2021 Holiday Gift Guide

With the holiday season upon us, Clerestory Magazine would like to share a guide to thoughtful, beautiful gifts Below, you'll find out suggestions for the best books of 2021, stationary, comforting cookbooks and coffee table books, and other personal gifts.

One note before you scroll, Clerestory Magazine is an affiliate of Bookshop. We deeply value their commitment to independent bookstores. If you click on an item on Bookshop's site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Purchases from links which lead elsewhere will not benefit Clerestory.

Happy holidays, dear reader! We wish you a season of joy and connection, rest and reflection, and cherished moments with the ones you love most.

*

Best Books of 2021

Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Dr. Brené Brown

Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis

How Not to Be Afraid: Seven Ways to Live When Everything Seems Terrifying by Gareth Higgins

How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Dr. Clint Smith

Where Compassion Begins: Foundational Practices to Enhance Mindfulness, Attention and Listening from the Heart by Jared Seide

The Wisdom of Your Body: Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection Through Embodied Living by Dr. Hillary L. McBride

Stationary

Architectural Classics notecards, drawings and etchings of buildings in New York, Washington D.C., Rome, Paris, and Athens.

Custom Notecards or Writing Paper by Memo Press, a Clerestory favorite

Herbaria: The Pressed Plant Collection of Beatrix Farrand, pressed flowers and plants from the famed landscape architect

Julia Child notecards, a joyful collection of quotation cards and envelopes with iconic photos of Julia Child

Midori MD notebook, minimalist, cream-toned journal of Japanese writing paper

Sunprint Notecards: The Cyanotypes of Anna Atkins, a striking series of Atkins' blueprints of irises, algae, and ferns

Apparel and Home Goods

The Architecture of Trees by Franca Stagi and Cesare Leonardi, described as “an all-encompassing atlas of all things tree-related”

Classic Paperbacks Puzzle, 1,000 piece puzzle perfect for family holiday gatherings

Clerestory Mug, a sweet mug with Clerestory's Gothic arch

Clerestory Sweatshirt, a cozy sweatshirt

Golden Light: The Interior Design of Nickey Kehoe, inspiration for hearth and home

Illustrated monograph of Agnes Martin's work

Milne Watson "LOVE" beaded necklace, handmade English necklace with glass and pearl beads

Nocturne Tea Collection by Bellocq, a collection of calming botanical teas to support sleep and relaxation

Overlay Mattress by Tensira, perfect for picnic lunches or reading outside in warmer weather

Sanctuary Candles by Bellocq, thin taper candles - each has a one-hour burn time, with a brass stand; light one while meditating

Cookbooks

A Table for Friends: The Art of Cooking for Two or Twenty by Skye McAlpine

Bavel: Modern Recipes Inspired by the Middle East by Ori Menashe, Genevieve Gergis, and Lesley Suter

Cannelle Et Vanille Bakes Simple: A New Way to Bake Gluten-Free by Aran Goyoaga

Dishoom: The First Ever Cookbook from the Much-Loved Indian Restaurant by Shamil Thakrar, Kavi Thakrar, and Naved Nasir

Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten

Ottolenghi Test Kitchen, Shelf Love: Recipes to Unlock the Secrets of Your Pantry, Fridge, and Freezer by Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad

A Bookshop Gift Card

Bookshop.org Gift Cards allow readers to shop online while supporting local bookstores. These gift cards can be used through our Clerestory Magazine storefront to support our work, or your loved one can select a different beloved independent bookstore to support with their purchases. Gift card values range from $10 to $1,000. Perfect for the voracious reader in your life!

Clerestory Membership

Gift a Membership to Clerestory, this includes exclusive communication from our editor-in-chief, a set of beautifully designed postcards, access to our members-only book of the month club, and more.