Seasonal & Holidays
Patch Holiday Gift Guide: Coffee Table Books to Suit Every Interest
These books cover a wide range of topics, from fashion and film to travel and wildlife.
When you're in a bind about what to get someone for the holidays, a great coffee table book is always a solid bet. Not only are they available in almost every interest, hobby, and topic known to mankind, but they also look incredibly chic displayed on your table or bookshelf.
Find more great gift ideas for everyone on your list in Patch's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
Bals: Legendary Costume Balls of the Twentieth Century by Nick Foulkes, $162.43
You'll be itching to make extravagant weekend plans after flipping through the pages of this book, which highlights the nine most glamorous balls thrown around the world in the 20th century.
Grace: The American Vogue Years by Grace Coddington $136.34
Your favorite fashionista will adore this second book by Vogue editor Grace Coddington. In addition to Coddington's entertaining stories from the fashion world, this book also showcases the work of famous photographers like Steven Meisel, Annie Leibovitz, and Mario Testino.
The Family Album of Wild Africa by Laurent Baheax, $89.52
Taken in crisp black-and-white, the photos in this book capture Africa's most magnificent animals — from lions and giraffes to rhinos and cheetahs — in their wild surroundings.
The World of Private Islands by Farad Vladi, $65
You might not be able to buy your friend their own private island — but you can get them this awesome book that will make them feel as if they are in paradise.
La Dolce Vita by Slim Aarons, $52.02
In this Slim Aarons book you'll find beautiful photos of Italy, from the Sicilian countryside to celebrities and high society celebrating "the good life" in grand villas.
Portrait of Camelot: A Thousand Days in the Kennedy White House by Richard Reeves, $35
We all have that friend or relative who has a minor obsession with all things Kennedy-related. Gift them this book, which covers the former first family's days in the White House.
Dinner With Jackson Pollock: Recipes, Art & Nature by Robyn Lea, $34.66
In addition to being one of the most famous artists of all time, Jackson Pollock was also an accomplished gardner, cook, and dinner party host. The pages of this book are filled with the artist's recipes, photos from his life, and his artwork, resulting in a gift that will please foodies and art historians alike.
Earth and Space: Photographs from the Archives of NASA by Nirmala Nataraj, $29.79
You don't need to be an astronaut to appreciate the incredible photos (which were taken from the NASA archives) in this book. Images of everything from planets and stars to Pandora's Cluster and the Jellyfish Nebula are paired with captivating explanatory text.
Ansel Adams: 400 Photographs by Ansel Adams, $26.94
Photography buffs will love this book of Ansel Adams' work, which includes stunning black-and-white landscapes and images of nature.
Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World's Most Amazing Places by National Geographic, $26.52
Next time your friend can't make up their mind on where to travel, they'll thank you for getting them this book, which features 225 incredible destinations around the world, along with information on when to go, where to eat, where to stay, and what to do there.
Filled with colorful aerial shots of gorgeous oceans and beaches around the world, this book is perfect for the friend who wishes they were in a warmer climate.
The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss by Theodor Geisel, $24.94
This book takes you behind the real Dr. Seuss (who was actually named Theodor Geisel), revealing 65 of his paintings, cartoons, and illustrations that he never published in his whimsical children's books.
The Wes Anderson Collection by Matt Zoller Seitz, $23.99
Fans of Wes Anderson films will love this book, which is filled with original illustrations and production images from his films, including The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom, and Rushmore.
Living with Pattern: Color, Texture, and Print at Home by Rebecca Atwood, $21.76
This interior design book is filled with inspiring photographs and ideas on how to infuse your home with bold patterns. It's perfect for your friend who has a "more is more" aesthetic or for someone who is thinking about redecorating.
Cabinet of Natural Curiosities by Albertus Seba, $19.99
With detailed illustrations of almost every plant and animal under the sun, this book is practically begging for a tortoise shell magnifying glass to go with it so you can study the pictures up close.
Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton, $17.99
Based on photographer Brandon Stanton's popular blog, Humans of New York, this book features portraits of more than 400 individuals, capturing their personal stories, struggles, and insights.
1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs, $14.61
Your buddy who collects vinyls will love this unique book. It features the artwork of, you guessed it, 1000 record covers from the '60s to the '90s.
Find more great gift ideas in Patch's Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
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