Holiday gift guide 2024: AP's best ideas for friends and family (2024)

Sweet, funny and infinitely readable, “I Like Your Chutzpah And Other Yiddish Words You’ll Like,” a board book,  contains 12 Yiddish words and their meanings, each accompanied by a simple, colorful illustration that will inspire fun reading voices. Written and illustrated by Suzy Ultman. Recommended ages: 1-3.

$9.99.

While Christopher Nolan dreams up his next film, fans can tide themselves over by revisiting his modern classic “Interstellar,” which will be back in IMAX theaters on the weekend of Dec. 6, followed by the home release of a new collector’s edition on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. A third disc in the set, available Dec. 10, contains more than two hours of bonus content.

$59.95.

Pop-punk band Green Day's coffee brand, Punk Bunny Coffee, is ideal for fans of their palm-muted power chords and political anthems — and for those who prefer their morning brew to be organic, fair trade and delicious. This holiday season, they're offering a few limited-edition roasts. They've got a limited-edition hot cocoa, too.

$13.99-$17.99.

In the sixth installment of the series, Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast take on an alien invasion with the help of their fridge friends in “Attack of the Scones.” Told in rhyming couplets with whimsical, expressive full-page illustrations. Written by Josh Funk, illustrated by Brendan Kearney. Recommended ages: 5-8.

Hardcover: $18.99.
Paperback: $8.99.

“The Man Who Didn’t Like Animals” is Old MacDonald's origin story, with the animal noises and everything. This man loves his tidy home and doesn’t like animals — until they endear themselves to him one by one. Written by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Recommended ages: 4-8.

$19.99.

The appropriately named easyplant is one of the best gifts you can give your houseplant-loving friends, regardless of their experience level. Select a pot color, size and plant and fill the self-watering container’s built-in reservoir roughly once a month.

$49-$259.

If you’re looking for a great gift for a loved one who plans their life around stadium and arena shows, look no further. The clear bag is an alternative to shoving everything in your pockets. Herschel has a few reasonably priced bags that are practical, stylish and will meet most venue guidelines.

$35. 

“The Women Who Changed Photography” offers profiles of 50 groundbreaking female photographers, told in short essays. Many developed new techniques to capture images from war to fashion. The book offers tips on how to achieve the same outcomes. Cindy Sherman, Anna Atkins, Shirin Neshat and Lorna Simpson are included. By Gemma Padley.

$24.99.

 Fishwife cans ethically sourced fish, like salmon, anchovies and trout, from around the world.

Attractive gift boxes under $50.
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La Narval focuses on combinations of fish and sauce, such as their mussels in Spanish sauce.

Each tin is about $10.

One sister loves the forest and its splendors; the other is more interested in money. In “Bog Myrtle,” Sid Sharp uses literary devices from irony to alliteration to puns, taking on topics like worker rights and environmental sustainability. Written and illustrated by Sid Sharp. Recommended ages: 6–11.

$22.99.

If you’ve got a no-dairy friend on your list, a plant-based milk maker could save them money while allowing them to avoid sugar, stabilizers, thickeners and preservatives. The Nama M1 appliance both blends and strains ingredients into velvety-smooth milk. The device also makes infused oils, flavored waters and soups. Available in white and black.

$400.

Savory snacks with flavor profiles meant to match up perfectly with your favorite libations. Munch on a Lancashire Cheese and Spring Onion biscuit with a hoppy IPA or a sauvignon blanc. Serve the Parmesan, Toasted Pine Nut and Basil biscuits with a whiskey highball or champagne.

From $17 and up.

Tartuflanghe makes all sorts of luxury ingredients infused with white and black truffles. Elevate your cooking game with truffle-infused butters with flavors like porcini or anchovy (about $10 each). Pick up a box of decadent, truffle-flavored Tartufissima 19 for $30.

Or how about a little jar of black truffle pearls ($40)?

The FeatherSnap Wi-Fi smart bird feeder could turn anyone into an avid birdwatcher. Equipped with an HD camera, the dual-chamber feeder enables up-close livestreaming of avian visitors, as well as species-logging via the free mobile app. Turn on notifications to get alerts sent to your phone whenever there’s activity at the feeder.

$179.99.

A contemplative Kobe Bryant. A fierce Ben Wallace. A cigar chomping Steph Curry. NBA photographer Nathaniel S. Butler has shot them all as the ultimate insider. “Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography” spans championship celebrations to moody portraits. With a foreword by Patrick Ewing and an afterword by Spike Lee. Additional words by David McMenamin. Abrams.

$55.

There are chocolate bars and then there are chocolate bars. Chocopologie makes creative combos “to die for” — the hardest part is deciding which of the confections to land on. Dried Cranberry Pumpkin Seeds and Nuts? Burnt Caramel and Hawaiian Seal Salt?

$10 each.

“The 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration” is a play on the classic Christmas song — except instead of 12 days there are 13 (if you know, you know). Each page has bright illustrations and lots of Easter eggs for the fandom. “The 13 Days of Swiftness: A Christmas Celebration” Written by Tiffany Garland, illustrated by Brooke O’Neill. Recommended ages: 3 and up.

$10.99.

The new FinaMill Ultimate Spice Grinder set elevates the pedestrian pepper and spice mill in both function and style. Available in three colors (Sangria Red, Midnight Black and Soft Cream), the rechargeable-battery unit grinds with a light touch rather than hand-tiring twists. The set includes a stackable storage tray and four pods that can be easily swapped as needed.

$110.

“1001 Movie Posters: Designs of the Times” is a 640-page tome offering movie art from more than 20 countries. By Tony Nourmand, Graham Marsh, Christopher Frayling and Alison Elangasinghe.

$95.

In “Into the Uncut Grass,” Trevor Noah tells a story of a boy and his teddy bear who venture into the uncut grass, picking up bits of wisdom along the way. Per the intro, “it is a book for kids to share with parents and for parents to share with kids.” Written by Trevor Noah, illustrated by Sabina Hahn. All ages. One World.

$26.

Fujifilm's Instax Mini Link 3 smartphone printer offers a touch of nostalgia without sacrificing technology. Just load the printer with Instax Mini instant film and connect it to your Android or iOS device via Bluetooth to print wallet-size photos. It can also make collages of up to six images, or animate photos to share on social media. Available in Rose Pink, Clay White and Sage Green.

$99.95.

Marlowe has great grades and a loving family, two best friends who understand her and all her autistic quirks, and a romantic boyfriend — until he breaks up with her. “The Calculation of You and Me,” a sweet, funny, page-turning novel celebrates romance as an act and a genre. By Serena Kaylor. Recommended ages: 13 and up.

Paperback: $14. Hardcover: $24.

A new six-disc Elvis Costello box set, “King Of America & Other Realms,” has what you’d expect from a revisit to Costello’s 1986 “King of America” album — a remastered version of the original, demos, a live concert from the era, even some newly recorded takes. The “Other Realms” is what sets it apart. Inventive and full of buried treasures, the box is an enriching look back.

$139.98.

Badger was determined to be a perfectly proper guest at his first party, but his instincts may have gotten the better of him. “Proper Badger Would Never” is a colorful, texture-rich picture book that leans into joyful chaos. Written by Lauren Glattly, illustrated by Rob Sayegh. Recommended ages: 4-8.

$18.99.

André’s Confiserie Suisse makes handmade chocolate with deep rich flavor, a result of generations of Swiss chocolate-making expertise. Some unusual classics include the Nussbergerli Sticks, a mix of caramel, candied orange peel and nuts, covered in either dark or milk chocolate, as well as a lovely assortment of chocolate-covered almonds.

Offerings start at $7.

Award-winning adult author Zoje Stage pens a book that reimagines the monster under the bed as something far cuter and weirder in “My UnderSlumberBumbleBeast.” It includes crosshatch drawings and a glossary of the trickier vocabulary. Written by Zoje Stage and illustrated by J.E. Larson. Coming Dec. 3. Recommended ages: 7-10.

$15.99.

Roz the robot has to adapt to the wild in “The Wild Robot.” She becomes the de facto mother of Brightbill the gosling, and the forest animals that shunned her otherness begin to form a community around her. The trilogy saw a theatrical adaptation this year. Written and illustrated by Peter Brown. Recommended ages: 8-12.

Single paperback: $8.99. Boxed set: $54.

In “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science,” Kate McKinnon of “Saturday Night Live” tells the story of three adopted sisters who find themselves expelled from etiquette school. Their new, uncouth school puts them at the heart of a mystery. Written by Kate McKinnon, illustrated by Alfredo Cáceres. Recommended ages: 8-12.

$17.99.

“The Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Death and Life,” is a tribute to Mexico's beloved holiday when families welcome back the souls of their dead relatives. This lively volume unfolds with contemporary and historical context through photos and explanatory text focused on how the November holiday plays out. By Déborah Holtz and Juan Carlos Mena.

$65.

Campers and backyard firepit lovers who have experienced the heartbreak of wet wood will appreciate having a three-pack of Pull Start Fire on hand. Made of 89% recycled materials, the food-safe, eco-friendly, fire starters will light a fire quickly without matches, lighters or kindling. Each windproof, rainproof block burns for 30 minutes.

$29.99.

In the summer of 2023, at age 102, style icon Iris Apfel began work on “Colorful.”  She called it her “legacy” book. “The book is about living. Creating. Coloring life,” she wrote in the introduction. What follows is just that: a technicolor journey in words and pictures through Apfel's childhood, marriage, work and home. What a treat to hear her voice again.

$50.

The recently orphaned Jane has a week to get married and get her dowry before she'll be kicked to the streets. “Plain Jane and the Mermaid” is a full-color graphic novel that challenges gender roles and beauty standards. Written and illustrated by Vera Brosgol. Recommended ages: 10-14.

$14.99.

For the hip-hop expert, a new text from the critic Marcus J. Moore, “High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul,” is a necessary cultural history of the hip-hop trio. The book covers their ascent, and the ways in which the group defied expectations and defined a new Black alternative music, as well as the legal troubles they faced.

$27.89.

What new thing do you give the Taylor Swift superfan? Unisex jewelry, maybe? In honor of this year's release of “The Tortured Poets Department,” get them the official gold-plated bracelet featuring the “TTPD” logo on the pop star's website. It comes in two sizes: a small/medium option, 7.5 inches long, and a large/extra-large option, 8.5 inches long.

$40.

Alvear makes lovely Andalusian sherry vinegars. For the salad makers and Spanish chefs in your life, think about gifting one each of the bottles, a sweet and a dry.

Each about $20.

The No Mess Utensil Set from Souper Cubes, a company known for its portioned, silicone freezer trays, lives up to its name. The utensils — a serving spoon and a ladle — have innovative, S-shaped handles designed to rest on the edge of a pot, keeping them upright so they won’t slip in. A silicone coating in a choice of Aqua, Charcoal, Cranberry or Blueberry keeps handles cool to the touch.

$24.99.

“Queer Mythology: Epic Legends from Around the World” is a collection of 20 stories of myth and lore from around the world with characters who reflect the LGBTQ+ community. Written by Guido A. Sanchez, illustrated by James Fenner. Recommended ages: 11 and up.

$19.99.

A celebration of Black voices from Women's Wear Daily, “Black in Fashion: 100 Years of Style, Influence & Culture” dates to the publication's start in 1910. There are early efforts by Black garment workers to unionize. And Josephine Baker's 67th birthday bash. There's the rise of the late Virgil Abloh and working designers today. Text by Tonya Blazio-Licorish and Tara Donaldson.

$65.

In “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” Pip investigates a murder that she thinks another student was wrongly accused of. It's an ambitious project for a high school capstone, but Pip's an ambitious student. A TV adaptation of this true-crime-style story was released on Netflix over the summer. A trilogy by Holly Jackson. Recommended ages: 14 and up. Single paperback: $14.99. Boxed set:

$47.97.

Valentina has one year to prove she doesn’t share her family’s fate of all romances ending in misery. If she doesn’t find lasting love by then, she will give her heart to Saint Valentine. The graphic novel, “Lunar New Year Love Story,” celebrates Asian culture alongside the ups and downs of love. Written by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by LeUyen Pham. Recommended ages: 14 and up.

Paperback: $17.99. Hardcover: $25.99.

In “Dare to Bird,” British Columbia birder and photographer Melissa Hafting explores the joy and comfort her beloved birds have provided her in hard times, including the deaths of both of her parents. Her images of birds in the U.S. and Canada are intertwined with her personal narrative.

$45.

The work of Brooklyn artist Mickalene Thomas spans painting, collage, photography and video as she expresses her vision of womanhood in “Mickalene: All About Love,” a monograph that accompanies a touring exhibition. She is known for elaborate portraits of Black women using rhinestones, acrylic and enamel.

$60.

Most of the world's adults don't have a grasp of basic financial concepts, according to "Atlas of Finance: Mapping the Global Story of Money,” an easy-to-follow look at how money works. By Dariusz Wójcik. Maps and graphics by James Cheshire and Oliver Uberti.

$40.

Photographer Malin plus dogs plus iconic locations around the world are what drive this fun and fluffy book, “Gray Malin: Dogs.” Malin replaced people with dogs to create his canine scenes. There are dogs picnicking near the Eiffel Tower. He's got dogs settled in on a luxury private jet over Palm Beach, Florida, and poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Let the dopamine flow.

$45.

Carrie Courogen did a remarkable job stitching together the life of one of our culture’s most fascinating, and prickly, talents. “Miss May Does Not Exist” is full of delightful anecdotes about the sharp and satirical comedian who gained fame as one half of Nichols and May and went on to direct films like “The Heartbreak Kid” and “Mikey and Nicky.”

$30.

Grilling food after dark can prove challenging without outdoor lighting. Uncommon Good’s 2-piece LED Grilling Tool Set puts illumination into the handles of its stainless-steel spatula and tongs. After use, the lights can be removed and the utensils run through the dishwasher.

$40.

Bona Fortuna's selection of Sicilian olive oils is fresh and fragrant, and their aged balsamic vinegars are thick, sweet and rich.

From $10 and up.

Metafora olive oil comes in a beautiful bottle and is a nice introduction to Portuguese olive oil.

$40.

Film magazines may be an endangered species, but print is not dead at The Metrograph. Manhattan’s coolest movie theater is starting a biannual print publication. The first issue’s cover art is by cinematographer Ed Lachman (“Carol”). There's a conversation with Clint Eastwood. It’s currently available for pre-order and will be in bookstores Dec. 10.

$25 ($15 for Metrograph members). 

This is not a book about filmmaking styles, camera angles and leadership choices. It’s literally about what directors wear. “How Directors Dress: On Set, in the Edit, and Down the Red Carpet”  has over 200 archival photos of filmmakers in action. It’s a beautiful look at how filmmakers really dress for work — and might even be a source of inspiration.

$40.

Chances are, you've seen someone play water glasses before — rubbing the rim of a glass with a finger can produce musical notes, which change depending on how full the glass is. Uncommon Goods has taken the idea to wine glasses, marking them like measuring cups. Compose a symphony of one with these wine glasses.

$68.

A decent pair of headphones is step one on the journey to true bliss for the audiophile. Bose's QuietComfort Headphones are a solid investment, noise-canceling, all high-fidelity audio perfect for a long plane ride or a daily commute in equal measure.

$229.

“The Young Green Witch’s Guide to Plant Magic,” a herbalist's chapter book with watercolor illustrations, imparts how to use different plants, along with lessons of appreciation and self-acceptance and breathing meditations. There are also recipes for handy concoctions kids can make. Written by Robin Rose Bennett, illustrated by Rachel Grant. Recommended ages: 8-12.

$16.99.

“Amazing Grapes” is  Jules Feiffer's first graphic novel for young readers. The offbeat cartoonist takes a family on a wacky adventure to the Lost Dimension. Feiffer said in press notes that writing for young readers “connects me professionally to a part of myself that I didn't know how to let out until I was 60.” He's now 95. Good for ages 8-12.

$12.99.

Let's be honest: True music lovers enjoy all different genres and styles. For those real fans, the best gift this holiday season is the first ever oral history of Krautrock, Christoph Dallach's “Neu Klang: The Definitive History of Krautrock,” featuring German bands like Can, Neu!, Amon Düül, Popul Vuh, Tangerine Dream, Faust, Cluster and, of course, Kraftwerk.

$29.80.

The QelviQ personal sommelier uses “smart” technology to ensure wine is served at its ideal temperature. Paired with the free QelviQ app — the tabletop chiller relies on a database of more than 350,000 wines to bring a bottle to its specific recommended serving temperature. It also suggests food-wine and wine-food pairings. Available in Exciting Red, Dashing Black and Dreamy White.

$495.