Gift Books for Everyone on Your List

Holmes, a fashion journalist, has been following the sartorial adventures of the British Royal Family in her popular Instagram Stories series, “So Many Thoughts.” Now, we’re treated to a deeper look at four royal women who define their generations: Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana, and the Duchesses Kate and Meghan. With their every move under scrutiny, Holmes decodes what their style choices say about the times, their priorities, and the ways they use fashion to claim a bit of independence for themselves. As much as we love Hollywood’s red carpet fashions, we’ll always look to the British Royal Family for timeless style icons.

Tyler’s wine pick: Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino, Vintage 2017.

“This classy red comes from the high-end Brunello estate in Tuscany, which happens to be Meghan Markle’s favorite region for wine. Like the fashion and women in this beautiful book, this wine is bold and elegant along with a fresh earthy texture and flavors of plum and sour cherry.”

Nailing a hilarious one-liner is pretty much the gold standard for any comedian, and nowhere does this art form matter more than in the caption of a cartoon. The economy of language, the ability to capture the absurd, creating a burst of laughter, coupled with an illustration that supports the entire effort — this is the genius of A Wealth of Pigeons. More than just a book of cartoons, we also get to see sketches and jokes in progress, and the stories behind them. If Steve Martin’s wackiness and Harry Bliss’s beloved illustrations don’t bring the laughs, nothing will.

Tyler’s wine pick: Piedrasassi Syrah, Vintage 2018.

“Much like Steve Martin’s humor this wine is bright and spicy. Made by famous winemaker Sashi Moorman, this red hails from Santa Barbara, California and is very well-balanced with strong dark fruit taste and a minerally finish.”

Finally! Here’s some relationship advice based in reality that you can start using right away. Anyone who is a part of a couple knows that being happy is actually a lot of work. Like any difficult task, it’s made easier if we can laugh through the hard parts. That’s why we love these new and improved rules for couples, such as “It is easier to stay inside and wait for the snow to melt than to fight about who should shovel.” Give this collection to your significant other, share a giggle, sip some hot chocolate, and wait for world peace to arrive.

Tyler’s wine pick: Ferrandiere ‘Brody Rose’, Vintage 2019.

“For a hilarious book about relationships, a fun and light rose hits the right note. The ‘Brody’ pairs well with salmon, pork, and salads and is just as refreshing as reconciling with your partner after a fight.”

For 15 years, Guest’s father wrote loving notes to her and her brother, Theo. These weren’t quick scribbles on a Post-it note; her dad is also an artist, and he took great care to write a meaningful note along with a lovely, full-color illustration. Most impressive of all, he wrote two notes every day. What a special gift to give your children! And now, Guest has chosen (from more than 3,500 notes) some of the most touching and joyful notes to share in this gift book so that we can all benefit from the wisdom of one very special dad.

Tyler’s wine pick: Magnin Arbin Vin de Savoie Mondeuse. Vintage 2014.

“This wine is perfect for family dinners with dad, just in time for the holiday season. With its silky and gentle tannic structure, this organic red from France will remind you of the comfort of your loved ones, much like Joanna Guest’s heart-warming book.”

Do you remember what a big deal it was to turn 10 years old? How, at 18, you were the living embodiment of carpe diem? Now, perhaps the milestone birthdays are coming less frequently, but life’s lessons are piling high. Hundred, with its beautiful illustrations, has captured the passage of time, stopping at many points along the way to appreciate the joys of life as they happen. Readers of all ages will be able to return to this book, year after year, whether to learn from the wisdom of youth, old age, or any moment in between.

Tyler’s wine pick: Kruger-Rumpf Riesling, Vintage 2018.

“For a book that should further your appreciation for age and time here’s an organic riesling that comes from a 230-year-old, family-owned vineyard in Nahe, Germany. Much like Faller’s writing, this riesling is sweet but not too sweet. It has hints of peach flavors and a crisp, minerally texture.”

As someone who helped lead the U.S. women’s soccer team to Olympic gold medals and a FIFA World Cup championship, Wambach knows what effective leadership looks like. In 2018, Wambach delivered a fiery commencement speech at Barnard College in New York City. Her vision: Women, by working together, are a powerful force destined for success. Her speech was so commanding, it went viral and eventually led to Wolfpack, a manifesto on how women can become leaders. It’s up to women, she declares, to rewrite any rules that hold them back and be a leader whenever the need arises. An inspiring, important message for anyone interested in creating a more equal society.

Tyler’s wine pick: Schramsberg Chardonnay, Vintage 2017.

“Strong women deserve to be celebrated … with bubbly! Made in California by the first producers to offer a U.S. made, Chardonnay-based, sparkling wine, this is a stunning and crisp wine with sweet, citrus flavors.”

It’s no secret that the U.S. government is complex. Have you ever tried explaining the Electoral College to friends in other countries? It’s nearly impossible. That’s why we’re so thankful for A User’s Guide to Democracy. They’ve simplified all of the questions about how our government works, what each department does, who has what powers, and the origins of many of our laws. Capodice and McCarthy, hosts of Civics 101 on New Hampshire public radio, make ideal guides through our political maze, and Toro’s illustrations ensure that this guide leaves no questions unanswered. Even the most informed political junkie on your shopping list will delight in this fun, informative user’s manual.

Tyler’s wine pick: Sky Vineyards Zinfandel, Vintage 2014.

“Like any well-functioning democracy, this wine has perfect balance and structure. From Napa Valley, this Zinfandel has intense mountain berry fruit flavors and notes of both black and white pepper. A real crowd pleaser and easily accessible to any palate, this is a very democratic bottle of red.”