Each year we present a 12 Days of Christmas Book Gifting feature and each year, of course, I find that there are far more than a dozen books that deserve a feature spot.
When trying to find a balance of assortment that suits every Rural Mom reader preference in a 12 day spotlight, well, it’s not possible to include every one, but I still want to be certain to share each and every title with you that was considered for a top spot, because each one is certainly a terrific read that deserves a well-earned place on the Rural Mom holiday bookshelf!
Contenders (in no particular order, they are all great!):
The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie
A compelling holiday children’s book based on a Christmas tradition that author Jill Hardie, her husband and their two children began eight years ago. Every year, the Hardie family places a Sparkle Box under their Christmas trea as a gift for Jesus on his birthday. Written to spark a new Christmas tradition within other families- one that honors the true meaning of the holiday. A Sparkle Box is included in the back of the book.
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
An immigrant tale that combines elements of Jewish and Arab folk mythology in a story of two supernatural creatures who arrive separately in New York, 1899.
Fabric Surface Design by Cheryl Rezendes
Become your own fabric designer and you’ll open the door to a world of quilting and sewing possibilities. Fiber artist Cheryl Rezendes demonstrates more than 80 fabric-printing techniques using fabric crayons and a variety of different textile paints.
Reconstructing Clothes for Dummies
Recycle clothing into a creative wardrobe that’s uniquely you. This clear, step-by-step guide gives you all the instruction and inspiration you need to transform your current clothes into fun, funky pieces.
Death of Bees by Lisa O’Donnell
Marnie and her little sister, Nelly are orphaned. Only they know waht happened to their parents, and they aren’t telling. The Death of Bees is an enchanting, grimly comic tale of three lost souls who, unable to answer for themselves, can answer only for one another.
The Overlooked Generation: Parenting Teens and Tweens in a Complicated Culture by Shannon Perry
Do you long to communicate more effectively with your teen or tweens? Do you need practical solutions to help your teenager make Godly choices in today’s complex world? Author Shannon Perry addresses effective and necessary parent-teen communication and equips parents the skills to help guide and raise teens and tweens.
Craft-a-Doodle: 75 Creative Exercises from 18 Artists
Explore the playful world of doodling with 75 exercises designed to fuel your imagination. Eighteen talented contributors share inventive prompts to jumpstart and expand your inspiration for drawing everything from charming creatures, decorative frames, and blooming blossoms to personalized abstract designs and doodles made while listening to music.
Flip Dolls & Other Toys That Zip, Stack, Hide Grab & Go by Laura Wilson
Join designer Laura Wilson and travel through chapter after chapter of sewn toys that all have fun features. With easy-to-follow instructions and illustrations, the hardest part is deciding what to make first!
Mug Cakes: 100 Speedy Microwave Treats to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth by Leslie Bilderback
Mug Cakes contains recipes for every taste from basic Buttermilk Cake to fancy Chocolate Caramel Fleur de Sel – all ready in a matter of minutes! The personal serving size when your don’t feel like baking an entire cake or for entertaining guests with style.
101 Devotions for Busy Families by Tom Frye
In a world that screams “look at me,” the Frye Family offers a different message; “Look to Jesus.” Whether it’s seeing beyond your fears, societal norms, or the seemingly constant change that can so easily distract us from that which is truly important, 101 Devotions for Busy Families will serve as a practical reminder of the importance of faith and family.
Meals in a Jar: Quick and Easy, Just-Add-Water, Homemade Recipes by Julie Languille
Meals in a Jar is packed with step-by-step instructions for natural breakfasts, lunches, dinners and desserts that allow even the most inexperienced chefs to make scrumptious, nutritious dishes. Not only are the recipes in this book perfect for carry-along camping fare, rushed weeknight dinners and meals for Dad (or even a teenager) to prepare, they can also be life-savers in times of disasters like fires, blackouts or hurricanes.
12 Days of Christmas Gifting (click on book title for our full review):
Day 1- Week in a Day
Day 2- Green Your Home for Dummies
Day 3- Crochet Love
Day 4- Homemade Condiments
Day 5- One Woman Farm
Day 6- The Lemonade Cookbook
Day 7- The Best Flea, Antique, Vintage and New-Style Markets in America
Day 8- Instant Mom
Day 9- Journal Your Way
Day 10- Jeeves and The Wedding Bells
Day 11- Southern Po’ Boy Cookbook
Day 12- The Grateful Table
