Great Gift Ideas from Watermark Publishing
Books make fantastic gifts—you can give someone countless gourmet meals, a trip to a far-flung land, transport them to the future or bring them back to their past all in a tidy package.
There’s a book to suit everyone’s taste, they last longer than a box of chocolates, they don’t go out of style, and everyone—young or old—appreciates a good story.
Here are a few gift ideas for this holiday season from Watermark Publishing’s catalog:
For your Foodie Friend:
Kau Kau: Cuisine & Culture in the Hawaiian Islands by Arnold Hiura. Foodies will devour with delight this examination of the rich history and heritage of food in Hawai‘i, with little-known culinary tidbits, interviews with chefs and farmers, over 70 recipes ranging from local plantation classics to Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine, and a treasury of rare photos and illustrations. Not available in stores until January, this title is available direct from the publisher with express holiday delivery service. Retail price: $32.95; online special (thru Dec. 15): $30, plus shipping
The Island Bistro Coookbook by Chef Chai Chaowasaree. Home cooks will relish this award-winning collection of over 90 recipes from the award-winning chef’s restaurants, Singha Thai Cuisine and Chai’s Island Bistro. Chef Chai not only serves up delicious recipes, but the personal stories behind the dishes. Retail price: $32.50
For the Serenity Seeker:
The Maui Book of Lavender by Alii Chang, Lani Medina Weigert and Jill Engledow. This lavender-scented book will transport the reader on a journey to Maui’s Ali‘i Kula Lavender farm. With stunning photography and useful information on lavender crafts and home uses—as well as 40 recipes incorporating lavender—it’s a treasure for gardeners, home crafters, cooks and others who appreciate a little lavender in their lives. Retail price: $22.95
Feng Shui for Hawai‘i by Clear Englebert. Achieving harmony in the home is always desirable, especially during the hectic holidays. This practical guide addresses all aspects of feng shui in the home with specific attention to Island landscape, culture and décor. Both the novice and experienced feng shui practitioner will find this a unique and useful resource for creating positive energy in the home. Retail price: $19.95
For the Political Junkie:
BEN: A Memoir, From Street Kid to Governor by Benjamin J. Cayetano. Now in its fourth printing, the autobiography of former Hawai‘i governor Ben Cayetano has been a #1 bestseller more than 15 times. A deeply personal account of his life, from a childhood in the tough neighborhood of Kalihi and his tenure as the country’s first Filipino-American governor, with backroom revelations from decades spent in Hawai‘i politics. Retail price: $19.95
Wayfinding through the Storm by Gavan Daws and Nā Leo O Kamehameha. Over 150 students, alumni, teachers, politicians and others share their experiences of the 1990s Bishop Estate controversy. This is the real inside story of ordinary decent people who looked deep inside themselves and found the moral courage to risk everything, to come together and stand up for what they believed in: to speak truth to power. Retail price: $24.95
For the Shopaholic:
The Ultimate Guide to Shopping on O‘ahu by Kathryn Drury Wagner. Pair this purse-sized guide to more than 200 of the best of the best shopping spots with a choice gift certificate, and your fashionista friend will toss her Manolos in the air with delight! Think she already knows about these hip boutiques and classic standbys with the best styles, selection and service? Better just keep it for yourself, then! Also great for visiting gal pals—the guide emphasizes local designers and shops. Retail price: $12.95
For the Bride-to-Be:
Wedding Belles: Ideas & Inspiration from Island Brides by Tanna Dang. Instead of plaguing the soon-to-be-Mrs. with questions about when, where and what her theme will be, give her a helping hand! A collection of tips from local wedding guru—and owner of The Wedding Café— Tanna Dang for a smooth trip down the aisle, plus advice from more than 70 real-life recent brides on how to include families in the planning process, local traditions, special wedding-day details, and horror stories and their (eventually) happy endings. Retail price: $22.95
For the Nostalgia Generation:
Honolulu Stadium: Where Hawai‘i Played by Art Suehiro. Mention the old Termite Palace to locals of a certain age, and you’ll unlock a treasure trove of memories. Author Suehiro fondly recalls it as the site of his first date with the girl who eventually became his wife. Here, he shares hundreds of historic photos and rare memorabilia, as well as the priceless memories of athletes, coaches, fans and many others. Retail Price: $24.95
For the UH Sports Nut:
Let’s Go ‘Bows! by Melody Toth. You probably know someone who can recite the names of championship University of Hawai‘i players going back decades. These folk share a kindred spirit with “Trainer Mel” Toth and will appreciate her insider’s view—the funny and heartwarming stories fans never knew, plus recaps of some of Hawai‘i sports history’s most beloved and well-known names and games. Retail Price: $16.95
For the Kids:
The Little Lima Bean by Brent Ching. Children and adults alike are charmed by the little lima bean and his quest to grow bigger. This adorable book written by Honolulu pediatric dentist Brent Ching (a former Cosmopolitan bachelor and HONOLULU Magazine Best Dentist) and illustrated by Honolulu firefighter Jordan Santos comes with a blister pack of lima bean seeds for a fun family activity. Retail Price: $9.95
Eddie Wen’ Go: The Story of the Upside-Down Canoe by Marion Lyman-Mersereau. The story of courageous waterman Eddie Aikau, who was lost at sea on Hōkule‘a’s 1978 voyage, is told in this beautifully illustrated book by the creatures of the ocean who saw the voyaging canoe, its crew and Aikau that fateful night. Written by former Hōkule‘a crewmember Marion Lyman-Mersereau, who was on board with Aikau, and illustrated by Melissa DeSica, Eddie Wen’ Go comes with an audio CD narrated by the animal characters and musical accompaniment by slack-key virtuoso Danny Carvalho. Retail Price: $17.95
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Need a few more reasons why books make great gifts? (Excerpted from BooksAreGreatGifts.com, a site created by the Association of American Publishers)
“Books make great gifts because they are an amazing way to kill time while your web site is buffering.”—Jon Stewart
“Books make great gifts because they are a perfect way to get a conversation started.”—Barbara Walters
“Books make great gifts because they make great friends. Your cherished book can hold your secrets, and you can tell it every secret you have. And, it can’t blab.”—Maya Angelou
“Books make great gifts because you can prove your point with them...Give opinions!”—Bill O’Reilly
“Books make great gifts because after you make love you can reach for one, it’s always there.”—Frank McCourt
“Books make great gifts because they’re everybody’s favorite things.”—Julie Andrews
“Books make great gifts because they’re not as hefty as fruitcake, but they’re enjoyable and they’re easy to devour.”—Rachael Ray
For a fun video featuring the celebrities above, check out this clip produced by Random House.
Tags: gift ideas, gifts, holiday books
