You have the best of intentions of choosing thoughtful, practical gifts. So why do all your clients get the same cheesy keyring with your contact information printed on it? In this world of overconsumption, who wants to clutter up their brand new house with useless tchotchkes?

This book was gift-wrapped by artist Zakka Inspired to look like a house.

And, in a world increasingly dominated by Kindles and iPads, there’s some downright homey about a real book on a shelf.

The first items I pack when moving are my books. In fact, before I’m even sure I’m going to move, I first try to purge and donate as many books as I can, knowing I’m going to have to pack the rest. And they certainly aren’t the first things to be unpacked when I’m setting up in a new space. What does that give me? A long timespan living with empty bookcases. What could be more satisfying than sliding a new book that reflects my ambitions for my new home onto those empty shelves?

Consider the books on this list—paired with some hard-to-shop-for personality types—as a jumping-off point for finding the perfect literary closing gift for your clients.

And when you find the perfect book, be sure to leave a handwritten note congratulating the new homeowners (including your phone number or e-mail address) on the front flyleaf. Then, when they start looking through their bookcases for donations before their next move, they’ll remember your thoughtfulness, and know just how to reach you.

Perfect for artists wondering how to decorate their new, empty loft space:

The Art of Living (Random House, 2009, $65)
Accompanied by stunning photography from Barbel Miebach, Claudia Steinberg writes about how famous artists decorate their homes. Continue reading »