A signed first edition of “The Fire Next Time” by James Baldwin.A lovely, and expensive but riculously so, way of saying, “I think you’re smart.”

$425
biblio.com

Encourage literacy with panache. Christofle marks the spot — in this case the page — with etched and tassled bookmarks from one of the most vaunted French names in silver.

$56

Christofle.com

Sure, D.C.-based designer Darryl Carter has a great story - trucking heir turned lawyer turned world famous designer. But more importantly he has great taste, as well as a new and popular line of furniture and accessories at Thomasville.

If your potential giftee is the sort who likes clutter and bold color, Darryl’s new  book, The New Traditional is probably not for that person. His style is more zen, more serene - one that allows a few well-edited pieces speak for themselves, while guts of the architecture do the heavy lifting.

$35

Buy The New Traditional

This is no mere bookmark. This keeper holds books open flat for easy, hands-free reading. Woven from Nepalese fabric, the two spiral weights on either end do the heavy lifting so you can concentrate. Great for cookbooks!

Net proceeds fund primary health care and community education efforts of Himalayan Healthcare.

$16

Spiral Foundation

Cultural critic Elvis Mitchell and portrait photographer Timothy Greenfield-Sanders collaborated on this multi-platform project that generated a book, a documentary and an education series. Gorgeous portraits and insightful interviews make this coffee table book a coveted gift.

$19.97

The Black List