Last Minute Holiday Gifts From Indigo: The Very Best Gifts to Give and Receive this Holiday Season

TORONTO, Dec. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - With just a few weeks left in December, Indigo (TSX: IDG), Canada's leading purveyor of books, toys, home décor, ideas and inspiration, is thrilled to present its list of outstanding last minute gifts for Canadians of all ages. From Heather's Holiday Picks to the latest in kids' toys and the best books of the year, Indigo's shelves are stocked with gifts worth giving, both in-stores and online.

Books make the very best gifts, and Indigo's CEO and Chief Booklover Heather Reisman has selected her favourite titles for the season. From Hemingway in Love, a captivating chronicle of the many loves of prolific writer Ernest Hemingway, to The Illegal, an all-too-relevant tale about the plight of refugees on the run, Heather's Holiday Picks make the perfect gift for any reader on your list.

Top Fiction

The Illegal by Lawrence Hill – A satirical portrait of an imagined world much like ours, where refugees struggle to survive and belong in societies that do not want them, Lawrence Hill's The Illegal is essential reading for anyone interested in social justice and current affairs. Fast-paced and gripping, Hill's newest best-seller urges its readers to think about those who are so often—and unforgivingly—forgotten.

My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante – The first in a series, this modern masterpiece from one of Italy's most acclaimed and mysterious authors is a rich, intense, and generous-hearted story about Elena and Lila, two Italian girls, whose lives, friendship and nation undergo monumental change in the 1950s. Ferrante, a best-selling author, is in fact a pseudonym, as the true author of this book has kept her identity under-wraps for years. In the first of the Neapolitan Novels tetralogy, Ferrante proves herself to be one of Italy's best, and most beloved, storytellers.

Top Non-Fiction

Hemingway in Love by A.E. Hotchner – Told primarily in Ernest Hemingway's own words, Hemingway in Love is a brilliant book written by A E Hotchner, a long-time friend of the prolific author. Hotchner first wrote a draft of this biography 50 years ago, but was unable to publish some material out of consideration for the feelings of friends and intimates of Hemingway. Now, he is able to tell the full story of the author's romantic life, in a text that portrays both the strength and vulnerability of a literary legend.

Destiny And Power: The American Odyssey Of George Herbert Walker Bush  by Jon Meacham – Drawing on President Bush's personal diaries, on the diaries of his wife, Barbara, and on extraordinary access to the forty-first president and his family, Pulitzer-Prize winning author Jon Meacham paints an intimate and surprising portrait of an intensely private man who led the nation through tumultuous times. A must for fans of biographies, history and political science, this book has the power to change the way readers perceive George H.W. Bush, and the nation he led.

Top Kids' Books

Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson – Written by First Nations Canadian music legend Robbie Robertson, this stunningly illustrated children's book shares the tale of Hiawatha, a strong and articulate Mohawk leader who unified tribes with the guidance of the Peacemaker in the 14^th century. Together, Robertson and award-winning illustrator David Shannon have crafted a new Canadian classic that will educate and inspire readers of all ages. Hiawatha and the Peacemaker is a must for enthusiasts of First Nations Canadian music, literature and history.

Interstellar Cinderella by Deborah Underwood – A beautifully reworked version of the classic fairy tale Cinderella, the young heroine in this book is an empowered and science-savvy astronaut who dreams of fixing fancy rockets and going to the ball (with a little help from her fairy godrobot). This book is required reading this holiday season for young girls with big dreams.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling; illustrated by Jim Kay – For old and new fans of Harry Potter, this book is a true collector's edition that pairs J.K Rowling's timeless writing with the spellbinding illustrations of Jim Kay. Brimming with rich detail, this book makes it easier than ever before to get lost in the magical worlds of Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Hagrid's house and more. 

Top Teens

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews – Read the book that inspired the major motion picture. Fiercely funny, heart-breaking and unforgettable, this novel, called the "funniest book you'll ever read about death," tells the tale of high school senior Greg Gaines – who thinks he has life all figured out, until his mom forces him to befriend a girl with terminal cancer. An award-winning, best-selling novel, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl will keep readers captivated from beginning to end. 

Cookbook

NOPI by Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully – The official cookbook of the acclaimed restaurant Nopi by the restauranteur Yotam Ottolenghi and head chef Ramael Scully, Nopi is a colourful collection of incredibly rich and complex vegetarian recipes. Pandan leaves meet pomegranate seeds, star anise meets sumac, and miso meets molasses in this collection of 120 new recipes. Journey from the Middle East to the Far East with surprising twists along the way.

Beautiful Books

The Idea of North: The Paintings of Lawren Harris by Steve Martin, Cynthia Burlingham and Andrew Hunter – It's impossible not to be captivated by the paintings of pioneer and artist Lawren Harris, a founding member of the Group of Seven who coloured the way the world saw Canada in the 20^th century. From the sparse landscapes of Lake Superior's northern shores to bold visions of the Rocky Mountains and haunting landscapes from the Eastern Arctic, this gorgeously illustrated book shares the story of a Canadian legend and his iconic works. 

Millie Marotta's Animal Kingdom: Deluxe Edition: Color Me, Draw Me – This deluxe hardcover edition of Millie Marotta's hypnotic colouring book Animal Kingdom, which sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide, is beautiful enough to inspire any adult to try the latest trend in print: colouring. Calm the mind by penciling in Marotta's stunningly intricate illustrations of fantastic fish, beautiful birds and marvelous mammals. Truly a collector's edition, this book makes the perfect gift for adults who love to colour, or are interested in the practice of mindfulness.

Indigo Makes Gifting Easy

Indigo Top Toys and Kids' Books of 2015: Gift unforgettable toys that will make play time imaginative, rewarding and fun. Among Indigo's Top 10 Toys by Age and Top 50 Kids' Books lists, find an incredible selection of unique toys that will ignite joy, discovery and a love of reading in kids of all ages.

Best Books of 2015: Indigo has made giving the gift of books easy this holiday season, whether you're looking to get lost in one of the Best Books of 2015 or need a fantastic read for any reader on your list.

Holiday Gift Shop: Shop hundreds of expertly curated gift ideas online in Indigo's Holiday Shop.

Great Gifts, Great Prices: It's easy to find imaginative gifts at affordable prices – every day, all season long.

Free Shipping & Returns: Get free shipping to stores and free returns, even when you spend as little as $25. Who else makes shopping so easy? For more information, visit indigo.ca/freeshipping.

Gift Wrap: Indigo is stocked for the season with gorgeous wrapping paper, bags, tags and cards. Plus, enjoy free in-store gift wrapping for all kids' presents.

Shop via Indigo Mobile App: Easily shop from home or on-the-go using the Indigo Mobile App for iOS or Android. Using the app in-store, customers can scan items and have their order shipped to their home or directly to a gift recipient.

Personal Advice: Shop in-store to get great advice from our expert staff. Or, visit our virtual gift adviser #AskIndigo 24/7 for more helpful ideas, book recommendations and more.

Be Rewarded: Earn points for every eligible dollar you spend in-store and online with plum® rewards. Not a member? Don't miss out for the holidays. Sign up today at indigo.ca/plumrewards.

SOURCE Indigo Books & Music Inc.

Kate Gregory, Manager, Public Relations, Indigo Books & Music, [email protected], [phone] ext. 6659