Books are the best gifts.
Portable, relatively affordable and powerful enough to transport you anywhere throughout space and time, books don’t even require you to get out of bed or put on outdoor clothes to enjoy them. They are even, one hears, gluten-free and low in calories.
So if you’re in doubt about what to give your loved ones, give them a book or two.
And if not in doubt? Definitely get them some books (and go ahead and get yourself one or two for being so thoughtful).
SEE ALSO: For more about new books, bestsellers and authors, get the free Book Pages newsletter
As we’ve entered the Christmas and holiday season, it seemed like a good time to get some excellent book recommendations. So we reached out to more than two dozen bookstores across Southern California’s Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to get tips for holiday gifts. We also — being greedy accumulators of book recs — asked booksellers what they’ve been reading, which is always an excellent way to find your next great read.
And if you don’t see a store you love, check out the Book Pages Independent Bookstore Map for more than 80 bookstores around the Southern California area: You never know when you’ll need it.
So read on for the recommendations, and then, uh, read on.
Beach Town Books
99 Avenida Serra, San Clemente, 949-492-1114, @beachtownbooks
Holiday books on our radar:
“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
“This is a must-read. It is a heartwarming, thought-provoking story about second chances and the beauty of fleeting moments,” says Eowyn, bookseller.
“Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
“One of my favorite timeless classics filled with charm, imagination, and heart. The special edition makes a great gift for readers of all ages,” says team member Malia.
‘“A Winter in New York” by Josie Silver
This is a heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the unexpected magic of second chances,’ says Mia, a team member.
What we’re reading and recommending:
‘I have to recommend “Scythe” by Neal Shusterman, a dystopian sci-fi with difficult moral choices for the main characters. If you need a little fantasy in your life like me, I am currently reading V.E. Schwab’s “A Darker Shade of Magic.” It has the moments that will have you laughing and crying right along with the characters,’ says Savannah, manager at Beach Town Books.
Statement: We have restocked with bestsellers, bookish gifts, and more! Grab a blind date with a book, relax in our cozy chairs, and get recommendations from staff. We are a used bookstore with a large selection of used and vintage books. Don’t miss our children’s room with stories for all ages!
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Bel Canto Books
2106 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, 562-294-3319, @belcantobooks
Holiday books on our radar:
“The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan
“Who knew that beloved novelist Amy Tan is an avid birder and talented artist? This gorgeous book invites us to stop and really appreciate the beauty of our surroundings,” says bookseller Jhoanna.
“The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
“A powerful little gem of a book about the power of generosity, from the acclaimed author of “Braiding Sweetgrass,” says bookseller Jhoanna.
“Memory Piece” by Lisa Ko
“I can’t stop thinking about Lisa Ko‘s “Memory Piece,” a haunting novel about three artist friends tested by an increasingly harsh world,” says bookseller Jhoanna.
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Blood Over Bright Haven” by M. L. Wang
“A brilliant and unsettling standalone steampunk fantasy, where magic and ambition exact terrible costs.”
Statement:
“We’re excited to celebrate our first holiday season as a standalone bookstore on Long Beach’s fabled Retro Row, alongside Page Against the Machine, Kitchen Lingo Books, and Casita Bookstore. It’s a veritable “Bookstore Row” here in Long Beach!”
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Black Cat Fables
415 S. Myrtle Avenue, Unit B, Monrovia, 626-269-3129, @blackcatfables
Holiday Books on Our Radar:
“Most Wonderful” by Georgia Clark
“Make the Season Bright” by Ashley Herring Blake
“In addition to these charming queer holiday romance picks, we’re absolutely loving our collection of creative advent calendars this year! From literary-themed surprises to classic holiday treats, they’re the perfect way to count down to the holidays with a little magic every day,” says bookseller Mikayla.
What We’re Reading and Recommending:
“The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon
“The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong
“These two picks are our January Purrs & Pages book club reads — a gripping exploration of resilience and justice in “The Frozen River” and a heartwarming journey about companionship in “The Teller of Small Fortunes.” These two stories promise engaging discussions and rich storytelling to start the year,” says store owner Nicole.
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Book Soup
8818 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, 310-659-3110, @booksoup
Holiday books on our radar:
“The Wood at Midwinter” by Susanna Clarke.
A classic fairy tale with a hint of the apocalypse.
“The Myth of American Idealism” by Noam Chomsky.
If you’ve ever needed to cite evidence in your holiday political arguments with that crazy uncle, this is the book to read.
What we’re reading and recommending:
“The Flamethrowers” by Rachel Kushner
If you discovered her with this year’s smash psycho-political spy thriller, “Creation Lake,” make sure to grab this one, if you can handle the electricity shooting out of the prose.
“The Beautiful Flower Is the World” by Jerry Hsu.
California skate-punk photographs exquisitely framed by pitch-black borders.
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Cafe con Libros Press
280 W. 2nd St. Pomona, 909-469-1350, @cafeconlibrospress
Holiday books on our radar:
“The Shining” by Stephen King
“As much a Christmas story as ‘Die Hard’” I will shout this from the top of the Nakatomi building (or the haunted halls of the Overlook).” — Natalie
“Kwanzaa” by Hannah Eliot & Andrea Pippins
“An endearing introduction to the Pan-African holiday.” — Dara
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
“A classic that’s always worth revisiting.” — Dara
What we’re reading and recommending:
“I’m a reader of multiple books at a time: “The Gunslinger” by Stephen King and “The Thief of Always” by Clive Barker. Although they have very different styles, each book is dreamy and magical in its own way. I always recommend “Gunslinger” to budding King or fantasy fans, and Barker to those looking for a more literary bend to their horror.” — Natalie
“I’m in the middle of a few different books right now, but two in particular I’d recommend are “Slaughterhouse Five” by Kurt Vonnegut, and “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Friedrich Nietzche. Vonnegut is always hilarious and incisive, while “Zarathustra” is a wonderful poetic introduction to the ideas an important philosopher.” — Dara
Statement: Our shelves are curated with diverse books across genres, including picture books, and our cozy cafe is perfect for enjoying coffee and a good read. If you’re feeling a little more social, join us for our community events like the Obsidian Tongues Open Mic and be immersed in community and culture.
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Casita Bookstore
1440 E 4th St. Long Beach, 562-588-4992, @casitabookstore
Holiday books on your radar:
“Amor, Actually” is a holiday romance anthology with short stories by 7 best-selling Latina authors. “This book has been flying off our shelves and tagged a holiday favorite among book clubs,” says Antonette, store owner
What we’re reading and recommending:
We’re in our “monster or humanity” era at our bookstore. Currently reading “Chicano Frankenstein” by Daniel Olivas and “Monstrilio” by Gerardo Sámano Córdova.
While also enjoying the heartfelt connection through books, the power of friendship, and resilience coming from “The Bookshop Sisterhood” by Michelle Lindo-Rice.
Statement: “Holiday book shopping is our favorite season because we see how intentional people are when they buy a book for a friend or loved one; it’s a new world that they are gifting, so we’re happy to be able to help with any recommendations!” says Antonette, bookstore owner
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Cellar Door Bookstore
473 E. Alessandro Blvd., Suite B, Riverside, 951-787-7807, cellardoorbookstore.com
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Cherished Belonging” by Gregory BoyleFather Boyle and the stories of his beautiful family at Homeboy Industries give me hope, wisdom, and insight. This book will change you in the best possible way. – Linda, store owner
“The Message” by Ta-Nahesi CoatesIf you haven’t had a chance to read (or listen to it on Libro.fm! Ta-Nahesi reads it and it’s incredible) give yourself a gift and do it now! Forget all the controversy people want to get tangled in and just read what this brilliant man has to say.
“Los Monstruos: Felipe and the Wailing Woman” by Diana Lopez
And for the kids? What happens when a community doesn’t treat each other with love and care? MONSTERS! This is about the daughter of La Llorona. You think you know the story? Think again!
“One Killer Problem” by Justine Pucella Winans
For the YA crowd, this one will have you laughing out loud, trying to solve a murder along with a crew of best friends, crushes, one rather cute archenemy, and a bisexual protagonist who has a bit of an anger issue. Do not miss this!
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Chevalier’s Books
133 N Larchmont Blvd., L.A. 323-465-1334, @chevaliersbooks
Holiday books on our radar:
“Chronicles of DOOM” by S.H. Fernando Jr.
“You mustn’t pass up on this rare glimpse into the life of the one and only MF Doom. Perfect for fans of “Dilla Time“
“All About Love” by Mickalene Thomas
If you didn’t get a chance to see Thomas’ retrospective at The Broad, this monograph captures her work in all its breathtaking, glittering, immaculate glory!”
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Nation on No Map” by William C. Anderson.
“A much-needed map leading us to the better, safer, more just world we know is out there!” – nat, assistant manager
“Radical” by Xiaolu Guo
“A mesmerizing effort to forge a new, expansive language of the female experience.” – nat, assistant manager
Statement:
We’re brimming with books, book-themed gifts, and booksellers who just want to talk about books. Check out our Holiday Catalog for even more books!
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The Frugal Frigate
9 N. 6th St., Redlands, 909-793-0740, @frugalfrigate
Holiday books on our radar:
“The Nutcracker: An Enchanting Pop-Up Adaptation” by Jessica Southwick with illustrations by Nieko Ng (and pop-ups by Yevgeniya Yerektskaya)
“An absolutely stunning keepsake of a book,” says Erin
“Santa’s First Christmas” by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Sydney Smith
“I’d be surprised if I’m the first on the list to recommend this title, but it’s Mac Barnett being his amazing, hysterical self.” — Erin
What we’re reading and recommending:
“I recently read ‘The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year’ by Ally Carter while on vacation, and it was the perfect cozy seasonal mystery with a small side of PG-13 romance. The perfect fall vacation read! — Erin
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Laguna Beach Books
1200 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, 949-494-4779, @lagunabeachbooks
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
This features the author’s usual great characters and insight into relationships.
“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker
This is a chilling tale of missing children set in 1975 Mississippi.
“Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten
The storied cookbook author tells her personal story.
“James” by Percival Everett
The novel tells the story of Jim from “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” in his own words.
Statement: We also have many toys, trivia games, books on wine and interior decorating, surfing books, Jellycats and much more. We are open every day,11-5 and 10 to 6 on Wed.- Sat. with free parking in the back.
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North Figueroa Bookshop
6040 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 213-826-3226, @northfigbookshop
Holiday books on our radar:
“Absolution” by Jeff Vandermeer — For the sci-fi bro.
“Women Eating” by Claire Kohda — For the vampiric baddie.
“Days at the Morisaki Bookshop” by Satoshi Yagisawa — For the friend who “loves bookstores.”
What we’re reading and recommending:
“Complete Stories” by Clarice Lispector. A short story collection with tighter narratives than her novels, with just as beautiful prose.
“Any Person is the Only Self” by Elisa Gabbert. A curious essay collection on reading and writing that is brimming with eccentric observations, but far from inaccessible.
Statement: We’re a general interest bookstore focused on independent publishing. We just started buying used books at the counter Wed-Fri and we are slowly acquiring rare books like vintage first editions and out-of-print poetry. We have 20% off select titles through the end of the year.
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Octavia’s Bookshelf
1353 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, 626-421-6222, @octavias_bookshelf
Holiday books on your radar:
“Kingdom of No Tomorrow” by Fabienne Josaphant
“Jimmy’s Faith: James Baldwin, Disidentification, and the Queer Possibilities of Black Religion” by Christopher W. Hunt
What you’re reading and recommending [1-2 books]:
“Glyph” by Percival Everett
“Gather Me” by Glory Edim
“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar (I am going to reread because I love it so much.)
Statement: “Of course, we have lots of books but I am super-excited about the shipment of merit badges for pets we just got in. My favorite patch is “Oversized Lap Dog” that my German Shepherd is sporting on his bandana. So cute!
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Once Upon A Time Bookstore
2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, Facebook (@onceuponatimebookstore), Instagram (@onceuponatimebkstore), Twitter (@onceuponatimebk), and TikTok (@onceuponatimebookstore)
Holiday books
Board book: “Giraffes Can’t Dance Jingle Bells” by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. The classic story has been done up for the holidays in a sweet and simple song that will get young ones singing and dancing along with Gerald.
What we’re reading!
Middle-grade: “Sherlock Society” by James Ponti. A guaranteed hit — almost impossible to put down; it’s so filled with action, adventure and heart for ages 8+.
Comics/Graphic novels: “Oliver’s Great Big Universe: Volcanoes are Hot!” by Jorge Cham. Hotter than all other books in our store, Cham’s second comics-adjacent outing is the easiest book to put in a reader’s hand: Funny, accessible and filled with enough facts to whet any wannabe “Jeopardy!” contestant’s trivia-obsessed mind. Explosive fun! For ages 8+
YA: “Fledgling” by S.K. Ali “Exciting set up in a new duology by one of our store’s favorite YA authors, debuting in a new category.” For ages 14+
Statement: While we are known for our knowledgeable staff of booksellers ready to recommend books for any young reader in your life, we also have a curated selection of adult books and holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
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Pages: a bookstore
904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, 310-318-0900, www.pagesabookstore.com
Holiday books
“James” by Percival Everett
This just won the National Book Award for Fiction, was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and is on the New York Times list of the 10 Best Books of 2024. We love this beautiful and brilliant novel, which is the retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved man Jim … and so much more.
What you’re reading and recommending:
“All the Colors of the Dark” by Chris Whitaker
This is a personal favorite and tops my list of best books of the year. It’s an epic love story, coming-of-age tale and a beautifully written, suspenseful mystery. From the author of another favorite, “We Begin At The End,” which was also a New York Times Bestseller and staff favorite here at {pages}.
“Tell Me Everything” by Elizabeth Strout is the perfect read for fans of Strout’s previous works (“Olive Kittridge,”” I Am Lucy Barton,” “Oh William…”) as well as newcomers to Strout’s fiction and the colorful characters of Crosby, Maine. “Tell Me Everything” was the perfect fall read for me with a cast of characters I was not ready to leave.
Statement: There are not one, but TWO hot celebrity chef memoirs that are flying off the shelves: “Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten and “What I Ate for One Year” by Stanley Tucci. These are perfect gifts for foodies and fans alike.
Gifting books is better than gifting chocolates or wine…they are gifts that keep giving and giving and don’t leave you feeling as though you’ve “overindulged,” as both chocolate and wine can do.
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Reparations Club
3054 S. Victoria Ave, Los Angeles, @reparations.club, rep.club/
Holiday books on your radar:
“There’s Always This Year” by Hanif Abdurraqib
“Dads are the hardest to shop for, but this is the perfect book whether he’s a sports fan, a poet, or any dad in-between!” says owner, Jazzi.
“Black Crossword” by Juliana Pache
“This one is perfect for Gameshow Grannies,” says bookseller Jazz, “and we have signed copies!”
What you’re reading and recommending:
“Survival is a Promise” by Alexis Pauline Gumbs
“It’s not as dense as it looks, and every page illuminates the life of Audre Lorde with the ancestral care and expansiveness we’ve come to love from Gumbs,” says owner Jazzi.
“BLK MKT Vintage” by Jannah Handy & Kiana Stewart
“This book serves as a reminder of the value of objects and archives and how they tell our stories. I’ve been thinking about it a lot while sitting at my childhood home for the holidays. This book is so important!” says owner Jazzi.
Statement:
“Rep Club is known for iconic author events and celeb guests, and this year may have been our best yet. We’ve got some very special leftover signed editions for the holidays! Our website is chock-full and nothing beats a signed copy for a bookish gift!”
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The Ripped Bodice
3806 Main St. Culver City, 424-603-4776, @therippedbodice
Holiday books on your rada:
I’m going funny this year!
Looking for a romance with a wildly unique twist? “Under Loch and Key” by Lana Ferguson brings humor and heart to the story of a man who may — or may not — turn into the Loch Ness monster every night. Tropey and fun!
Maybe you prefer some blood and gore with your laughs? “A Love Most Fatal” by Kath Richards takes the popular mafia trope and gives it a hilarious twist, delivering a story that’s as witty as it is thrilling. — owner Leah Koch
Statement: We have lots of gorgeous special editions of popular reads that make perfect gifts for the hard-to-shop readers in your life.
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Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural and Bookstore
12677 Glenoaks Blvd, Sylmar, 818-939-3433, @tiachuchas, www.tiachucha.org
Holiday books on our radar:
“Un Cuento de Navidad, Basado en Tradiciones Chilenas” by Olaya Sanfuentes, Daniela Serra y Elisa Silva
“It’s Navidad, El Cucuy” by Donna Barba Higuera
“Tamales Para Navidad” by Stephen Briseno y Sonia Sanchez
“If you want to learn how to make traditional tamales for Christmastime, you can learn by the recipe found in this special Spanish book,” says bookstore assistant Lizette.
What you’re reading and recommending:
“We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice” by Adrienne Maree Brown
“Amulet” by Roberto Bolaño. “The novel is an intense story of a young woman poet in Mexico that shares the harsh realities of violence in Latin America,” says bookstore assistant Lizette.
Statement:
Our bookstore is also a cultural center and community hub that has many free programs and cultural arts events. Our wonderful bookstore staff is very intentional with the books we curate. We have categories that vary from social issues, critical consciousness, poetry, YA, Spanish books, classics, a variety of children’s stories, including bilingual books. The section we are most well known for, our Indigenous-Based Knowledge books. Hope to see you there!
SEE ALSO: Bestsellers, authors, books and more can be found in the Books section
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Underdog Bookstore
312 S. Myrtle Ave, Monrovia, 626-415-1031, @UnderdogBookstore, Facebook: UnderdogBookstore, www.underdogbookstore.org,
Holiday books on our radar:
“Felices Fiestas: A Collection of Holiday Poems” by Diosa Xochiquetzal
“Support a local SoCal poetiza and add some sassy Spanglish to your holiday traditions with ‘Felices Fiestas,’” says Board President Kealie Mardell-Carrera
What we’re reading and recommending:
For our Banned Books Club this month, we’re reading the queer feminist Snow White retelling, “Girls Made of Snow and Glass” by Melissa Bashardoust.
Board VP Jen Venegas is reading “Memento Mori” by Joanna Ebenstein
Statement: We know that the holidays can be a challenging time, so in addition to shopping for diverse books and locally made gift items we’re here with a safe space and inclusive events this month, including Gender Affirming Care and a Community Grief Circle, where all can feel welcomed and represented.
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Village Well Books and Coffee
9900 Culver Blvd, Culver City, 424-298-8951, @villagewellcc
Holiday books on our radar
“Didion & Babitz” by Lili Anolik”If you love literary friendships, and old New York, this book is for you,” says bookseller Colin
“We’ll Prescribe You a Cat” by Syou Ishida”Perfect for curling up with a cup of tea — heartwarming and a great gift!” says bookseller Thamar
“All Fours” by Miranda July”Radical, hilarious, and edgy will have your book club blushing,” says bookseller Kate
What you’re reading and recommending:
“American Rapture” by CJ Leede “This is a fresh, feminist twist on the zombie apocalypse that I couldn’t put down,” says bookseller Kate
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Vroman’s Bookstore
695 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-449-5320, @vromansbookstore
From Kerensa McElrath, children’s department supervisor:
Holiday books on your radar:
“We Are Definitely Human” by X Fang”This silly picture book is great for any humans looking for a gift for a human child,” says definitely-human bookseller Kerensa.
“Little Shrew” by Akiko Miyakoshi”This is a perfect spiritual successor to Owl at Home or Frog and Toad,” says bookseller Kerensa.
“D is for Dogs” by Greg Paprocki”A beautifully illustrated board book for any young dog-lover looking to learn their letters!” says bookseller Kerensa.
What we’re reading and recommending:
“A Letter to the Luminous Deep” by Sylvie Cathrall
“Epistolary novels and fantastical stories are two things I love, and the way they’re combined in this book is really whimsical and delightful,” says bookseller Kerensa.
“All Systems Red” by Martha Wells
“The Murderbot Diaries” are an absolute favorite of mine. Murderbot is the most human non-human character I’ve ever read. Absolutely a must-read!” says bookseller Kerensa.
Statement: “Every year, our children’s department staff curates new kids’ books for all ages (that were all published this year) to make holiday shopping easy! Come see us if there’s a kid in your life that you need to buy a book for, and we’ll find something for you!” says bookseller Kerensa.
From Sherri Gallentine, head book buyer:
Holiday books on our radar:
“Be Ready When the Luck Happens” by Ina Garten, “Colored Television” by Danzy Senna, “Siena” by Joanna Cannon
What we’re reading and recommending:
Currently reading “A Home for the Holidays” by Taylor Hahn.
Recommending “The Art Thief” by Michael Finkel, which is now out in paperback.
Statement:
In addition to all of our great books (including bargain books), we have gifts, cards, calendars; we have something for everyone.
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Zibby’s Bookshop
1113 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, 424-387-1744, @zibbysbookshop
Holiday books on your radar [1-3 books]:
“Bluebird Day” by Megan Tady
“It’s a delightful, wintry escape,” says bookstore co-founder, Sherri.
“Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret” by Benjamin Stevenson
“Who doesn’t love a good holiday mystery?” says bookseller Mike.
What you’re reading and recommending:
“On Being Jewish Now” an anthology of personal essays by 75 authors and advocates, edited by Zibby Owens
“A poignant and important book that is already resonating so deeply with readers,” says bookstore co-founder, Diana
“Blue Sisters” by Coco Mellors
“Truly my favorite book of the year. I’ve been recommending this to everyone!” says bookseller Charlotte
Statement: We are a thoughtfully curated indie bookstore — our goal is to have something for everyone on your list! Our booksellers are widely read and ready to help you find that perfect gift.
