7 Organizing Books for Gift-Giving – or any time!
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Books make wonderful gifts, offering knowledge and inspiration that can enrich the lives of the recipients and anyone they share them with. However, I don’t recommend giving someone an organizing book unless they’ve shown interest in getting organized – it’s a lot like buying a gym membership or diet book for someone who hasn’t expressed a desire to lose weight!
That said, one of your clients might appreciate the gesture, since they’ve likely already shared their organizational goals with you. Some of your friends and family members who’ve talked about their challenges might also find it helpful.
To help you with your shopping, I initially planned to list all the organizing books mentioned in last month’s Productivity and Organizing Blog Carnival. Then I realized there were over 50 titles, so I decided to only feature those that were recommended multiple times.
Books are listed alphabetically by title.
1. ADD-Friendly ways to organize your life
by Judith Kolberg & Kathleen Nadeau, PHD
I’ve known Judith for many years and had the pleasure of working with her when she was Director of the Atlanta Hoarding Task Force. While I haven’t read this book, I’ve seen it recommended many times, and based on Judith’s other work, I have no doubt it’s an excellent resource for people with ADD or ADHD as well as organizers who work with them.
2. Atomic Habits : An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
by James Clear
This title keeps popping up in nearly every group I’m part of. Although it’s been on my want-to-read list for a few years, I haven’t gotten to it yet, but from what I’ve heard, it sounds like a book that almost anyone could benefit from!
3. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
by David Allen
David Allen is well known in the productivity world. Even if you’ve never read this classic, you might be familiar with his methods, such as “do it, delegate it, defer it, or drop it.”
4. Go With the Flow! The Clutter Flow Chart Workbook
by Hazel Thornton
I’ve not seen Hazel’s workbook in its current format, but I saw the individual flow charts when she sold them on her website (which I manage) so I know they’re fantastic. I highly recommend this workbook, especially for people who process information visually.
5. Seraphina Does Everything: A Picture Book About Being Present and Finding Balance
by Melissa Gratias
Kids seem so much busier today than when I was young. Between sports, lessons, playdates, and more, it can be overwhelming for both children and parents. This book encourages kids to focus on simply being instead of constantly doing, helping them fully enjoy their lives.
6. The Home Edit Life: The No-Guilt Guide to Owning What You Want and Organizing Everything
by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin
The Home Edit more than a book – it’s a global company with two additional books, a line of organizing products, a Netflix series, and in-home and virtual organizing services. With their reputation and the quality of their blog, this book promises to be both informative and inspiring.
7. What’s a Photo Without the Story? How to Create Your Family Legacy
by Hazel Thornton
This is one of my personal favorites, which I reviewed previously on this blog. It’s been extremely helpful as I research my family tree, explore old photographs, and make meaningful connections between the two.
These seven books cover a wide range of topics, so you’re likely to find one that’s a perfect fit for someone on your gift list. For more ideas, browse the book reviews here on Your Organizing Business and/or check out the Related Posts after the comments.
If you decide to give one of these books as a gift – or pick it up for yourself – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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What a great list! There’s something for everyone.
As someone who loves books, it’s great to receive one I might not have known about or picked out myself. My brother gifted me a philosophy book for my birthday, “Life is Hard” by Kieran Setiya. I didn’t know about it, and I am enjoying it so much. Well, enjoy isn’t quite the right word. It’s deep, and the content is sometimes challenging, as you might imagine by the title. However, the timing is perfect, and I appreciate reading the ideas discussed.
I’ve also received and enjoyed books I probably wouldn’t have chosen myself, including How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer. Life is Hard sounds interesting. When you’ve finished it, I’d love to know what types of readers you think might find it helpful.
Atomic Habits is one of my favorites. I go back to his principles again and again. Here’s a funny story. My husband bought it for me, and somehow I ended up with a copy full of errors. It became a joke as I read it. Must have been some pre-release that someone resold or something. Nevertheless, I love the content!
One more vote for Atomic Habits! I only know one person who didn’t like it.
Hi Janet,
This is a really great list. It seems to be more subtle topics like productivity and working on habits. Perfect for the New Year. I can’t think of anyone on my list who would love to get my book. The Decluttering Journal. It’s tricky. Right!
I’m sure lots of folks who would love to have The Decluttering Journal, but maybe not as a Christmas gift. 🙂
This is a stellar list, and I’ve read all seven! I refer to Judith and Kathleen’s book often when working with clients with particular ADHD problems, and I’ve probably promoted Hazel’s What’s a Photo Without the Story? more than I ever promoted my own book! 🙂 I was lucky enough to read Melissa’s and Hazel’s books pre-publication (so I’m a little snooty about that!) so I knew how great they’d be before they were even out there. Such great stuff!
I often discuss the male privilege inherent in productivity books, but I think Clear’s Atomic Habits is one of the few productivity books written by a man that acknowledges that humans have more to do than just work for pay and exercising! David Allen’s GTD is definitely a classic, and I appreciate that he’s modified his approach as time has gone on, leaving some breathing room in updated editions.
Finally, while I don’t always agree with the way the Home Edit ladies approach certain projects (books, for example?), their photos are always gorgeous and the book is definitely aspirational.
You picked some fabulous books, and I agree that they are super for gifting, as they come across as motivational rather than implying faults in the recipient. That’s a tough balance, and you got it just right!
Julie, I’d never considered the male privilege inherent in productivity books, but now that I think of it, two that struck a chord with me were written by and for women. Unfortunately, both titles escape me now, as it’s probably been 30 years since I read them and I’ve since given them away.
Please note that I didn’t pick these books – they are the ones that were mentioned most often in the POBC entries for Best Organizing and Productivity Books (including your comment 🙂 )
What a pleasant surprise to see TWO of my books on this list! Janet, I’ll send you a PDF copy of my workbook so you can see what all those charts turned into!
You are clearly well loved by my readers! Thank you for the workbook – I can’t wait to get into it!
Thank you for putting my Seraphina on your list. I am honored.
It’s my pleasure, but clearly you have fans among my readers as your book came up more than once. 🙂