20 Coffee Table Books To Gift This Holiday Season
From Nadia Lee Cohen and Martin Parr’s ‘Julie Bullard’ to Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘Guts World Tour.’
In today’s digital age, many of us typically consume content through Substack newsletters, online articles or audible — rarely finding the time or energy for a full book. But to the dedicated book lovers out there, we see you. There’s nothing quite like the feel of turning crisp pages, the scent of a freshly opened book or the allure of a gorgeous hardcover that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying to hold.
Coffee table books are more than just decorative pieces; they’re a joy to read. From stunning photography and thought-provoking art to timeless fashion, coffee table books don’t just fill space; they spark conversation.
From popular pink covers like Sofia Coppola‘s Archive and Simone Rocha‘s photobook to the beautiful visual storytelling from fashion’s current obsession, Nadia Lee Cohen, here are 20 coffee table books to gift your friends (or yourself).
Keep reading for the full list.
Julie Bullard: Nadia Lee Cohen & Martin Parr
IDEA released a pretty impressive collaboration between fashion’s fave photographer Nadia Lee Cohen and documentary photojournalist Martin Parr. The book sees Cohen in a rare moment, stepping in front of the lens. Captured by Parr in a series of distinctive scenarios, the project transforms Cohen into her childhood babysitter and unlikely source of inspiration, named Julie Bullard. Reimagined in the style of a seventies photo album, the book itself is complete with faux leather board covers and vintage gold metal binding, disguised as an old-school time capsule. Shot in Parr’s documentary-style photography, the “fictional family album” features over 100 photographs, including glimpses of Cohen in prosthetics.
Jean Paul Gaultier Catwalk
Thames & Hudson published the first-ever overview of Jean Paul Gaultier’s womenswear collections with unprecedented access to the House’s archives and in collaboration with Gaultier himself. This is the coffee table book to rival all coffee table books. From “Biker of the Opera,” his debut show in 1976, to his final blow-out collection in 2020, the book is the ultimate collectors’ item for any fan of the brand. The publication includes a history of the House, a biographical profile of Gaultier and a chronological exploration of the collections. The images offer a unique insight into the set designs, clothing, details, beauty looks and models from Linda Evangelista and Kate Moss to Gigi and Bella Hadid. If you need the perfect gift for a fashion lover, or any extra reason to fall in love with Jean Paul Gaultier again, this is the book.
From Somerset to the World: Clarks A Visual History 1825-2024
Clarks reigned in a huge anniversary with the ultimate shoe lovers coffee table book. Celebrating 200 years of shaping style and culture, from British school classrooms and pop culture to Jamaican dancehall and New York hip hop stages, this is the ultimate commemoration. The book is a richly illustrated project chronicling the brand’s journey from a small Quaker family in rural England to a global phenomenon two centuries later. Much more than your favorite Wallabees, the brand’s influence and history are a treasure trove to be discovered. Author and designer Alexander Newman called it, “a testament to one of the great British brands, highlighting some of the lesser-known aspects of Clarks’ history.”
JABON: Magic Soaps of Mexico
Bold visual storytelling, visceral beauty and witchcraft come together in this photobook, pairing hyper-saturated photography with bright graphic design and published by creative agency The Midnight Club. The imagery is shot by Maisie Cousins and brought to life in the pages by Stephanie McArdle’s eclectic graphic design language. The book documents 20 ritual soaps with nostalgic packaging, shot in a Mexican witchcraft market, all of which promise different powers, including love, luck and healing. This is not documentary photography, it’s an immersive journey of folklore, religion and decay.
From Louis to Vuitton
Louis Vuitton offers a brand new insight into the LV universe with this book. Published by Assouline and written by Arthur Dreyfus, the book includes a foreword by Pietro Beccari, the current President and CEO of Louis Vuitton. It explores the traditions, creations and contributions of its Artistic Directors, alongside insights into the Asnières workshop and the House’s founder, who left home at age 14 to go to Paris, where the OG luggage maker became the world-renowned label it is today. The publication features a Damier-style case and a bright yellow cover referencing the saddle stitch, making it the perfect addition to your coffee table.
Guts World Tour Book
Olivia Rodrigo‘s Guts World Tour is commemorated here in book form. The 136-page hardcover publication features the tour’s best moments and fan essentials from an exclusive tour trading card to a double-sided poster and sticker sheet. Take a peek behind the showbiz curtain with this one.
Air Jordan
In collaboration with Michael Jordan, Assouline honored the legendary basketball player’s unending impact on footwear with a new book chronicling the last four decades of the Jordan Brand. Air Jordan unpacks the design, innovation and cultural influence of the shoe, from the globally recognized logo to the timeless silhouettes that make Jordans some of the most sought-after sneakers in Nike’s repertoire. It wouldn’t be an Assouline book without stunning imagery, so on the cover is a never-before-seen photograph of Jordan shot by Annie Leibovitz and mirroring the pose of the now iconic Air Jordan logo.
MAKiNG iT
Los Angeles photographer Bootsy Holler brings the ’90s rock scene into print with her latest book, “MAKiNG iT.” Documenting the Seattle indie, punk and rock scenes from 1992 to 2008, the photographic time capsule shows us every angle. Focusing on the lesser-known bands who later defined a decade in music history, some of the artists include Macklemore, Pearl Jam and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The sweaty dancing, pulsing sounds and strangers in sync can all be felt through the pages, creating a feeling of nostalgia even for those who were never part of it. This is the ultimate cool girl gift.
America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC) have become a cultural phenomenon, with their cropped vests, stadium performances and the stories of sisterhood which thousands followed in their Netflix docuseries. Beyond the spotlight, you’ll see rigorous training, ambition and a dedication to uplifting communities. This book follows the evolution of their signature style while highlighting the women who have shaped the legacy both on and off the field. Whether you’re a fan of football, dance or just looking for some Texas fun, this edition pays tribute to the women who have helped define modern cheerleading.
Chic Dogs
If you’re a big fan of your pooch and a big fan of fashion, this is the book for you. Chic Dogs chronicles fashion’s most fabulous furry friends in a whimsical ride through time, spotlighting history’s stars of style and culture. Our four-legged friends are much more than pets, but true characters celebrating elegance and celebrity. From Coco Chanel to Queen Elizabeth, the book features some of the most famous relationships between celebs and their canine companions.
Dior Metamorphosis
Dior Metamorphosis, published by Rizzoli, recounts the transformation of Dior’s mythic Parisian headquarters at 30 Avenue Montaigne as seen through the eyes of photographer Robert Polidori. The title invites us to a private viewing of the secrets of the Maison’s beating heart in the French capital and includes unique images that shine with light and beauty. Dior’s emblematic models, such as the essential Barsuit, are also featured in this singular decor.
Sofia Coppola Archive
Sofia Coppola has definitely been having her moment, with Priscilla setting the tone for a girly-everything year in 2024. Archive is Sofia Coppola’s first book, offering a peek into her film career. Packed with personal photos, early sketches, reference collages and annotated scripts, it gives an inside look at all eight of her films to date, including some exclusive behind-the-scenes moments.
Mouth Full Of Golds
Mouth Full Of Golds, written by director Lyle Lindgren and Eddie Plein, is a book celebrating the art of caps, fronts, slugs, grills, diamonds and pearls. The hardcover delivers an illustrated history of New York‘s “Famous” Eddie Plein, the golden era of dentistry he ushered in and the great big glittering smile he left on the face of hip hop. It also includes words by A$AP Ferg, Va$htie, Goldie, A$AP Rocky, Just-Ice, Janette Beckman and Marc Jacobs.
Hokusai
At the age of six, Hokusai painted his first picture. A year after his death at 89, his illustrated book designs were published posthumously. TASCHEN‘s latest edition of his work, following the 2022 release, includes texts by art historian Andreas Marks, exploring Hokusai’s influence on Western artists like Degas and Gauguin. Featuring large-scale reproductions and four fold-outs, this edition blends in-depth research with a visual celebration of Edo-period Japan.
Juergen Teller: i need to live
Juergen Teller: i need to live captures Teller’s major solo exhibitions at Paris‘ Grand Palais Éphémère and Milan‘s Triennale Milano. It showcases the breadth of his photography, from portraits and landscapes to nudes and still lifes, capturing his reflections on life, self and loss (especially the passing of close collaborators like Vivienne Westwood.) While it would look stunning on your coffee table, highlighting how well-versed you are in the arts, it would equally be as impressive on a bookstand, giving you a perfect piece of Juergen Teller to display when guests visit.
Simone Rocha
Simone Rocha is celebrated as a brilliant designer, but she’s also a thoughtful bookmaker with an impressive zine collection. Her latest monograph, Simone Rocha, is meticulously crafted, featuring catwalk images, moody editorials and backstage moments that embody her intricate world. This book is a must-have for fashion lovers and joins Rizzoli’s stellar roster of authors like Ann Demeulemeester, Rick Owens and Maison Martin Margiela.
Petra Collins: Coming of Age
We all know and love Petra Collins for her dreamy photography skills, so there’s no doubt her first monograph is a tangible realization of the unique universe she has created. Petra Collins: Coming of Age is a stunning tribute to girlhood, innocence, sexuality and liberation. Through her signature photos, personal essays, Polaroids and contributions from inspiring women, Collins shares the quiet power behind her work. The book highlights her work on campaigns for Gucci and Adidas, films for the Tate and countless editorials. It’s a testament to her creativity and is a must-have for fans of her daring, boundary-pushing artistry.
Yoshitomo Nara
Yoshitomo Nara by Yeewan Koon is the definitive book on the life and career of the internationally acclaimed Japanese artist. This truly authoritative monograph, made in close collaboration with Nara himself, explores more than three decades of his work, featuring texts by the artist and including his most recent paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics.
Nora Ephron At The Movies
Nora Ephron at the Movies is the first illustrated deep dive into the life and work of Nora Ephron, the mastermind behind rom-com classics like When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle. The book pairs sharp criticism with exclusive interviews from collaborators like actress Andie MacDowell exploring Ephron as both a rom-com icon and a feminist trailblazer. It’s the perfect little flick-through for when you’re curling up by the fire, hot chocolate in hand and most definitely a Nora Ephron movie in the back.
Aries Arise Archive
Spanning nearly 400 pages, the Aries Arise Archive book is a one-of-a-kind retrospective of Aries‘ last decade, showcasing its collaborations, photography, graphics, community and signature designs. Thoughtfully crafted by Johnny Lu, the publication is a visual feast printed on premium Munken paper and brimming with the distinctive essence of the brand.
For more gift ideas, read about the best gifts to get a fashion lover (starring 2025’s biggest trends).
