Holiday Gift Ideas for People Who Ponder
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our small business.
With the flip of the calendar to November, the Holiday Season is upon us! It’s time to start crafting those wish lists and finding the perfect gifts! We’re excited to kick off a series of gift ideas tailored to our favorite types of learners and innovators.
First up: gift ideas for the People Who Ponder! If you’ve got a friend or family member who loves digging into how the world works, who’s always full of questions (and probably some answers too), then you’re in the right place. Here are our top 10 favorite finds:
FAVORITE BOOKS
Image of a cozy library with soft light and shelves of books. The caption reads “Favorite Books for People Who Ponder” with a link to https://www.communityoflifelonglearningandinnovation.com/stretch-your-mind
Revenge of the Tipping Point- Malcolm Gladwell
This one’s at the top of my personal Christmas list! Just released in October 2024, it’s a long-awaited sequel to The Tipping Point, which hooked me on Gladwell’s work 25 years ago. This book dives into “social epidemics”—how trends emerge and why people behave in certain ways. If you love thought-provoking stories that explore different angles, this is a must-read! And for the ULTIMATE Gladwell fan, check out this 4 book set of some of Gladwell’s most popular works for an immersive experience.
2. A Whole New Mind- Daniel Pink
Not his latest, but definitely one of his best! This was my gateway book into Daniel Pink’s world. Pink uses the metaphor of left- and right-brain thinking to highlight the importance of creativity, art, and innovation. It’s a perfect read for anyone looking to broaden their perspective and develop a more balanced approach to problem-solving—especially relevant in today’s AI-driven world!
3. Think Again- Adam Grant
Adam Grant’s Think Again is all about embracing lifelong learning, rethinking, and unlearning. Have a friend who’s stuck in the “this is how we’ve always done it” mindset? This book might be just what they need. Grant’s engaging storytelling, mixed with his organizational psychology expertise, makes this an insightful guide to continuous growth.
4. The Infinite Game- Simon Sinek
The Infinite Game offers a compelling framework for leaders and thinkers who want to approach life with an “infinite mindset”—one focused not just on immediate wins but on creating lasting impact. Sinek’s insights encourage readers to shift their focus from chasing short-term gains to pursuing a “Just Cause”—a purpose-driven vision of the future. It’s an approach that gives meaning to each step of the journey, building stronger, more resilient teams and organizations along the way.
5. The Art of Possibility- Rosamund and Benjamin Zander
This is an oldie but a goodie! While we often get caught up in metrics, deadlines, and achievements, this book reminds us to explore what’s possible rather than just what’s measurable. It’s a refreshing read that could inspire anyone to aim for thriving over just surviving—perfect for anyone who’s feeling the pressures of an overachieving culture.
6. Visual Intelligence- Amy Herman
If you want a book that’ll change how you see the world, this is it. Herman uses art to teach readers to pay attention to details they might usually miss. Her framework is simple but effective, encouraging us to see beyond our biases and uncover blind spots. This book is sure to challenge the thinking of even the deepest thinkers!
7. Educated- Tara Westover
Written as a memoir, this book will leave you considering the context of your own life: How others support or hinder your quest for knowledge and understanding, the opportunity to be curious, and access to knowledge-building resources. For me, this book sparked feelings of tremendous gratitude for the learning environment in which I was raised. It also sparked an awareness of how I may take for granted the access to resources and support for learning. I felt inspired and energized to challenge my own learning journey!
FAVORITE GAMES
Who doesn’t love a good Venn diagram? This game will have you stretching your brain to find the oddest connections. This one can be a lot of laughs!
9. Codenames
Similar to the above, this game requires you to find connection among a group of words while also separating from other words. This one required some serious brain power! While it was a bit more intense, the group really enjoyed the challenge!
10. Telestrations
This is one of my all time FAVORITE board games! The game shifts every time depending on the perspectives of the people you are playing with. No matter who you are playing with, Telestrations gets us laughing for hours!
These are just a few ideas to get started with the People Who Ponder in mind. Whether you’re shopping for a curious thinker, a lifelong learner, or someone just looking to explore new ideas, these books are sure to spark inspiration.