Books make the best gifts, in my own personal opinion! But it can be hard to find just the right book for someone when we all have such different tastes in what we enjoy reading. Today I am listing 12 nonfiction books to gift the moms in your life. With Mother’s Day coming up (that’s May 9, 2021 here in the US), you may find some books here to gift your mom, your mom friend, or yourself.
To make it easier for picking the right book for the right person, I have broken the nonfiction gift book ideas down into helpful categories: practical, beautiful, journaling, creative, and devotional.
If you’re interested in more than just books, see this post here: 11 Gift Ideas for the Introverted Mom.
Practical Books
Cozy Minimalist Home: More Style, Less Stuff by Myquillyn Smith
If you want your house to be cozy, warm, and nest-worthy, but you don’t want all the decor and clutter, then this book is what you need! The Lazy Genius gives this book as teacher gifts because she claims it’s perfect for everyone—everyone wants a cozy home without all the clutter. From Amazon: “With people, priorities, and purpose in mind, anyone can create a warm, inviting, cozy, and beautiful home that transcends the trends.” Find it here.
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi
Speaking of The Lazy Genius, here is Kendra’s book where she helps you figure out what is important to you (and not anyone else) and putting that information to good use. I’ve only heard good things about The Lazy Genius Way, and recently started listening to the podcast. Now, it’s on my list of books to read. From Amazon: “Discover a better way to approach your relationships, work, and piles of mail. Be who you are without the complication of everyone else’s ‘shoulds.’ Do what matters, skip the rest, and be a person again.” Find it here.
Around the Clock Mom: Make the Most of Your God-Given Time by Sarah K. Butterfield
If you’re worn out and exhausted but still feel like you didn’t finish enough things, then Sarah’s book will help you learn to redeem the time you’ve been given with practical inspiration and wisdom. From Amazon: “Be confident that you are making smart decisions with your time throughout your journey of motherhood. Crawl into bed at night, knowing that you found enough time for what was important.” Find it here.
Beautiful Books
Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simons
I’ve recommended this book so many times. It’s just that beautiful! Ruth’s artistry with watercolors is amazing, and her words are peace and truth for your soul. From Amazon: “No circumstance is too ordinary or too forgotten for Him to meet you there in worship. His transforming grace turns your ‘everyday ordinary’ into a holy place of becoming.” Find it here.
Freely and Lightly: God’s Gracious Invitation to a Life of Quiet Confidence by Emily Lex
In Freely and Lightly, Emily Lex shares her story of striving and working and being good at all the things only to realize she wasn’t happy. Her lovely watercolor paintings and patterns grace the pages while her words describe the rest and contentment she found leaning on God and gaining her strength from Him. From Amazon: “If the direction of your life is leading you away from peace, contentment, and true fulfillment, Emily Lex has some great news to share with you: God is offering you a better way.” Find it here.
Books for Journaling
The Next Right Thing Guided Journal: A Decision-Making Companion by Emily P. Freeman
A journal for the one that doesn’t know what to write in her journal. Broken into seasons and months, you’ll find sections for favorite quotes, what’s draining you, what’s giving you life, what you watched, and more. This journal is a place for reflection so that you can make better decisions that feel true to who you are. From Amazon: “If you have trouble making decisions because of either chronic hesitation or decision fatigue, Emily P. Freeman offers a fresh way of practicing familiar but often forgotten advice: do the next right thing. Find it here.
Don’t Post That: A Guided Journal for Saving Jobs, Peace, Edges and Lives by Lakeshia Poole
This guided journal is for you if you’re frustrated and stressed about all the things you want to say on social media, but you can’t for the sake of your job and your peace. From Amazon: “This is NOT a prim and pretty journal but a place for all the mess you need to get off your chest. Prompts push you to be vulnerable and pour out your frustration on the page instead of social media…or other people. It blends hope and humor (and a hint of Southern sass) to help you write it alllllll out.” Find it here.
Books for Creativity
Happy Hand Lettering: An Inspirational Guide for Creating Beautiful Words of Life by Maghon Taylor
I shared about Happy Hand Lettering in this post. One of the best parts about this hand lettering book is that you can use regular Crayola markers that I’m sure you have a stash of in your kid’s school supplies. After tutorials on drawing fancy letters, each project even includes a devotional. From Amazon: “We are not aiming for perfection, we are aiming for Joy and by hand lettering scripture verses, positive messages and life-giving words, creative hearts can release their inhibitions, feeling free to make mistakes, try again, and celebrate the journey– both in lettering and in life.“ Find it here.
Wreck This Journal: Now in Color by Keri Smith
This is a fun creative journal that will have you tearing out pages, slamming your book on the floor, covering the pages in sticky candy, making coffee rings, or choosing random colors to scribble with like mad. From Amazon: “You’ve found the perfect book to destroy…Welcome to an all new-edition of Wreck This Journal, now in spectacular full color! Inside, you’ll find prompts for painting, shredding, transforming, and unleashing your creativity.” Find it here.
Devotional Books
Big and Little Coloring Devotional by Rachel Swanson and Jacy Corral
The Big and Little Coloring Devotional is a fun way for both a parent and a child to color at the same time. The adult’s side has a devotional with coloring page, and the child’s side has a coloring page with a Bible verse. There is also a Big and Little Activity Devotional for older kids to work on while the parent colors on their side of the book. From Amazon: “Kids crave constant activities and attention. Adults crave quiet moments of refreshment. How can we achieve both? Big and Little Coloring Devotional engages adults’ minds with appealing biblical devotionals while providing a creative outlet through coloring to diffuse stress.“ Find it here.
Sand Between Your Toes: Inspirations for a Slower, Simpler, and More Soulful Life by Anna Kettle
In this devotional, Anna invites you to a slower, simpler life that we’re called to in Jesus. You can’t escape to the beach everyday but you can find rest in the love of God. From Amazon: “Sand between Your Toes will fill your heart with hope through devotions and prayers that encourage you to slow down, simplify, and savor a quiet and calm only Jesus can provide. Practical lifestyle tips offer ideas for finding respite and peace amid life’s complications.” Find it here.
The Mother and Son Prayer Journal: A Keepsake Devotional to Share and Connect Through God by Christie Thomas
I love the idea of this journal! A place for mother and son to write and respond to Bible verses and questions. The author recommends it for boys ages 6-12. From Amazon: “This wonderful keepsake is sure to be a great way for parents and children to grow closer together through the love of Christ and create a meaningful, one-of-a-kind personal memento to treasure over a lifetime.“ Find it here.
Have you read any of these books? Do you have any recommendations for nonfiction books to gift moms? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!
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Great recommendations Natalie!!
Thank you!