Gift Ideas for Writers

Graduating from college is a huge accomplishment. The big difference between college graduation and high school graduation is once the student emerges from their bachelor’s program their future is a little more unclear. Maybe they’re continuing in academia to pursue an advanced degree. Maybe they have a new job lined up. Maybe they have big plans to move to a new city and start a new career. No matter what their next steps are, your college graduate is in the middle of their transition to adulthood. The 20s are a time when they will question their identity, learn to let go of their childhood, and figure out the shape of their life. For some grads, this is easy. For others, it may be a bit tricky. That’s where this article comes in. If you’re looking for a gift to mark the occasion, check out these books for college graduates.

These books range from creative and beautiful book gifts to practical guides that will help your graduate transition into adulthood. They give advice and info on careers, living on your own, and important skills like cooking, cleaning and taking care of yourself. Check out our recommendations below. These make great gifts on graduation day or even to give your kid when they’re finally moving out of your house. If you’re looking for more sentimental book gifts, check out these unforgettable gifts for high school graduates.

Books for College Graduates

101 Secrets For Your Twenties

The twenties are a big time of change for most young adults. It’s the point where you leave the safety of college and go out into the “real world.” Often they’re working a full-time job for the first time, living on their own, and even doing their own laundry. And for a 20-something, making all this work can be a bit perplexing. This fun book by Paul Angone is full of easy to read “secrets” that demystify this period of life. Each secret has a page or two of explanation to help inspire, motivate, and even cheer you up. An example: secret number 11 is “Lousy jobs are the twentysomething rite of passage.”

This book makes a great gift for new college graduates because it’s easy to read and very approachable while giving humorous and meaningful advice. This makes a great gift from a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, or even an older sibling. This is the kind of book your graduate will go back to again and again for advice and encouragement.

Life Skills 101: A Practical Guide to Leaving Home and Living on Your Own

If your college graduate is about to venture away from home for the first time in their life, this is the book for them. Life Skills 1010 is filled with the practical knowledge every 20 something needs to know in their transition to adulthood. To covers topics like working, renting, dealing with roommates, finances, cooking and meal planning, time management, social skills, and even organizational techniques. This is the crash course in adulthood that every school should offer and no kid wants to hear from their parents. Instead of nagging them with your advice, give them this book instead.

The sixth edition of this book by Tina Pestalozzi is updated with the latest advice on finances, searching for jobs, and navigating the modern social world. This book makes a great graduation gift or you can tuck it into your child’s boxes as they pack up to move out.

The Pathfinder

When looking for books for college graduates, often career focused books are recommended. As the new grad embarks on the beginning of their professional career they may be filled with doubts, frustration, or even worry. This tool is a literal guide to finding the perfect career that’s guaranteed to give you the most happiness and success. It’s based on techniques developed by the Rockport Institute and includes 100 self tests to help choose the perfect career path.

This book is a great gift for college graduates who aren’t sure what to do with their art or philosophy degree or those with flexible degrees that could be applied to multiple career paths. Giving this book is like giving the gift of a personalized career counselor.

F*ck! I’m in My Twenties

This is a fun book that adds a little levity to the stress of graduating college and moving onto adult life. Taken from the most popular posts of her blog along with new essays, author Emma Koenig talks first hand about her experiences as a 20-something trying to figure out how to be an adult. Her writing style is accessible and humorous, which makes this a good book for college grads who don’t like to read and just roll their eyes at books of tips on how to be an adult. The book also features Koenig’s handdrawn illustrations, checklists, and more in her iconic style.

This quirky book makes a great gift for graduation day or to celebrate any of those birthdays during the 20s. Add a meaningful book inscription to make it a keepsake treasured for years to come.

Whatever You Are, Be a Good One

If you’re not looking to give a book of practical advice, but rather one of encouragement and inspiration, check this book out. This beautiful quote book by Lisa Congdon is filled with colorful, hand lettered pages of 100 quotes by well known figures like Joan of Arc, Oscar Wilde, Harriet Tubman, and Stephen King. Each page is like a mini work of art of motivation and creativity.

This quote book makes a great gift for creative types on their college graduation day. It’s also a good book for those 20-somethings who already live on their own and don’t need more practical guides to adulthood. Instead, this book makes a meaningful gift to celebrate their accomplishments and inspire them to move forward into a successful life. Don’t forget to add a personal book inscription to turn this into a precious keepsake of this accomplishment.

The Useful Book: 201 Life Skills They Used to Teach in Home Ec and Shop

A lot of college graduates are ready to enter the real world: they have their first job lined up, a nice new apartment, and a 5 year plan for career and finance. But then they realize they don’t know how to find a stud in the wall or sew on a button. These are skills that used to be taught in classes like home economics and shop but are often missing from the class schedule of millennials. The Useful Book helps bridge that knowledge gap for new graduates. Called “the encyclopedia of DIY,” this book is filled with useful charts, lists, and even step-by-step instructions with illustrations.

This will become your graduate’s go-to guide when they’re wondering how to boil an egg, fold a fitted sheet, or even patch linoleum. There are even more advanced guides like how to make maki or build a bird house. No matter their skill level, your graduate has a lot to learn from this book in their transition to self-sufficient adult.

Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance In Your Twenties and Thirties

The transition to working a full-time job and managing a personal budget can be a challenge for some 20 somethings. Responsibilities like rent, car payments, utilities, groceries may be a struggle to handle while also enjoying some fun stuff and figuring out how to save for retirement. Some people make the transition easily (maybe even during or before college), but for other college graduates, it’s a whole new world. Get a Financial Life is a fantastic book for college graduates on personal finance. Written by Beth Kobliner, a personal finance guru who focuses on education young people on managing money, this book is a great introduction for young adults. Written in an approachable and easily understandable way, the book explains the initially perplexing topics of health insurance, retirement accounts (like 401ks and IRAs), credit cards, personal banking account, investing, and more.

This book is a like a crash course for any 20 something to give them good financial footing for personal success. In addition to teaching the basics, the book also helps with getting out of debt (including paying off pesky student loans), saving for a down payment on a house, or even affording grad school. This a great gift for graduation day to give your child all the info they need. You may even learn something from reading the book, too.

My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag…and Other Things You Can’t Ask Martha

If you’re looking for a humorous book for college graduates who tend to be a on the messy side of the spectrum, check this out. My Boyfriend Barfed in My Handbag by Jolie Kerr is a practical guide to the messes of the lives of modern 20-somethings. She brings her cleaning knowledge (usually displayed in her column “Ask a Clean Person”) to impart basic tidying skills like mopping or more complicated scenarios like cleaning up a ginger beer that exploded in your kitchen.

This is a fun gift–and a gentle nudge–for any sloppy graduate. They will enjoy Kerr’s approachable writing style and her wise (and relatable) cleaning advice.

The Millionaire Next Door

If your graduate already has their personal finances in order, a career in mind, and a strong 5 (or 10, or 20) year plan, then they’re ready for the next level advice. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko, who have spent over 20 years interviewing millionaires and analyzing data to figure out the secret behind their success. The results are actually surprising and not necessarily what most people would assume is behind most millionaire’s success.

This book makes a great gift for entrepreneurial minded college grads that want to build their own business, retire early, or just be financially independent. Through real life examples of regular millionaires (no celebrities or lottery winners), this book gives all the info you need to follow their path to success and financial freedom.

The Last Lecture

If you’re looking for more sentimental book gift that still imparts important wisdom, consider The Last Lecture. This book for college graduates is actually taken from the last lecture by Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon who was diagnosed with terminal cancer shortly before the lecture. What results is a beautiful and inspiring book about overcoming obstacles and seizing your dreams. His text is filled with humor and intelligence that any one can relate to at any age.

This is a great gift for college graduates who are unsure of their next steps or already facing obstacles towards achieving their dreams. It also makes a great gift to inspire any graduate. Adding a personalized book inscription will turn this unforgettable book into a lifelong keepsake they will turn to during moments of struggle and doubt.

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Still looking for books for college graduates. Check out these 10 unforgettable books for high school graduates, some are great for any type of graduate.

Baby showers are fun events. They give you a chance to hang out with friends and celebrate the new child that will be coming soon. They also give you a chance to buy a gift. While baby shower registries are very common these days, you may want to make your gift a little more meaningful. One of the easiest ways to do this is to include a book as a part of your baby shower gifts. However, you don’t want to buy a baby shower book that is common or cliche because you risk someone else giving the same gift! Instead, you need to think a little outside the box to select an original book that mother and baby will love.

One of the great perks of giving a book as a baby shower gift is you don’t need to give a card. Instead, you can write a memorable message inside the book which turns it into a precious keepsake. Combining your thoughtful message with an original and meaningful book creates a slam dunk baby shower gift to be treasured for years to come.

Check out some of our suggestions for baby shower book gifts below.

10 Baby Book Gifts

1. Whoever You Are

This beautiful picture book by Mem Fox celebrates diversity and cultures from across the world. Young readers and babies will enjoy folk art, oil painted illustrations by Leslie Straub. The beautiful poem text helps teach the baby to accept and love the diversity they will encounter as they grow.

This is a great baby shower gift to consider for families who are adopting children from other countries, multi-cultural families, or just a unique gift option for your expecting friend.

2. Happy Birthday to You! by Dr. Seuss

This is meant to be a birthday gift, but I would argue the day you’re born is the most important birthday of them all! This classic book from Dr. Seuss is filled with his signature bright and playful illustrations. The Great Birthday Bird takes the reader on a special birthday trip. The celebration includes a trip throughout the world to eat whatever you want, visit wherever you want, and make your day special.

With a memorable baby book inscription in the front, this book will become a precious keepsake to be revisited each year on the baby’s birthday.

3. Beatrix Potter the Complete Tales of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter’s classic stories of the young Peter Rabbit and his animal friends have been beloved by children for over a century. This gorgeous hardcover collection features all 23 tales fully unabridged, plus four previously unpublished stories.

Many people wouldn’t consider buying a book like this for a baby shower, but this is an investment in the baby’s reading future so they will grow up on these classic animal tales. Adding a meaningful inscription will make this a keepsake that the child will want to keep and pass on to their own children someday.

4. Little Hoot

If you’re looking for a bedtime story book to give as a baby shower gift, this is an original option instead of the cliche Goodnight Moon. This cutely illustrated children’s book flips the dilema of a kid who won’t go to sleep. Instead, Little Hoot wants nothing more than to go to bed while his parents want him to stay up and play.

This book works well as a little bit of reverse psychology to help encourage any little one to go to bed. Toddlers and babies will want to hear this story again and again at bedtime and love the full-color illustrations. This is a great choice for a baby shower book gift.

5. The Geek Baby Book: A Memory Journal

This book gift is a little different. It’s not a story book but instead a baby memory book. And it’s targeted for geeky parents. While many millenial parents aren’t interested in the traditional memory books of their childhood, they will love this one. It helps track all the special memories of first tooth, first steps, and first words. But it also takes advantage of the geeky love of video games and fantasy scifi movies.

The interactive pages and projects also track first viewing of Star Wars or rolling a natural 20. This helps them track what really matters for a little geek in training and will create a unique and meaningful keepsake for the whole family. This is a must-have baby shower gift for geeky parents.

6. Pat the Bunny

This classic interactive story is one of the best baby book gifts to give for baby showers or even first birthdays. Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt prompts the reader to pat soft bunny fur, lift fabric to play peak-a-boo, and more fun pages. This allows the book to easily capture the attention of babies and young toddlers.

This book originally was released in the 1940s and was the first touch and feel book of its kind. This special edition re-release includes two additional touch and feel pages previously removed from the book.

7. ABCs of Space

If you want a book gift that goes beyond a traditional bedtime story, this one is all about knowledge. Taking the traditional ABC book format and adding some extra science, ABCs of Space is an introductory look at astronomy perfect for little minds.

What makes this book and the others in the Baby University Series so cool, is it features three levels of learning, so as the child grows, their learning and understanding grow. Each letter has three sentences, starting with the very basic and then adding more and more information. This book and the others in the series are perfect for introducing young children to STEM concepts.

8. Color Me: Who’s in the Ocean?

If you’re searching for unique baby book gifts that will really stand out at the shower, check this out. Surya Sajnani has a series of Baby’s First Bath Books, including this one Color Me: Who’s in the Ocean?. This gorgeously illustrated book appears to be black and white until it’s dipped in water to reveal the vivid colors.

This book is perfect to distract fussy babies during bathtime. It also makes a great addition to a gift basket featuring towels, soap, tub toys, and other bathtime items.

9. You Are New

Illustrator and author Lucy Knisley has created this vivid book that’s perfect for babies and newborns. In her unique illustration style, Lucy features a diverse range of babies on each page. The book’s text rhymes through all the fun parts of being a new baby.

A cute story for bedtime or any time of day, it makes a lovely baby shower gift for expecting parents.

10. The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Some of the sweetest books for new parents and infants are those that celebrate dreams and the future to come. Emily Windield Martin’s The Wonderful Things You Will Be captures all the thoughts parents have when they see their child. It’s a sweet gift for the parents who can use it to share their love with their little one.

While this is a contemporary children’s book, Emily’s classic illustration style has a retro mid-century feel that makes it seem like an instant classic. This is a book that will never go out of style and will be cherished as the child grows older.

Now that you’ve found the perfect baby shower book gift, learn how to write a meaningful book inscription to turn it into an unforgettable keepsake.

If you have a Hamilton fan in your life (or are one yourself), you know how much they love the hit Broadway musical written by superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda. They probably can’t stop listening to the soundtrack or complaining about how hard it is to get tickets. If you’re not sure what kind of gift to give your favorite Hamilton fan, this article covers the must-have gifts for every fan who can’t stop obsessing over the music and story of this revolutionary show. (You may even find something you want for yourself!)

Obviously, the absolute best gift you can get for any Hamilton fan is tickets to the show, but unless you have some amazing connections (or good luck with the ticket lottery), that’s not going to happen. Instead, this list covers the basics for new Hamilton fans and also includes cool and creative gifts for the fanatics that have been obsessed with the show since the beginning. Check out all of the Hamilton gifts below.

Must Have Gifts for Hamilton Fans

1. Hamilton Characters Plushy Dolls

If you’re looking for original gifts for Hamilton fans, check this out. These cute little plushies are handmade stuffed dolls of characters from the musical Hamilton. Made by a private creator and artist, these dolls are unique and it’s guaranteed that even the most fanatic Hamilton fan won’t have them.

As of the time of writing, there are nine characters available: Thomas Jefferson, Eliza Schuyler (2 versions), King George, Alexander Hamilton (2 versions), Lafayette, Aaron Burr, and Angelica Schuyler.

2. Hamilton Original Broadway Cast Recording CD

The first thing every Hamilton fan needs is the Original Broadway Cast recording of this amazing show. This music has won a Grammy and a Tony, in addition to the hearts of millions of fans. The 2 CD set comes with an insert featuring photos and lyrics from the show. This soundtrack features all 46 songs from the Broadway production and was produced by Questlove and Black Thought from The Roots.

This is also a great gift for anyone you want to turn into a Hamilton fan because they’ll be hooked from their first listen to this soundtrack.

3. Schuyler Sisters Button Pin

For fans who are ready to get to work, is this amazing Schuyler Sisters pin. Featuring the lyric from the song The Schuyler Sisters, it will remind any fan of the iconic music of this show. Perfect for pinning to a bag or jacket.

4. Hamilton 2023 Wall Calendar

What better way to pay tribute to the Tony winning musical every day by looking at this gorgeous Hamilton wall calendar. It features gorgeous black and white images of the Original Broadway Cast, along with memorable lyrics and quotes from the show. It’s a great way to show your fandom at home or even at the office.

5. History Has Its Eyes on You Coffee Mug

One of the lasting messages from the show is how the impact of our lives will be seen in the future and how history will remember us. This coffee mug includes the lyric History has its eyes on you. This is the perfect gift to remind the giftee to live every day working toward their goals.

Make it a fantastic gift set by including their favorite coffee or tea in the present.

6. Hamilton: The Revolution Book About the Musical

Known as the “Hamiltome” by fans, this book is the perfect gift for fans of this revolutionary musical. This book not only uncovers the history behind the story that inspired the musical, but also the evolution of the project that turned into the hottest modern musical. Lin-Manuel Miranda himself worked on this book to trace the development of the musical from his first performance at the White House in 2009 to opening on Broadway. It also includes footnotes for all of the lyrics, revealing inspirations behind the rhymes. This book is also chock full of behind the scenes and on stage photos. This is a must have for all true Hamilton fans.

7. Hamilton Lyrics Stemless Wine Glass

We can’t resist all of these Hamilton quote gifts. This stemless wine glass is perfect with the quote “Raise a Glass to Freedom.” This custom, made to order gift is a 20 oz stemless wine glass featuring permanent vinyl lettering. These glasses are perfect for enjoying a glass of wine, cocktail, or even soda (for underage Hamilton fans).

8. Alexander Hamilton Biography by Ron Chernow

This is the book that started it all. While on vacation, Lin-Manuel Miranda read this biography of the founding father Alexander Hamilton which sparked the idea for this unique hip-hop musical. Now you can learn the real life history behind the Tony Award winning musical.

9. “I Want a Revelation” Schuyler Sisters Print

Another wonderful piece celebrating the characters of The Schuyler Sisters (Eliza, Angelica, …and Peggy), this print features a beautiful drawing of the sisters during their song “The Schuyler Sisters.” This print looks great framed and on the wall of any Hamilton fan’s home.

Keep scrolling to see a gift that Peggy fans will absolutely love (hint it’s #12).

10. The Hamilton Mixtape

The Hamilton Mixtape was the original title of the musical that has now taken Broadway and the world by storm. Now it’s the name of a brand new album. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda conceived this as a companion to the show’s soundtrack, featuring a combination of remixes of songs from the show by famous musicians, demos and unreleased songs from the show, and songs inspired by the musical.

The album features 23 tracks and includes artists such as The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Usher, Sia, Queen Latifah, Regina Spektor, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Ja Rule, John Legend, Chance the Rapper, and more. This CD is a must have for all Hamilton fans, and since it’s not out until December, it makes a great Hamilton gift this Holiday season.

11. “Awesome. Wow.” Hamilton Quote Keychain

One of the most beloved side characters in the musical Hamilton is King George. Played by Jonathan Groff in the Original Broadway Cast, this keychain captures one of his perfect lines of sarcasm. This line is sung in response to America fighting for and winning its independence from England. Better than the Hamilton merchandise you can buy at the theater, King George fans will absolutely love this keychain.

12. “And Peggy” T-Shirt

Many fans love the youngest Schuyler sister, Peggy. This shirt is in honor of her most famous line from the song “The Schuyler Sisters” where she bursts in saying “And Peggy!” The shirt is available in 5 colors and men, women and youth sizes, so you can buy it for any fan who can’t get enough Peggy in their life.

13. Hamilton Funko Pop Vinyl Figure

If the Hamilton fan in your life also loves collecting Funko Pop! Vinyl figures, then this is the absolute must-have gift you should buy them! Funko has released their own set of vinyl figures based on the characters from Hamilton. The full set includes 6 figures: Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, Angelica, Eliza, Washington and Peggy.

14. Hamilton: An Adult Coloring Book

Hamilton Gifts for coloring book fans just got a lot more interesting. This brand new release is an adult coloring book covering the life of Alexander Hamilton. It includes many scenes made famous by the musical Hamilton, like the Battle of Yorktown, Hamilton moving to New York, and the wedding of Alexander and Eliza. Any Hamilton fan will enjoy de-stressing by listening to the Hamilton Official Broadway Recording and coloring in this awesome, historical coloring book. They can even add their own hip-hop flourishes, or write in the lyrics of their favorite Hamiltunes.

Don’t forget to include colored pencils, pens, or markers to create an unforgettable gift.

15. Young, Scrappy, and Hungry Hamilton Cuff Bracelet

Jewelry is a great option for Hamilton musical gifts, especially when they feature lyrics from the show! This cuff bracelet features the beloved line “Young, scrappy, and hungry” from Alexandr’s song “My Shot.” This not only an awesome Hamilton gift, but it’s a great way to give a little motivation to young artists and writers at the beginnings of their career. Just like Hamilton, they can use their energy and desire to make big things happen in their life and for the world.

Want to see fun and creative gifts for writers and book lovers? Try our megalists of gifts for writers and gifts for readers.