In my life before kids I was a seventh grade English teacher. Part of the reason I became and English teacher is because I love reading and I love books and I wanted to share that passion with the kids I taught. I am still always reading at least three books at a time: I have one that I’m listening to, I have one on my bedside table to read at night, and I have one that I’m reading with my kids. With Christmas just around the corner, I decided to post a few of my favorite crafty and creative books to maybe help you find the perfect gift for that maker on your list!

I’ve linked each book to Amazon and have created a list on Amazon with my favorite book picks! You can quickly access my book list HERE.

A Book That Takes Its Time

by Irene Smit and Astrid von der Huist

I keep A Book that Takes Its Time on my bedside table and read a little bit every night. I like to call this a “pretty book” because the inside is just beautiful. There are fun, creative ideas inside to help you be more mindful in your every day life. This is one of my favorite gift-giving books because it is just so lovely!

365 Days of Art: A Creative Exercise for Every Day of the Year

by Lorna Scobie

If you are wanting to try your hand at different types of art, 365 Days of Art is perfect for you. This book has an an artistic activity for every day of the year. I love the variety of art that you get to use and try out in this book, and it is a great way to get those creative juices flowing each day.

Masha and Her Sisters

by Suzy Ultman

This book is darling for the little kids on your list. I collect Russian nesting dolls, so I knew I had to have Masha and Her Sisters, but my kids, who aren’t even all that young, loved this book too! The sister nesting dolls are all stacked on the different pages, and the illustrations are adorable.

Tiny Town

by Suzy Ultman

Tiny Town is also by Suzy Ultman the author and illustrator of Masha and Her Sisters and I just could not resist this cute house shaped book! Each page is a different store in the town, and again, the illustrations are just darling. This is a board book so it might be good for the little kiddos in your life, but even my older girls love this one too.

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman

by Michelle Edwards and G. Brian Karas

My husband actually gave me a copy of A Hat for Mrs. Goldman last year for Christmas because he knows of my love for yarn and pom poms. This is the sweetest story about a girl who wants to do something nice for her neighbor Mrs. Goldman. She decides to try to knit Mrs. Goldman a hat, but it doesn’t go exactly how she wants. I love how this story teaches about service, love, and kindness. Plus, it comes with a knitting pattern for a hat at the end!

Draw Every Day Draw Every Way

by Jennifer Orkin Lewis

Draw Every Day Draw Every Way is another daily art activity book. While the 365 Days of Art book focuses on different art techniques, this one focuses on drawing different items. It’s a fun way to practice those drawing skills with different types of pen and paper too.

Craft the Rainbow

by Brittany Watson Jepsen

Craft the Rainbow spoke to my soul before I even owned it! I love crafting and I love rainbow things, so how could this not be an amazing book?! This book has a bunch of colorful paper projects, and it is another “pretty book.” It is a feast for the eyes. Any crafty person will love this beautiful book.

Creative Coloring for Grown-Ups Scandinavian Folk Patterns

When I get the chance, I love coloring in adult coloring books. I bought this one a few years ago, and the patterns are fantastic. I have a thing for Scandinavian design, and these designs lend themselves so well to coloring.

Extra Yarn

by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen

I saw this book Extra Yarn on a fellow Instagramer’s feed a few months ago, and I knew that I needed to get it for my kids. I do happen to be a yarn lover, but this book tells a story of a girl who finds a box of yarn. Miraculously, this box never runs out of yarn. It has a sweet message about spreading happiness and joy and how happiness is something that cannot be bought or taken from someone else. This book is even a Caldecott medal honors winner.

Pride and Prejudice

Illustrated by Alice Pattullo

While this book isn’t necessarily a craft book, Pride and Prejudice is one of my all-time favorite books, and this illustrated version is amazing. It comes in and out of stock on Amazon, but if you can grab it while it is in stock, do it! The illustrations are beautiful and are such a fun addition to the story.