People love getting really creative, one-of-a-kind books for Christmas. Books that elicit a “where did you find this?” response. As the leading indie- and self-publishing platform, Blurb has an entire online bookstore full of unique books by an incredible array of undiscovered, self-published authors, artists, and photographers. And while these books probably aren’t in your recipient’s bookshelf, many of them should be. So, if you’re thinking of giving unique gifts this year, consider these titles. Each costs around $40 USD or less:
Cookie Cravings by Maria Lichty and Heidi Larsen
We all have cookie cravings. Popular food blogger Maria Lichter decided to put them into something deliciously original: A baking book featuring 30 recipes you won’t find anywhere else.
Dog by My Side by Adam Schnitzer
This charming collection of original, vintage photos shows us that as long as there have been cameras, we’ve wanted to photograph our canine best friends. As a special bonus, there’s a glossary of the early photographic methods used in the original images.
Around the World with a Toy Camera by Giorgio Giussani
Perfect for the photography or graffiti-art fan on your list. This book is an explosion of gritty color that explores the wonders of street art and analog photography.
Food Stories by Elena Scott
A short, wonderfully illustrated collection of recipes (and food stories) that will inspire you to pick up the knife and spatula—or just pen and paper.
Things I Love by Carol Nehls and Jessica Rose
Illustrated and written many years apart by a mother and daughter, this sweet rhyming story told by a fox is pure joy for all ages.
Patent Pending by Jordan Natyshen
Chicken goggles, air-conditioned rocking chairs, monkey jockeys for greyhounds… humankind has invented and sought to patent some amazing and crazy things. Illustrator Jordan Natyshen illustrates some of the strangest in this history of odd inventions.
Tiny Horses are Everywhere by Thea Lux
The perfect stocking-stuffer for fans of off-beat humor, this undeniably nutty book is based on a Tumblr blog and combines simple photo collages of small horses in human environments with incredibly funny captions.
Rouleaux by Anastassia Elias
What can you do with an empty roll of toilet paper? If you’re French artist Anastassia Elias, you create tiny dioramas inside of the discarded tubes. Inspired by art and movies, these pieces are beautifully crafted, fun, and unbelievably detailed.
Low Fidelity by Bobby Grossman
If you, or someone you love, listened to New York punk and new wave in the 70s, chances are your favorite artist can be found in this book. Bobby Grossman photographed Iggy Pop, David Byrne, The Ramones, Debbie Harry, Andy Warhol and many more. This book is a time capsule of—and a love letter to—a legendary time, place, and sound.
Take a second and head over to Blurb to see if you can end your search for that perfect gift this season!
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Billybuc says
Great gift ideas, Janine. I don't even want to think about shopping yet. I'm a last week sort of guy. I take the car, head to the mall on the 20th of December, and don't leave until I'm done. 🙂 I hope your day is progressing nicely my friend.
Janine Huldie says
I used to be like before Kevin and the girls. I would thrive on last minute shopping and loved being in the mall on Christmas Eve., because it always put me in the spirit even more. My day has been good so far and hoping yours has, too 🙂
massholemommy says
All great gift ideas, my friend. That cookie craving book is my favorite here 🙂
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Janine Huldie says
Thanks Robin and I know that one definitely sounds right up my alley, too!! 🙂
christyb says
So many cool ideas here, Janine!! Thanks for the ideas 🙂
Janine Huldie says
Thanks as always Christy and my pleasure 🙂
katbiggie says
Those are really cool books! And another GREAT giveaway!
My recent post Are your children hungry? { Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week }
Janine Huldie says
Yay and totally hope you entered. Would love you to win again!! 🙂
tamaralikecamera says
Ack, I NEED to get myself on Blurb. I need to write/photograph my own books.
My recent post It’s Because You Care.
Janine Huldie says
I think you totally need to and would so buy your Blurb books!! 🙂
stephanie2006 says
Oh dear, there are indeed some gems. The toilt paper roll art is amazing!! Thanks a lot for sharing, Janine!
My recent post Ready… Set… Bake!!
Janine Huldie says
Totally my pleasure and love their gift ideas, Stephanie. So, knew I needed to share here today 🙂
lizzy allan says
I'd never heard of any of these books, Janine. Thanks so much for sharing! I think my son would like Around the World with Toy Camera. Is it suitable for kids? He's nine.
My recent post Time for some blogging confessions
Janine Huldie says
Lizzy, if you want to see more about the book, take a look here: . Where you can see the inside of the actual book (a preview) to see if you think your son would like. Hope this helps and thanks as always!! 🙂
Nellie says
you have got some great gift choices here! I haven't really thought about shopping yet, honestly I am waiting for cyber monday to hopefully catch a good deal!
My recent post Share Your Step Up Story & Win A FitBit Activity Tracker!
Janine Huldie says
Nellie, stay tuned I have a whole bunch of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals I am sharing in the next few days. So definitely check out my blog through the end of the week for all the deals I have posted up about 🙂
day-with-kt.com says
Wow – some great ideas!!! I need to come back and go through this list next week when I have more time and get ready to focus on Christmas.
My recent post Not a Fan
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Kim and so happy that I am able to share some great ideas here for Christmas shopping now!! 🙂
dishofdailylife says
That Cookie Craving book looks awesome! Bet my daughter would love that. She loves to bake!
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Janine Huldie says
So do my girls and I have a feeling that they will be helping more and more now as they get older!! 🙂
lsdavidson says
That cookie craving book looks so good!
My recent post Good Better Best
Janine Huldie says
Thanks Leah and I know, because I am a total cookie craver here!! 🙂