18 Quirky Nonfiction Books That Will Make Perfect Holiday Gifts

The Art of Disney Costuming by Jeff Kurtti is a lush coffee table book that chronicles decades of intricate costume designs from Disney films. With a special section devoted to Cinderella's ball gown and a gallery of all those iconic villains' looks, this tome isn't just perfect for Disney devotees, it's a must for anyone who loves fashion or costuming.

The beauty of Because Internet by Gretchen McCulloch is that it doesn't matter if you're baffled by the linguistics of the internet or you're the first person to share memes with your friends; this book is so absorbing it will immediately draw you in. The author explores how the internet is changing the way we communicate, and how that can actually be a good thing, while also delving into the world of emojis, text punctuation, and so much more. Love tech or fear it, this is a must read.

Medical students, Grey's Anatomy fans, anyone who needs an anatomy refresher — Bill Bryson's The Body: A Guide For Occupants will delight them all. Human anatomy may not sound like the most thrilling subject, but in Bryson's hands it comes to life through weird factoids and anecdotes that make learning about how the body works way cooler than it was in school.

Yes, there's a book about the history of cutlery, and yes, it's just as engrossing as any thriller. Bee Wilson's Consider the Fork looks at the history of food from a fresh perspective that even your most hardcore foodie friend may not have considered. As the author delves into the history of everything from the titular fork to the whisk, she takes the reader on a journey that tracks the weird and unexpected evolution of how we eat.

Gardening and mixology go hand and hand in Amy Stewart's The Drunken Botanist. The witty author showcases the darker corners of the plant world, while also detailing the secret histories of your favorite drinks. Any curiosity seeker, gardener, or cocktail artist on your list needs this beautiful book on their shelf.

The body acceptance and positivity movements are so important, especially for teens, and The (Other) F Word edited by Angie Manfredi is a great introduction to the many inclusive voices who are committed to celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes. With essays, poetry, and art from Renée Watson, Julie Murphy, Jes Baker, and more, giving this anthology as a gift is like handing someone a gateway to a community of supportive and smart voices.

Pop culture lovers, rejoice, because Kelsey Miller's I'll Be There For You is the definitive book on Friends that you've been waiting for. Miller chronicles the show from every angle: the comedy's most iconic moments, behind-the-scenes secrets, and what its cultural phenomenon status means for fans. Buy this book for your pal who watches Friends every night before bed, your BFF who can't get enough pop culture knowledge, and maybe also for yourself.

True crime fans know the ins and outs of all the sordid modern cases, so skip the contemporary reads and pick them up a copy of Judith Flanders's The Invention of Murder. This thorough tome transports the reader to the Victorian era to see how crime fiction began and to take a look at some of the more twisted true stories of the era along the way.

No one makes history more fun to read about that Sarah Vowell. In Lafayette in the Somewhat United States, Marquis de Lafayette's life as a young French aristocrat turned revolutionary pal to George Washington is riveting. (Definitely wrap this one up for that one friend who can't stop singing Lafayette's lines from Hamilton.)

Released in conjunction with the Emilia Clarke holiday film of the same name, Last Christmas is an anthology curated by Greg Wise and Emma Thompson that features festive essays from a slew of British stars (and Meryl Streep). This collection of holiday memories is a warmhearted and funny collection (and part of the proceeds go to a good cause).

Sunday Morning contributor Mo Rocca is a natural storyteller whose varied interests led to Mobituaries, a collection of overdue obituaries for the likes of Billy Carter and the station wagon. His subjects are eclectic and fascinating, making this the perfect book for anyone who likes to know a little bit about everything.

Struggling to come up with the perfect gift for your teen relatives? Then it's time to buy Obviously: Stories from My Timeline by Akilah Hughes. Billed as a coming of age memoir, Hughes's stories of spelling bee success and struggles with acne are relatable, hilarious, and unflinchingly honest.

Gabrielle Moss's Paperback Crush is a throwback to the '90s that bookworms will appreciate. From Sweet Valley High to The Babysitter's Club, Paperback Crush is a trivia-filled trip through the history of serialized paperback novels aimed at young girls in the '80s and '90s. This book is pure nostalgia that grown-up BSC fans will be psyched to receive.

Anyone who identifies as a pet parent will fall for Miranda Hart's beautiful ode to her dog, Peggy and Me. The comedian chronicles how she went from a dog skeptic to becoming BFFs with Peggy in a real-life tale that's as hilarious as it is surprisingly emotional.

Forget trying to buy movie buffs a new special edition blu-ray, and just get them Mark Harris's Pictures at a Revolution instead. Set against the backdrop of the 1968 Oscar race for best picture, this is a deep dive into Hollywood history that's as full of unexpected twists, betrayals, and romance as any blockbuster.

Jill Lepore's The Secret History of Wonder Woman goes beyond the hero's comic book legacy to look at the unconventional story of her creator William Moulton Marston. Marston, the inventor of the lie detector test, had his own secret identity that involved Sadie Elizabeth Holloway and Olive Byrne, two women who were pivotal in making Wonder Woman the icon she is today.

Pop Science by James Ball is peak quirky nonfiction. In his book, Ball attempts to answer 87 questions poised in iconic song lyrics (think "Is there life on Mars?"). This unique collection of weird questions and answers is way more compelling than it has any right to be.

Women in Sports is an all-ages appropriate gift that gives female athletes their due. This beautifully illustrated book puts the spotlight on 50 athletes from the 1800s to today who have broken down barriers for women in the male-dominated world of athletics.