If you’re looking for the best non-fiction books for Christmas gifts 2023, you’ve come to the right place! In this post you’ll be able to find 9 options for your favourite person. That’s right: every suggestion comes with a persona specifically thought to help you match with your loved ones!
You’ll find two different formats within the non-fiction category: Biographies/Autobiographies/Memoirs and Self-Help.
Are you ready to dive right into them? Keep scrolling!
What is non-fiction?
To start of this post in the best way, I’d like to start by clarifying what non-fiction is.
The most common definition by Google in this search is “prose writing that is informative or factual rather than fictional”. I believe it can be bigger than that.
We know for a fact that this format is not included in a fictional narrative. It can be based in a historic epoch, in a biographic context, can provide the reader with knowledge, information they didn’t have, or it can simply release opinion or humour.
As you can see, the scope can be very broad with a clear premise: it does not belong to a fictional world.
With this clarified, let’s dive into the 9 non-fiction books for Christmas gifts 2023!
Biographies / Autobiographies / Memoirs for Christmas gifts
Even though these are three different book formats, they all have one thing in common: they are a memory book. Usually known for sharing a life story, whether it be written by someone else than the person who lived it (biography), written by the person itself (autobiography) or a gathering of memories written also by the one who lived it (memoir).
And for that, I give you some of my favourite read examples to be gifted this Christmas:
“It”, by Alexa Chung – for the fashion girlie
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
If you’re either a fashion stan or an Arctic Monkey’s listener, you’ll know Alexa Chung.
She is a global fashion-trendsetter, cited as mused for a lot of different fashion designers due to her personal style that clearly stands out.
That’s the reason why we’re so lucky Alexa decided to gather in “It”, her first book, her vast personal inspirations, from her grandpa to Spice Girls. She also shares more mundane and daily life related content such as how to get dressed in the morning, how to get over a heartbreak and even songs to listen to while you try and do it. All this written content is followed by a lot of visuals created by Alexa herself in analogical format, a lot of artworks by different artists and even older fashion campaigns.
The reason why I loved this book so much, and your fashion girlie will love it too, is how Alexa was able to create such relatable content with her fashion status. How relatable and useful every tip is, how she also went through the heartbreak I went and how inspired I felt seeing all her idols and icons.
“Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood”, by Trevor Noah – for the comedy and history lover
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
If you’re a fan of comedy or The Daily Show, you are probably very well-aware of who Trevor Noah is. For the ones who aren’t, I believe the first sentence just replied to you. Trevor Noah is a comedian, writer, producer and was the host of The Daily Show.
Why is his memoir so interesting and is a great gift for Christmas? Let’s start by the fact that Trevor was born in South Africa during apartheid and his birth, itself, was a crime. Yes, as the title says, Trevor was born a crime. Why? Because apartheid prohibited his mother and his father’s union.
Through this memoir, Trevor tells us how it was growing in this period, when a lot of times he had to be inside due to the crime his pure existence represented.
What fascinated me in this book is how it feels to read something so tough while you’re laughing. Because Trevor is a comedian and can deliver to you the hardest truths, moments, and experiences of his life in the funniest way. And it is really a dystopic feeling you get on the reader side.
“Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir”, by Dolly Alderton – for the one lost in their twenties
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
So… Where to start with this book? In this memoir, Dolly shares of her twenties, of growing up, being an adult, getting drunk, finding a job, getting dump – and all the things we, as twenty-year-olds, go through. It is truly a funny and heartbreaking book for this time of our lives when we question ourselves and our worth. It also gives you the most beautiful note on friendship, female sorority and being there for each other as women.
For me, it was a slap in the face as I am also going through a very confusing time in my twenties. I saw myself reflect so many times in Dolly’s words, thoughts, and doubts. It was really a book that made me think a lot when I read it in the beginning of 2023. And still hasn’t left my mind. Sometimes I find myself thinking of the funny story Dolly tells or the moment I’m going through and how similar it is to the moment she went through and how okay she is now and how okay I’ll probably be too.
It won’t be an easy read specifically if the person is finding themselves with this questioning. But it is worth reading and surely a great option of non-fiction books for Christmas gifts 2023.
“Crying in H Mart”, by Michelle Zauner – for the absolute foodie (bonus points for Asian food lovers!)
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
“Crying in H Mart” is a memoir about Michelle, an Asian American woman, who lost her mother and is having trouble with her own identity. Through this memoir, Michelle shares her experience of growing up in Oregon, being an Asian American, her difficult relationship with her mother and the moments spent back in Seoul with her family.
There is a constant presence of food that follows the narrative. Accompanying Michelle throughout the various moments of her life and of the relationship with her mother, with no disregard for the high expectations she always had for Michelle.
This book took me through an unexpected sensorial food journey. It will take you too, especially if you’ve tried some of the dishes so well described; if you haven’t, you won’t be able to keep yourself from Googling it. Food is not only used in this book to give the reader this sensorial trip but also to follow the evolution of Michelle and her mother’s relationship with the disease that eventually led to her mother’s death. Is it really a spoiler if the book is a memoir?
“Depois a louca sou eu”, by Tati Bernardi – for the anxious person in your life
(Goodreads | not currently available on Storygraph)
Even though Tati is a Brazilian with Italian origins writer, I’m very sad to announce this book is not available in another language rather than Portuguese. So, if your lucky gift receiver is not a Portuguese speaker, I’d recommend you move into the Self-Help section where you’ll be able to continue reading about the best non-fiction books for Christmas gifts 2023.
For the rest of the audience, let’s get into “Depois a louca sou eu”!
The author shares a lot about her own anxiety and panic attacks during different stages of her life. From when she was going for a job interview, to when she was catching a flight or when she was presenting at work.
Tati describes with such accuracy and detail what it feels like to go through this that, for people who have been through one of those, you can’t help but feel represented.
And that was the main feeling I had going through these pages: to feel represented. But I did so while laughing, a lot. The representation of both these situations is taken to the extreme our heads go when into these moments. When you’re reading the other person’s perspective, you can’t help but find the fun of it – which, I must admit, helped me relativize my owns. Whether you want to understand your anxious friend or you want them to have a laugh about their problems – this is your go to!
Self-Help Non-Fiction Books for Christmas Gifts
Going into this new section, I must be honest with you: I haven’t read the books I’m about to suggest. But they’re sitting on my TBR (to be read list) and I still think they are excellent options of non-fiction books for Christmas gifts 2023!
Before getting into the suggestions – what is the Self-Help format inside the non-fiction category?
I believe usually this category comes with a negative feeling attached to it. Most people, when thinking “self-help” go straight into that guru aspirational content that… Values what the reader values…
However, Self-Help is not only that. It is a book that provides you with guidance on how to improve an area of your life, but it can also inspire you to do something new. Now, this doesn’t have to be specifically connected to guru aspirational content, it can be for you to improve your knowledge on finance or marketing, learn on organization, or it can even be a book with relationship advice.
There is a huge variety that I hope to share with you in the following section!
“Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men”, by Caroline Criado Pérez – for the one looking to educate themselves and get those facts on feminism
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
As we’re probably aware, data has taken a fundamental role in our modern world in the most different areas. And, mostly, numbers are what is behind decision making.
However, data does fail to consider gender as it takes men as default and women as atypical. Which has a tremendous cost for women whether in time, money and even in our lives.
In this book, Caroline, a celebrated feminist advocate, shares the results of a deep investigation on how women are impacted in their daily lives by this bias data generates. All the information is based on hundreds of studies around the world to provide with different examples of the real impact.
I want to read this book because I wouldn’t call myself the most feminist woman. I’m aware of the “big fights” we have, however, I do believe this book will reveal a lot of facts that will shock me and make me go deeper inside the movement.
“Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams”, by Matthew Walker – for the insomnia suffering friend
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
Written by a neuroscientist and sleep expert, this book goes through the vital importance of sleep and dreaming. It also does a profound exploration of how we can take sleep to improve learning, mood and energy levels, prevent diseases and slow the effects of ageing, going through the different factors that impact our sleeping and its quality.
Providing actionable steps towards a better night of sleep, it can be the book that will save your loved ones’ sleepless nights!
This one is on my list because I’m such a curious about the human body and its functioning. I’m also one of those people obsessing about every action they can take to improve life quality. And this one seems just the option that will give a whole lot of improvement!
“Girls That Invest: Your Guide to Financial Independence through Shares and Stocks”, by Simran Kaur – for the wannabe financial independent girl
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
This book comes with the promise of being the step-by-step guide to financial independency. Written by Simran Kaur, the creator of the first investing education podcast – Girls That Invest.
Written with the podcast’s premise: to help understand how the stock market works without the intimidating and not-so-well-taught context of it. It goes through the essential principles that can be applied to any market, anywhere. It is an invitation for women to join other women in a financially free world; where we are all building a better financial future.
Investing is a topic I believe most millennials/gen z have in mind, given the social and economic context we face. We all want our financial independence and freedom. The most we can learn about it from reliable uncomplicated sources, the most we will appreciate it. That’s the reason why I think this is an excellent gift for someone in their young ages. It can also suit someone who’s been thriving this goal for a while without succeeding it.
“Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day”, by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky – for the one who dreams about having more hours in a day than they have
(Goodreads | Storygraph)
By the creators of Google Ventures, Jake and John share the strategy behind the success of sprints to design tech products such as Gmail and YouTube. With years of experience with their own habits and routines they came up with this four-step daily framework. It is not about productivity or checking your to-dos. It is about the small changes to free us from the constant hurry and interference that surround us.
The book for someone who feels like their time could be put to better use or to things that matter most, without going crazy. If you can relate this situation with one of your loved ones, it might be a sign that you’ve found a gift option for them!
After these nine non-fiction books for Christmas gifts 2023, has come the time to wrap it up!
Were you able to find the gift you were missing for that special person?
Let me know in the comment section!