love and life.

Red Distressed Strand Hoodie

Get cozy with this oh-so comfortable hoodie and represent your favorite indie bookstore! It comes in red and blue.

Stay Curious Pouch

With a book by your side, you’ll never have to go far to satisfy your curiosity! Pouch is perfect for pencils or makeup and has a zipper closure.

Space Adventure Mug

Serious Neil DeGrasse Tyson vibes! Caffeine won’t be the only thing giving you energy with colorful and exciting mug of the future. Original artwork by Strand is featured on a black background.

May the Books You Read Light the Way Tote Bag

Books are the future! Remind yourself of the light that literature brings with this flowery tote. Tote includes an inner pocket with zipper closure!

Enchanted Library Candle

Back up, Belle. We’ve got a candle that will transform any simple living room bookcase into an enchanted library. The smallest reader’s nook will become aglow with bookish tones. This 11 oz soy candle is scented with the warm and woody smells of amber and birch, and we have three other scents!

A Well-Read Woman is a Dangerous Creature Hat

Give a woman a book and she can conquer the world! There is nothing more powerful in this world than a well read woman. Adjustable buckle in back so that one size fits all.