Xmas 2013 Gift Guide: Books

Okay, so your recipient doesn't need any more beauty products (really, though?) Or maybe you need to stock up on some host(ess) gifts that can please either gender. Or maybe you just want to get all of your shopping done on Amazon. Whatever, no judgment here.

A few rules on buying books as presents: hardcover only, buy new, unless it's a first edition (but first editions are pretty overrated), don't give a Kindle without loading it with a few books first, and don't follow up with the recipient--if they've read/liked the book, they'll let you know.

The Weekly Gimme: Personalized Whiskey Book

$92, Gump's

This would be such a wonderful present for someone. Like me. Anyone who can appreciate a good scotch. It is leatherbound, with two-color illustrations (very old timey), can be personalized with gold initials at the bottom right corner, has recipes, and offers a survey of whiskey producing areas.

The Daily Gimme: Making Faces by Kevyn Aucoin

$21.99 14.60, Amazon

I am fairly new to the makeup game. I never really wore it in high school or college. When you wake up ten minutes before you have to leave, you have to make some tough decisions. Usually I just had time to brush my teeth and pop in my contacts. But, as I have more money and more reasons to wear makeup (acne scars, slight discoloration), I have become more interested in makeup.

However, interest does not equal knowledge. Although it seems kind of ridiculous to buy a book about makeup application, it kind of makes sense. This is one of the most highly rated books on Amazon for makeup, although I have never heard of it. I worry because it was published in the '90s, and that's really not the dated look I'm looking for.

There are some other options that I might try to pick up used, such as either of Jemma Kidd's books (here and here) or Bobbi Brown's book. The brand new book by Scott Barnes is also receiving rave reviews.