8 Great Books That Fit Inside a Stocking

Think Happy, Be Happy, by Workman Publishing
Size (in inches): 4.30(w) x 4.20(h) x 1.20(d)
For those moments when you want to give someone a hug, but you’re not right there to do it, this little book is a perfect way to remind your loved ones, “I’m cheering for you.” It’s filled with inspiring quotes, beautiful lettering, and more than a little wisdom.

Would You Rather…?, by Randy Horn
Size: 4.06(w) x 6.06(h) x 0.94(d)
The 400 questions in this book include head scratchers like, “Would you rather be a president of a firm that poaches endangered species or work for a corrupt politician?” and gross-outs like “Would you rather get a bad case of poison ivy way up inside your nose or inside your inner ear?” There’s also trivia, jokes, and practical advice to help you make your case.

Parenting Is Easy, by Sara Given
Size: 5.90(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.60(d)
If you don’t think so, you’re probably just doing it wrong—as this book so kindly reminds you. The humorous photos and captions inside are perfect for new parents (who may or may not have self-righteously uttered the words, “We’re going to be different” before having a baby) and anyone who’s tired of watching ads that make parenthood look like a dream.

Wicked Plants, by Amy Stewart
Size: 5.70(w) x 7.10(h) x 0.90(d)
Green and still, plants may appear peaceful, but this book showcases over 200 that aren’t so kind. There’s a single seed that can stop the human heart, a strangling vine, and a poisonous bush that causes paralysis. This gem of a book will be a thrilling find for anyone who loves history, medicine, and botany.

Tequila Mockingbird, by Tim Federle
Size: 5.32(w) x 7.16(h) x 0.70(d)
What’s better than an alcoholic pun? To lovers of literature and libations, not much! This book includes 65 drinks including The Last of the Mojitos and Romeo and Julep, plus recipes for finger foods and instructions for drinking games worthy of the intelligentsia. You may not be able to gift your beloved writer with a private studio, but what about A Rum of One’s Own?

Steal Like an Artist, by Austin Kleon
Size: 5.90(w) x 6.00(h) x 0.80(d)
Written by a man who knows his way around a slash (Austin Kleon is a writer/artist/blogger/musician/businessman), this book is a sweet gift of advice from someone who has been there and done that when it comes to pretty much any creative activity you can think of. Quotes from everyone from Conan O’Brien to Goethe will inspire readers who are struggling to feel creative in a world that sometimes feels designed to turn us into robots. And practical tips help budding artists preserve a sense of play as they turn their creativity into something more than a hobby.

The Mindfulness Coloring Book, by Emma Farrarons
Size: 6.90(w) x 4.90(h) x 0.40(d)
This pocket-sized coloring book is perfect for busy people on the go. Tuck a pack of mini colored pencils into the stocking alongside it, and you have a stress-relieving treat that’s ready for the road. Illustrations include flowers, leaves, butterflies, and beautiful patterns designed to help transform our anxious monkey minds into a state of mindful calm. It’s like a mini reset button your loved ones can take with them wherever they go.
Bossypants, by Tina Fey
Size: 4.56(w) x 6.80(h) x 0.74(d)
There are about 432 chuckles and laughs in this book, plus at least 5 tears-streaming-down-my-face-it’s-too-funny-I-can’t-breathe moments. This is not a book that lends itself to being read in public—it’s guaranteed to make you look a little crazy. But it is the kind of book that makes a wonderful stocking stuffer. The lucky recipient will be sure to thank you and want to discuss every line after racing through it. A book and fangirl-to-fangirl book talk? That’s two gifts in one!