The books to give as Christmas gifts in 2024

Christmas is approaching, and not everyone is perfectly organized, with gifts already bought, wrapped, and placed under the tree. Some of us (myself included) are still procrastinating, overwhelmed by daily life, the last workdays before the holidays, and planning New Year's Eve. We’ve talked about personalized gift ideas and ideas for gamer friends. But have you considered a book to gift for Christmas 2024? Here are some ideas beyond romance. 

Levante - Opera Quotidiana

It’s no secret that we love Levante. Her Opera Quotidiana is a stunning experiment blending poetry, painting, and collage – the result of two years of cut-outs and a quest for beauty, crystallized from today’s often harsh reality. Why not gift it to a friend with a sensitive soul, a grandmother seeking beauty, or a daydreaming colleague? Opera Quotidiana is published by Rizzoli and costs 20 euros.

Giulia Lazzaron - Venus

The female body is often discussed – too much, but rarely the right way. Giulia Lazzaron, an illustrator born in 1992, has explored body positivity since 2020. Her latest book, Venus, takes readers on a journey through representations of non-conforming female bodies, inspired by the story of Venus. Published by Casa Editrice Peacock, it costs 25 euros. 

Marco Martello - The Formula of Feeling

Drawing from the author’s experiences and those of renowned perfumers like Olivier Cresp, Meo Fusciuni, Luca Maffei, and Julien Pruvost, this book invites readers to uncover seemingly lost memories and explore the emotional power of olfactory notes. An anthology of scent that elevates personal experiences into a collective and cultural dimension. Published by Do It Human, it costs 16 euros.

I Trentenni - '80s & '90s Super Quiz

I Trentenni – the popular digital project by Silvia, Stefania, and Ilaria – presents '80s & '90s SUPER QUIZ, a gamebook for fans of the '80s and '90s. Following their novels Hai detto trenta?, Ci vediamo all'uscita, and their vodcast Tribù, this new book features quizzes on cartoons, music, films, ads, and iconic toys, with each chapter introduced by evocative stories from the authors. Perfect for a trip, a night with friends, or the holidays, the book offers multiple-choice games, true/false, and song lyric challenges. Published by Newton Compton, it costs 12.90 euros.

Vince Aletti - Issues: A History of Photography in Fashion Magazines

For nearly a century, fashion magazines have been the perfect platform for groundbreaking photography that challenges conventions and extends beyond fashion itself. In this book, renowned photography critic Vince Aletti curates 100 significant issues from his vast personal archive, showcasing images by photographers rarely seen outside their original context. With extraordinary visuals and Aletti's unique style, this book offers a fresh, unexplored perspective on the history of photography, both in fashion and beyond. Ideal for lovers of imagery, fashion photography, and coffee table books. Published by Phaidon, it costs 85 euros.

Genki Kawamura - If Cats Disappeared from the World

He works as a postman. His only companion is a cat, Cabbage, with whom he shares a small apartment. The days pass lazily and indistinguishably, until a persistent headache turns into the diagnosis of a terminal illness. Nothing can be done, until the Devil himself intervenes. If you can resist buying it for yourself out of curiosity, this is the perfect gift for friends who love mysterious and surreal literature and four-legged companions. Published in Italy by Einaudi, it costs 11 euros.