The 2025 APT Holiday Gift Guide (But it's all Books)

For Fiction Fans  

Hamnet

By Maggie O'Farrell

"You don't need to know the play Hamlet, or that Shakespeare's son (who died at the age of age 11) was named Hamnet, to enjoy this book. With a stunning gift for imagery and metaphor, Ms. O'Farrell has crafted a story both beautiful and heartrending."

- Jim DeVita, Core Company Actor and APT Literary Manager.

For Biography Buff

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

By Judi Dench & Brendan O'Hea

"It is a delightful, light read. All fun, insight and inspiration from a brilliant artist's experience and perspective. Makes me want to do EVERY play!"

- Brenda DeVita, APT Artistic Director.

For the Shakespeare Scholar

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare

Everyone should have at least one Complete Works of Shakespeare…If not, two. We're kidding, but The Complete Works is a safe bet for those who love APT.

Will Shakespeare and His America

By Nancy Webb and Jean Francis Webb

"This is just Shakespeare in America! From the sinking of the Sea Venture leading to The Tempest to the first dated performance of Shakespeare in the colonies dated 1737 in Charleston. These are the stories you wished someone had told you as a kid. It leaves the young folks laughing and the old folks wide-eyed. Reading this reminds me of listening to my Great Uncle Bradley talk about all the mischief and shenanigans he got into as a boy. So many great stories!"

- David Daniel, APT Core Company Actor & Education Director.

For Young Readers

A Midsummer Night's Dream: A BabyLit

By Jennifer Adams, Illustrated by Alison Oliver

It's never to early in life to learn about Shakespeare! BabyLit is a cute and silly gift for baby's first Christmas (or for those who are children at heart). Baby Lit books have been found in the Shops at APT, so look out for them next summer!

The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare from Oblivion

By Ann Bausum, Illustrated by Marta Sevilla

Ann Bausum writes for readers of all ages from her home in southern Wisconsin, making it possible for her to catch every show at American Players Theatre each season, and preferably twice when it comes to Shakespeare! Seeing The Book of Will in 2019 at APT inspired Ann to write The Bard and the Book. Read our blog post about Ann's book here!

For the Eco Enthusiast

A Sand County Almanac

By Aldo Leopold

"This year, The Aldo Leopold Foundation celebrated the 75th Anniversary of A Sand County Almanac. Leopold's lyrical writings about the natural world have inspired our work caring for APT's 110 acres. The anniversary edition also includes an introduction by Barbara Kingsolver."

- Grace Vosen, APT Administrative Assistant & Conservation Educator.

Additional Gift Suggestions

And if you're looking for the perfect accompaniment to a book, may we suggest a cup of tea or a gift certificate to APT? Gift certificates can be purchased online and delivered immediately to you or your Secret Santa. Learn more here.