Books can make great girlfriend gifts, especially if they are of the “I’d never buy it for myself but I really love it” variety. So, what to get for that girlfriend who always has her nose in a book? Well, buying a novel for a friend can be rather personal and tricky; unless you really know her taste, we find nonfiction is best for a gift. You can nearly always find a book to complement your girlfriend’s interests, no matter what she’s into. Here are a few of our current how-to, gift book, and inspirational favorites. Since most of these books can be found for under $20, you might even want to pair them with something to enhance her reading experience: Coffee, tea, chocolate, bath salts, scented candles, or a pretty bookmark. We think all of them make great gifts!

One Can Make a Difference: Original stories by the Dali Lama, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson, Dennis Kucinch, Russel Simmons, Bridgitte Bardot, Martina … Dozens of Other Extraordinary Individuals (Adams Media, 2008) PETA Founder Ingrid Newkirk interviewed 50 individuals—some famous, some not-so-famous—simply to show that anyone can do something of importance. Some of the stories have to do with the well-being of animals, but not all of them do. As you read their stories, you will be inspired to see what you can accomplish. As Newkirk writes, “This book illustrates (a) that even those we admire from afar invariably face obstacles and have to find ways to keep their belief alive and (b) that you don’t have to be a household name to make a difference … you just need to have conviction.”The short chapters lend themselves to mini reading sessions. You’ll find this book featured as our giveaway today, and you can read more about it on the PETA site here.

How to Have Style by Isaac Mizrahi (Gotham, 2008) We unabashedly LOVE Isaac Mizrahi, and this book is fun, fun, fun; it does a great job of capturing his personality and style. Mizrahi helps 12 real women create their own style, documenting the process with more than 600 color photographs and illustrations. It also contains advice about what pieces you need in your wardrobe. If she’s a Mizrahi fan, fashionista, or laments about her wardrobe, this is a book that will make her smile.

The Daughter-in-Law Rules: 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-In-Law! by Sally Shields (Outskirts Press, 2008) Know a girlfriend who just got married, or who is getting married in 2009? The Daughter-in-Law rules is a fun little book that delivers great advice on how to get on your mother–in-law’s good side. An amazon.com bestseller, it’s witty and smart, and is an essential tool to surviving the first years of marriage. She might laugh, but she’ll also thank you. And, 15% of proceeds go to breast cancer research!

 The Chic Entrepreneur: Put Your Business in Higher Heels by Elizabeth Gordon (Robert Reed, 2008)

This book is a great gift idea for that girlfriend who has been talking about wanting to start her own business. According to author Elizabeth Gordon, “Eighty percent of people working a corporate job dream of starting their own business, and women-owned businesses are on the rise more than ever.” What a great way to show a friend you believe in her and want her to follow her dream. With its black-stiletto-clad cover, this book is “all girl” and speaks directly to women. Filled with “Chic Tips” and “How Chic are You?” self-assessment questions, it’s a practical (and fun) read for the novice as well as the established business owner.  

Celebrate Green:Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations & Traditions by Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson (The Green Year, 2008) is a great gift for the party-giver or the “green” girlfriend in your life. Nearly everyone is concerned about the earth these days; yet celebrations tend to be the times we put our eco-consciousness aside. With Covering all the major holidays as well as baby showers, weddings, birthdays, and more, this book offers fabulous ideas and tips on celebrating in style while reducing your impact on the planet. And, we love the authors’ attitude of changing just a few things about your next celebration and letting your “greenness” grow from there. 

Cosmo’s Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous (Hearst Books, November 2008)! This 192-page hardcover book  is filled with hundreds of tips and tricks from the Editors of Cosmopolitan. If you love to browse the latest beauty mags, you’ll love this little gem. It also contains tips on how to achieve salon and spa results at home—great advice during challenging economic times. Fun, frugal, and fabulous!

 The Woman’s Field Guide to Exceptional Living: Practical Steps for Living a Big, Bold, Beautiful Life! by Corrie Woods, a women’s inspirational speaker and retreat leader. This playful, provocative little book is filled with practical ideas and original illustrations. With chapter titles like “Make Your Life a Celebration,” and “Invite Others Over to Play,” it’s perfect for women who choose to celebrate life with their female friends! Each chapter can be read by itself for a short “pick me up,” and at only 5 x7 inches, it can be dropped into a purse, making it a great “lunch break book.” Be sure to check out Corrie’s website for more information and excerpts from the book!

For fiction, check out a few of our girlfriend-recommended reads here. And P.S.: We LOVE beautiful coffee-table type books and would be happy to receive one as a gift. Have any girlfriend-worthy recommendations? We’d  love to hear them below.