It’s that time of year to start thinking of holiday shopping.  A time when I get to think about showering loved ones with tokens of my affection.  It’s fun thinking of what to buy for everyone on my list.  But, to be completely honest, I admit that I get invariably distracted during the process by looking at things I just wouldn’t mind receiving myself.  One for you, one for me…

Why not both?

Chronicle Books has just announced its second annual Happy Haulidays Giveaway Contest, which satisfies both altruistic and selfish instincts.  A winner will be chosen from bloggers posting their Chronicle Books wish list.  And even better, if I win, I get to choose a commenter on this post who will also win the entire list! And if that weren’t already over the top, if I win a charity of my choosing will also receive $500 worth of Chronicle Books.

So let’s get started! Here’s my wish list– some for me, some for my family and friends, and why they made the list:

Food

Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson- because there is nothing better

Tartine by Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad Robertson- ditto

I Love Macarons by Hisako Ogita– because I do! 

Vino Argentino by Laura Catena– because I once worked with Laura, and her family’s wine is fantastic

Kokkari by Eric Cosselmon and Janet Fletcher– I had my 40th birthday party here, and have very fond memories of the food and ambiance

Plenty by Ottam Ottolenghi– just take a look at the cover photo to understand why

Big Vegan by Robin Asbell, photographs by Kate Sears– for my friend who recently made a big conversion to veganism

Design

Mexicocina by Melba Levick and Elizabeth McNair– colorful and sunny style

New Orleans: Elegance and Decadence Photographs by Richard Sexton, Narrative by Randolph Delehanty– romantic style from one of my favorite places

Nomad: A Global Approach to Interior Style by Sibella Court,  Photographs by Chris Court– sounds like my style

Stationery

Moleskine 2012 Weekly Planner Pocket Black softcover– because I don’t use an electronic calendar, believe it or not!

Pantone: 100 Postcards– because I love all colors

Botanicals Notebook Collection By Rifle Paper Co.– sometimes, I want to write in something even prettier than my MacBook Air

Culture

Part Asian, 100% Hapa Portraits by Kip Fulbeck,Foreword by Sean Lennon, Afterword by Paul Spickard– for my friend Grace, aka HapaMama

Travel

We used City Walks: Paris on a recent trip, and I loved the meandering itineraries these cards inspired.  I’d love to try these out in other favorite cities.

City Walks: London

City Walks with Kids: London

City Walks with Kids: Paris

Kids

Red is a Dragon: A Book of Colors By Roseanne Thong,Illustrated by Grace Lin– when my kids were younger we loved Grace’s beautiful illustrations.  Even though they’re a bit too old for learning colors, I know they’ll still enjoy the pretty pictures.

Round is a Mooncake: A Book of Shapes By Roseanne Thong,Illustrated by Grace Lin– ditto

The Cable Car and the Dragon by Herb Caen — a classic tale of a Cable Car celebrating Chinese New Year

Ivy and Bean What’s The Big Idea? Book 7  by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall– my second grader’s latest obsession

Ivy and Bean Paper Doll Play Set  by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall– more of the same

Mrs. Mustard’s Baby Faces Stroller Cards by Jane Wattenberg– more cute babies for my twin baby niece and nephew to look at

*     *     *

As for the charity I hope to bequeath a bookshelf-load full of books to, there are so many to choose from! If I have to pick one, it would be Friends of the San Francisco Public Library to support our local branch.  My family was involved in the fundraising that helped build our neighborhood’s beautiful gem of a branch and we consider it an extension of our home.  It’s been wonderful having a carefully curated and frequently updated selection of new books by librarians who fortuitously share my eclectic reading taste, but there is always room for more!  Helping to continue to build our branch library is a great opportunity to share the love of reading with our neighbors.

So, why not share some holiday love with yourself by leaving a comment below about your favorite book on my list and why you’d also love a copy.

Maybe we’ll both be lucky!

Happy holidays!

-Linda