With the holidays right around the corner, shopping can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the right gifts. While most people don’t immediately connect their friends’ favorite school subjects to holiday presents, those interests can actually be a great source of inspiration. Using what someone enjoys in the classroom can lead to thoughtful, creative gifts that feel more intentional than the usual go-to options.
English
For someone who loves English, they’re probably reading a ton and have very updated Goodreads, so that could be a great place to start if you want to buy them a book. A great book to get then could be 1984 by George Orwell. This dystopian novel about a totalitarian regime utilizes clear and powerful prose to demonstrate how language can shape society while exploring complex themes still relevant today. If you feel like your English-loving friend has every book though or you don’t know their favorite genre, you could buy them a new tote bag for all of their books:
This vintage Amazon one with a sturdy blue strap and quintessential bookshop on the front is great ($15)
Monogrammed Lands End Tote Bag ($50). This minimalist tote bag is creme with a variety of colored thread and straps, and is able to hold lots of books. (pictured left).
Or, you could get them a pair of cute blue light glasses for when they read at night to help reduce eye strain and protect against eye damage.
Amazon has a bunch of pairs with thicker rims, like these ($15) (pictured left).
Amazon also has a bunch of pairs with thin rims, like these ($14)
Social Studies
A great book for someone interested in the humanities would be Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters. This book explains that the year 1776 was not crucial for the war, but for a radical ideological shift for American citizens’ rights. This book dives into the impact other books around the time had and how that caused a shift in ideas and established a foundation for American freedom and the world of nation-states. Available on Amazon ($25).
For your history-geek friend, a cute stocking stuffer idea could be this “history nerd” magnet ($5)
A reading lamp could be another great stocking stuffer. As they are constantly reading biographies, histories, and other nonfiction, it’s important that they can see what they’re reading. History is important stuff! This reading light from target is a great option ($13)
Another idea would be to get your history-loving friend a pack of tea straight from the UK Fortnum and Mason have some good options.
Math
A great book for someone who loves Math or Science would be Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions by Brain Christian and Tom Griffiths. This book explains how computer algorithms can solve everyday human problems by applying algorithmic principles to decision making, memory , and creativity. Offering practical advice and an interdisciplinary approach for the everyday issues of your numerical-loving friend is the perfect book for them to read. Available on Amazon ($14).
Your math-loving friend is probably very exact about all the numbers they calculate, and their baking is probably fabulous. So, for them, you should get a Pi-shaped cookie cutter. Available on Amazon ($7)
Another idea that may take a bit longer to complete is a Sudoku Book. Available on Amazon ($10).
Science
A great book recommendation could be Super Natural: How Life Thrives in Impossible Places. This book explores Earth’s most incredible environments, showing incredible resilience in life from all around the world. Available on Amazon ($25).
Your science-loving friend probably has spent a lot of time observing things, so what’s one more? A nice succulent can be great room decor, or could be great for a lab. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure gift! Prices range depending on size, but these mini ones from the Home Depot are a great option ($22)
You could also get them a small-medium sized scientific themed lego set, which combines aspects of experimenting with different creations while creating something hands-on and creative. (typically ranging $25-$75 from LEGO’s official website). This is the page to LEGO’s Scientific sets.
World Languages
A great gift for someone who takes Mandarin could be this calligraphy set from Amazon ($15)
A cute idea for a stocking stuffer could be these French sayings playing cards from Amazon ($15)
Someone who takes Spanish and loves to cook may enjoy making recipes from this book ($28).
For your Latin-loving friend, a cute Latin phrase on a poster could be fun wall decor. This is a great one fromEtsy ($6)
Image Source: BuzzFeed