Holiday Books, Puzzles, and Activities

The Christmas Watercolor Workbook includes 12 Christmas-themed illustrations with an example of the finished painting, step-by-step instructions, and a lightly illustrated sketch for you to paint. It's just like a coloring book, but with watercolor! Enjoy this peaceful painting hobby on your own, with children, or with friends. Makes a wonderful gift and is perfect for artists of any age. Details: - 12 beginner-friendly illustrations - Thick 120lb watercolor paper - Lay-flat pages with spiral binding for hassle-free painting and easy tear-out - Lightly outlined sketches to guide you - Easy to carry, travel-ready 6.5" x 9" size - Paint sold separately - Original artwork by Emily Lex - Designed and printed in the USA

Ballparks Then and Now is a fascinating exploration of ballparks across America. Packed with archival and modern photography, this book documents the development of America’s national pastime by looking at the fields of dreams on which it is played.

The ballpark experience has changed dramatically from baseball’s early days on grassy lots with wooden grandstands and free admission. The Union Grounds in Brooklyn, New York, is considered by many historians to be the first ballpark ever built, when William Cammeyer decided to use the Union Skating Pond as grounds for baseball games in 1862. When the first professional leagues were formed in 1871, enterprising owners began to invest in the creation of luxurious wooden palaces such as the Grand Pavilion in Boston and Sportsman’s Park in St. Louis. The first steel-and-concrete ballpark was Shibe Park in Philadelphia, built in 1909, which housed a record number of 20,000 paying customers and set the standard in ballpark design for the next fifty years. The cookie-cutter ballparks of the 1960s and 1970s have largely been replaced by newer retro designs that give each park its own unique feel and have re-established ballparks as a vital part of urban America.

Ballparks Then and Now is a fascinating exploration of ballparks across America. Packed with archival and modern photography, this book documents the development of America’s national pastime by looking at the fields of dreams on which it is played.

The Winter Watercolor Workbook includes 12 winter-themed illustrations with an example of the finished painting, step-by-step instructions, and a lightly illustrated sketch for you to paint. It's just like a coloring book, but with watercolor! Enjoy this peaceful painting hobby on your own, with children, or with friends. Makes a wonderful gift and is perfect for artists of any age. Details: - 12 beginner-friendly illustrations - Thick 120lb watercolor paper - Lay-flat pages with spiral binding for hassle-free painting and easy tear-out - Lightly outlined sketches to guide you - Easy to carry, travel-ready 6.5" x 9" size - Paint sold separately - Original artwork by Emily Lex - Designed and printed in the USA

Watercolor workbooks are just like a coloring book, but with watercolor! Enjoy this peaceful hobby on your own, with kids, and with friends. Makes a wonderful gift. Perfect for artists of any age.

Coffee Table Book

•HC•b&w illustrations

•Chicago Then and Now pairs vintage shots from 100 years of the city's history with the same view today. A both informative and super unique book that makes an amazing gift or addition to your own coffee table!

Watercolor workbooks are just like a coloring book, but with watercolor! Enjoy this peaceful hobby on your own, with kids, and with friends. Makes a wonderful gift. Perfect for artists of any age.

It's Christmas Eve and Santa is coming to CHICAGO! Follow his adventure to deliver presents to all the children of the Windy City in this heartwarming picture book for kids and toddlers.

Santa and his trusty reindeer team are gearing up for the most exciting Christmas Eve in Chicago yet—but one of his reindeer is missing! Where could Comet have gone? Will Santa be able to gather his team of reindeer and find his way in a blizzard to deliver your presents? From Millennium Park to the Magnificent Mile, from the Field Museum to Navy Pier, read along as Santa embarks on a whirlwind journey across the city filling the stockings of all the children in Chicago. You might even spy the Bean and Willis Tower!

• Magical illustrations and text on EVERY page celebrate everything wonderful about Chicago
• Spot your favorite landmarks like Water Tower Place, Wrigley Field, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more
• The perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer for kids who live in or have relatives in Chicago or the Midwest

From Old Town to River North,

from Logan Square to the South Side,

Santa and his sleigh visited every house

in Chi-Town.

Soup is the ultimate comfort food for all seasons. In a handy box with a sliding tray, discover recipe cards with easy-to-make creamy chowders, hearty chilis, chunky minestrones, fresh gazpachos, and more, plus meat add-ins, crunchy toppings, and zesty drizzles that make enhancing leftovers a breeze. A helpful guidebook includes tips for balancing flavors and storing tasty soups so you can enjoy them again and again. A perfect gift or stocking stuffer for soup lovers, home cooks, college students or recent grads, and new homeowners, the Soup Deck is an appetizing addition to any kitchen.

MORE TASTY RECIPES FROM BELOVED AUTHOR: Shelly Westerhausen Worcel, author of the bestselling books Platters and Boards, Tables and Spreads, and Every Season is Soup Season, delivers another dynamite package full of stunning photography and accessible recipes. Her soups are downright delicious, and her ideas for reinventing them couldn't be more creative. Feast your eyes on the gorgeous photography, then fill your belly with a bowlful of tasty soup!

GREAT VALUE: Soup and one-pot meals are the best—they're simple and inexpensive to make yet filling and comforting to eat. They also provide great leftovers. With easy base recipes and tons of ideas for customizing a bowl of soup and dressing up leftovers, this handy deck is an arsenal of soup know-how for much less than the cost of a traditional cookbook. 

EASY RECIPES WITH VEGETABLES: More and more people are looking for ways to eat healthier and sneak more plants into their diet. This deck offers a collection of vegetable-forward and plant-based recipes that are easy to adapt for omnivores.

GREAT COOKING GIFT: Give this deck to the cook in your life alongside a Dutch oven, wooden spoon, or a stack of soup bowls. Attractively priced to make the perfect add-on gift or stocking stuffer.

When Only the Best Christmas Cookies Will Do. . .

Wonderfully unique, The World’s Best Christmas Cookies will delight cookie lovers and bakers alike and make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!

Featuring recipes organized into a variety of categories including no-bakes, filled cookies, bar cookies, and more—plus creative tips, ideas, and inspiration for the season—this sure-to-become-a-favorite cookbook is overflowing with only the best cookie recipes for the entire holiday season and beyond.

Step into holiday nostalgia with the Christmas Snowman Vintage Puzzle. Featuring a charming classic snowman design, this puzzle brings cozy winter scenes to life piece by piece. Perfect for festive gatherings or a quiet day at home, it offers timeless holiday fun for all ages.

• 500 pieces
• 22" x 14" dimensions
• Packaged in a 6.5" tube, with hand sewn muslin bag inside

Celebrate the holiday season with "A Day at the Christmas Tree Farm" 1000-piece foil puzzle by award-winning designer Michael Storrings. Featuring opalescent white foil details and a charming winter scene, this puzzle offers a festive challenge. Packaged in a sturdy matte-finish box with a full image insert, it makes a thoughtful gift and easy storage solution for holiday fun.

• 1000 pieces, Ribbon Cut
• Box Size: 8 x 8 x 2", 203 x 203 x 50.8mm, Puzzle Size: 27 x 20", 686 x 508 mm
• Includes Puzzle Insert
• Virtually No Puzzle Dust
• Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper and is made responsibly from FSC-certified material. Printed with nontoxic inks.

Piece together a day at the bookstore with this 1000-piece puzzle from Galison. Soothing watercolors from award-winning designer, illustrator, and creative director Michael Storrings thoroughly capture the wonder and delight that can be found inside a bookstore. Galison puzzles are packaged in matte-finish sturdy boxes, perfect for gifting, reuse, and storage. An insert of the full puzzle image is also included

- 1000 pieces

- Box Size: 11.25 x 8.25 x 2", 86 x 210 x 51 mm

- Puzzle Size: 27 x 20", 508 x 686 mm

- Contains insert with information about the artist and image

- Minimal puzzle dust

Christmas has come to the world of PEANUTS and the beguiling gang are celebrating (and commiserating) in this beautifully produced gift book for all generations. 

Featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, and the whole PEANUTS gang, The Peanuts Guide to Christmas celebrates the holiday season the PEANUTS way! This lovable cast of characters is always up to something leading up to Christmas. And now, with this gifty collection of beloved illustrations from the classic comics, fans of all ages can get in the spirit by cherishing all of their favorite PEANUTS Christmas memories. This PEANUTS holiday keepsake is for the millions of faithful Charles Schulz fans and those who fondly remember our best-loved beagle and his friends.

Sweet and petite, this holiday-themed puzzle that looks like a box of ornaments. A clever, affordable way to give the spirit of the season! 

A little something to bring good cheer!

This 150-Piece Mini Puzzle offers a magical activity for puzzlers. The puzzle features a variety of colorful ornaments and is tucked inside a box that looks like a wrapped holiday present.

Share a little joy with this petite puzzle—perfect for puzzlers of all levels!

MINI 150-PIECE PUZZLE: This compact 5-inch x 3.5-inch box shows the completed image, carries a sweet message, and keeps the 150-piece puzzle safe from damage. The delightful finished mini puzzle measures 9.25 by 6.75 inches, so doesn’t require much space to work.

FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY: This 150-piece set is just challenging enough for all levels of puzzlers, novice and expert, young and old.  

GREAT GIFT: Perfect stocking stuffer! A charming package makes this an easy, perfect gift, no extra wrapping required. Joyful and entertaining!

SCREEN RELIEF: For when you need a screen break, this puzzle offers an easy, analog activity that is perfect for work breaks, after-dinner downtime, family fun, or any time you need a fun distraction.

Perfect for: men and women, all ages; both novice and aficionado puzzle fans; stocking-stuffer shoppers; tabletop gamers; retro and vintage lovers; parents, grandparents looking for a sweet gift; family activity shoppers; non-denominational gift seekers

Celebrate the holidays with The Christmas Movie Cookbook, featuring 65 delicious recipes inspired by your favorite festive films. From Elf’s special spaghetti to the Bad Moms' spiced cider, this cookbook brings iconic holiday dishes and drinks to your table. Perfect for adding fun and flavor to any seasonal gathering, it’s a must-have for movie lovers and foodies alike.

Recipes Include: 

-Old Fashioned Meatloaf from A Christmas Story
-Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Cheese Soup from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
-Christmas Pudding from A Christmas Carol
-Breakfast Strata from The Family Stone
-Really Rich Hot Chocolate from Polar Express
-And much more!

Mr. Boddington’s Studio delivers a stylish and modern illustrated reimagining of the most iconic Christmas picture book story using the words of the Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”

A perennial bestseller and timeless gift in the holiday season, multiple adaptations exist of this classic holiday tale, almost exclusively illustrated in bold classic colors. Mr. Boddington’s Studio provides a fresh take by using the same poem and updating the style with a sophisticated and modern color palette. Children and parents alike will delight in revisiting this classic holiday tale with the iconic and fresh Mr. Boddington’s style.

Discover the elegance of Olga Akbarova's Festive Feathers 500 Piece Puzzle, featuring intricate bird illustrations enhanced with shimmering metallic foil accents. Each precision-cut piece contributes to a stunning display that changes with the light, offering a captivating build and a beautiful finished artwork perfect for both puzzlers and collectors.

• Box: 8 x 8 x 2”, 203 x 203 x 51 mm
• Puzzle: 20 x 20”, 508 x 508 mm
• Foil Stamp
• Includes puzzle insert

Award-winning designer, illustrator, creative director and best-selling puzzle artist Michael Storrings has created a fun and festive ski slope image for the Apres Ski 1000 Piece Puzzle from Galison. Piece together this puzzle while on your own ski trip, during a snowy day at home, or throughout the holidays with family.

A library themed puzzle for all of our book lovers out there! This design is full of the cutest color combinations & fun elements scattered throughout the piece! If you are looking for something to pair with a good book over the weekend, this is it!

1000 piece puzzle

Ribbon cut

Finished puzzle dimensions - 20" x 27"

Box dimensions - 9" x 9" x 2"

Includes 8x10 colored poster of puzzle

Artist: Lauren Waltman

From Betty Crocker, the brand beloved by generations of Americans, a carefully curated treasure trove of more than 100 favorite vintage recipes found in the Betty Crocker archives, dusted off and so delicious you’ll love them on today’s table. 

Over the last century, Betty Crocker has created thousands of well-tested, wonderful recipes, some especially that spark fond memories today, whether they were made by a grandparent, served at holiday meals, or were part of a trend of the time. In Betty Crocker Found Recipes, you’ll find these rediscovered vintage but timeless favorites. Some of these rare recipes were most frequently requested by lifelong Betty Crocker fans, which you'll see in the Found Lost Recipe features throughout the book. Others are ones that rose to the top of the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens recipe boxes over the years. And, during the search for favorite recipes to be included in this book, Betty Crocker fans shared stories of favorite recipes they’ve lost and couldn’t find—so the Betty Crocker Kitchens recreated them for the Recreated Lost Recipes features, along with the fans’ heartwarming memories behind them.

The comprehensive chapters are organized by occasion and course, from Holiday Celebrations, Memorable Main Dishes, and Warm from the Oven Breads, to Irresistible Cookies & Bars, and Better than Ever Desserts, and the specially curated recipes include nostalgic favorites like:

• Eggnog French Toast Strata with Cranberry Syrup
• Hush Puppy–Fried Chicken
• Beef Burgundy
• Coconut Chicken with Chutney
• Parmesan Bread Bowls
• Chocolate Buttermallow Cake
• Peachy Custard Squares
• Oatmeal Refrigerator Cookies
• Strawberry-Raspberry Fool

Betty Crocker Found Recipes shares these timeless, rediscovered recipes, with full nutritional information, for the next generation of home cooks and bakers to enjoy for years to come. These tasty dishes are lost no more!

Make your holiday celebrations effortless and delicious with Gluten Free Christmas by best-selling author Becky Excell. This book offers simple, family-friendly recipes for festive favorites—from Christmas Eve snacks to sweet treats and Boxing Day feasts—all completely gluten-free. With years of experience and a passion for sharing, Becky ensures you won’t miss out on any holiday flavors while keeping your cooking easy and enjoyable.

Songbirds 500 Piece Family Puzzle from Mudpuppy features 18 colorfully illustrated birds. Mudpuppy puzzles are packaged in matte-finish sturdy boxes, perfect for gifting, reuse, and storage.

- 500 pieces

- Great family activity for adults and children to enjoy together

- Package: 8 x 8 x 2", 20 x 20 x 5cm

- Complete puzzle: 20 x 20", 51 x 51cm

- Ages 8-99

- Puzzle greyboard contains 90% recycled paper. Packaging contains 70% recycled paper. Printed with nontoxic inks.

Little ones will love making friends with Little Fir Tree! This endearing and engaging children's book invites young children to touch, feel, and explore their growing world. 

With its irresistible plush, adorable illustrations, and sweet, simple text, this forest-themed offering from the bestselling Finger Puppet series is guaranteed to delight parents and toddlers alike. Featuring a finger puppet that peeks into each illustrated page, Little Fir Tree offers a fun, interactive way to play and read as little ones build a lifelong love of books (and nature!).

MORE THAN 8 MILLION COPIES SOLD IN THE SERIES: The Finger Puppet books are a trusted, go-to series for new parents and gift-givers.

LEARNING PLUS PLAYTIME: A simple storyline celebrates forest life, while a colorful cloth finger puppet offers a chance for little hands to play and build motor skills.

PERFECT GIFT: Perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and Christmas stocking stuffers! Pair with a stuffed teddy or cute forest plush to create an adorably memorable holiday gift.

LITTLE TREE HUGGER: A sweet and cheerful introduction to tree life and our friends in the forest, Little Fir Tree is sure to bring a smile to outdoor lovers of all ages. 

STURDY AND SECURE: Never worry about losing this soft plush finger puppet, which is permanently attached to the back cover of the book.

This sweetly illustrated Christmas countdown story will surely delight young learners who are just beginning to practice their numbers.

Five excited little peas can't wait to celebrate Christmas in this yuletide countdown with merry die-cuts throughout and a festive finale! Parents will love reading this adorably illustrated peas-full tale over and over again to entertain their little ones. 

Gingerbread 1000 Piece Puzzle Bring holiday magic to life with this enchanting 1000-piece puzzle featuring an elaborate gingerbread house adorned with festive details. Sparkling glitter accents catch the light, adding shimmer and dimension to the whimsical design. From candy cane decorations to frosting swirls and charming embellishments, every piece reveals the craftsmanship of a confectioner's masterpiece. Ideal for seasonal gatherings or cozy winter evenings, this puzzle combines the joy of building with the warmth of holiday tradition. Perfect for puzzle enthusiasts seeking a festive challenge that doubles as stunning seasonal décor.

• 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle
• Embellished with glitter
• Assembled puzzle size: 19.25" W x 26.625" H