So loads of people are saying “buy my book, it would be a great present.” And many of them are probably right. But in case you are in search of something a little different, here’s a list of things that might strike a chord with the creative types of all ages in your life. The links go to Amazon (because I have an affiliate account), but I encourage you to buy from your local independent, especially since the vast majority of these books need to be paper, not e.

One of the coolest things about this is that the guy who created it also has a website on which you can get a PDF of the book, so if you want to print out the drawings over and over to color in depending on your mood (or if you have multiple children or want to use them as a party game), you can do that, too.

I freaking love this book! The pictures are gorgeous, the coloring is fun and there’s a “can you find it” game, too, with caterpillars and suchlike. And a little garden maze, too. Perfect for young and old.

One of the more entertaining “unleash your creativity” journals with exercises, prompts, etc. (Also would be fun for those looking for a way to blog more often–scan and upload what you do in the journal each day!)

You know I couldn’t leave a book about crochet off the list, right? Especially when it’s called the Happy Hooker. For anyone looking for a new hobby, I highly recommend crochet. Versatile, easy, and they’ll let you take a hook lots of places you can’t take knitting needles (airplanes, jury rooms…) If you have problems learning from books, I highly recommend YouTube. It’s great how many free tutorials there are out there nowadays!

The Flavor Thesaurus is not a cookbook, but if you know someone who’s a real foodie and loves to cook, it might make an unusual and appreciated present. It explains what flavors go together and why, and it’s just delicious reading.

Try something new! This workbook will help you learn to draw manga-style characters.

So there you go. A few books for you or another creative type in your life. I’d love to hear your suggestions if you have any!!