The Magic of Gifting Books: What Americans Are Reading and Sharing This Holiday Season

The holiday season brings with it the age-old question: what gift will truly delight my loved ones? According to a recent survey of 2,000 American readers who celebrate the winter holidays, books continue to hold a special place in gift-giving traditions. The beloved Harry Potter series leads the pack of most-gifted books this holiday season, followed by the Bible and the self-improvement bestseller “Atomic Habits.” This fascinating glimpse into America’s literary gift-giving habits reveals not just what people are reading, but how books continue to connect us in meaningful ways despite our increasingly digital world. The survey, commissioned by ThriftBooks and conducted by Talker Research, offers a heartwarming look at how literature remains a thoughtful and cherished present across generations.

Surprisingly, younger Americans are leading the charge in literary gift-giving. While over half of all respondents (51%) plan to give books as holiday presents this year, millennials (66%) and Gen Z (52%) are the most enthusiastic book gifters. This challenges the common assumption that younger generations have abandoned traditional reading in favor of digital entertainment. The survey also revealed interesting trends in how people select books to gift – social media has become a significant influence, with 28% of respondents saying they’ve chosen titles because they went viral or gained popularity online. However, more traditional sources still hold sway, with recommendations from friends and family (49%), bestseller lists (36%), and bookseller websites (31%) remaining popular ways to discover the perfect literary gift. This blend of old and new influences demonstrates how book culture has adapted to the digital age while maintaining its timeless appeal.

Gift-giving involves a certain amount of risk, and book selection is no exception. Nearly three-quarters of book gifters (72%) admitted they sometimes select titles they haven’t read themselves, making their trust in recommendations all the more crucial. “Books make excellent, timeless gifts,” noted Barbara Hagen, vice president of marketing at ThriftBooks, “but picking the right book for someone is important.” The survey revealed that contemporary favorites like the Twilight series, “The Alchemist,” Stephen King’s “It,” “The Night Circus,” and financial guide “Rich Dad Poor Dad” rank among the most popular choices. Classic literature also maintains its appeal, with “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Gone with the Wind” making the top ten list. Some more unusual selections mentioned included “How to Think Like a Roman Emperor,” George Orwell’s “1984,” “Cooking for Dummies,” and the rabbit adventure tale “Watership Down.” This diverse range of titles shows that book gifters consider both mainstream popularity and the unique interests of their recipients.

The emotional connection created through book-giving runs deep. A significant 60% of respondents who have gifted books said they’re one of their favorite presents to give, and 40% of all surveyed identified a book as the most cherished gift they’ve ever received. Once again, younger generations demonstrated their appreciation for literary presents, with millennials (70%) and Gen Z (63%) most likely to enjoy giving books, and also most likely to appreciate receiving them (millennials 49%, Gen Z 48%). The survey revealed the thoughtful intentions behind these gifts – 48% of book-givers cited wanting to share something they love as their primary motivation. This personal touch resonates with recipients, as 76% of respondents reported feeling moved when someone selects a book that perfectly matches their taste. In our increasingly AI-dominated world, an overwhelming 89% felt that cultivating reading habits – both for themselves and others – is more important than ever. This suggests that book-giving is not just about entertainment but also about fostering valuable skills and human connection.

Books provide a unique combination of sentiment and practicality that other gifts often lack. Nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) felt that books feel more meaningful than other types of presents. Despite the rise of e-readers and digital media, the physical book remains strongly preferred, with 95% preferring to give printed books and 89% preferring to receive them. This tactile preference extends to creative gift presentations like book Advent calendars – collections of individually wrapped books given as countdown gifts – which 39% of respondents said they’d love to receive. More than a quarter (27%) planned to give one this holiday season. As Barbara Hagen of ThriftBooks observed, “It’s clear that this year, people want to both give and receive intentional gifts that offer a little bit of escapism, along with groundedness and practicality. Books are perfect for this.” The enduring popularity of physical books suggests that in our increasingly digital world, the tangible experience of holding and reading a physical book offers a form of connection and presence that screens simply cannot replicate.

The list of most popular books as holiday gifts this year offers fascinating insights into American readers’ preferences. The Harry Potter series’ continued dominance shows the enduring power of magical storytelling that spans generations. The Bible’s second-place ranking reflects the importance of faith and tradition during the holiday season. Meanwhile, “Atomic Habits” points to our collective interest in self-improvement and personal growth. The diversity of the list – from fantasy to religion, from self-help to classic literature – demonstrates how books serve varied purposes in our lives: entertainment, spiritual guidance, practical advice, and cultural touchstones. This holiday season, as Americans select and wrap these beloved titles for friends and family, they’re participating in a tradition that goes beyond simple gift-giving. They’re sharing stories that have shaped them, wisdom they’ve found valuable, and adventures they hope to pass on. In a world of fleeting digital content and mass-produced merchandise, books remain one of our most personal, thoughtful ways to connect with others during the holidays and beyond.