The festive season is upon us, and with it comes celebrations and gifts and forced socialisation with people you definitely don't see eye to eye with. Grit your teeth and bear it ... or even better, gift them one of our carefully chosen passive aggressive gifts and enjoy watching them read between the lines.

For the person who's always posting their fast fashion hauls » Wear Next by Clare Press

The current fashion system is wasteful, environmentally harmful and exploitative. And, if we carry on as we do now, it could account for a quarter of global emissions by 2050. In Wear Next, Vogue's first sustainability editor Clare Press introduces us to the fascinating innovators who are redesigning fashion from the ground up and changing it in the most fundamental ways.

For the person who just sent you a wedding invitation, even though they've cried on your shoulder more than once about their messy on-again, off-again relationship » I Don't by Clementine Ford

From the roots of marriage as a form of property transaction to the wedding industrial complex, Clementine Ford explains how capitalist patriarchal structures need women to believe in marriage in order to maintain control over women's agency, ambitions and freedom. Compellingly and persuasively argued, I Don't presents the inarguable case against marriage.

For the person who voted No in the recent referendum and has been crowing about the result ever since » Telling, edited by Sina Summers

This powerful collection of 12 stories from First Nations Elders addresses intergenerations trauma, Stolen Generations, reconnection, and resistance. Accompanied by evocative photographs provided by the authors, this vital historical testimony reveals the diverse and complex experience of living in the wake of colonialisation.

For the person who never misses an opportunity to tell you that the reason you're still renting is because your generation simply doesn't know how to save money » Quarterly Essay 92: The Great Divide by Alan Kohler

In the most recent Quarterly Essay, finance journalist Alan Kohler writes about how Australia's current housing crisis has increased inequality and profoundly changed the relationship between generations. In this crisp, clarifying and forward-looking essay, Kohler tells the story of how we got into this mess – and how we might get out of it.

For anyone who still uses the phrase 'the weaker sex' » Eve by Cat Bohannon

In Eve, Cat Bohannon covers the past 200 million years to explain the specific science behind the evolution of the female sex. Not only a sweeping revision of human history, Eve is an urgent and necessary corrective for a world that has focused primarily on the male body for far too long.

For the Sydneysider » Corners of Melbourne by Robyn Annear

How better to sing the (superior) praises of Melbourne than with Robyn Annear's engaging history of the city's street corners? In Corners of Melbourne, historian Robyn Annear takes readers on an unorthodox tour of the city's streets, telling stories about the events and people that have made Melbourne the most interesting place to be.

For the person who treats you like their private therapist » 4am by Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews

Zara McDonald and Michelle Andrews are the agony aunts behind the Ask Shameless weekly columns on dating, friendship and self-development. In 4 am, McDonald and Andrews provide guidance and inspiration to help people navigate toxic friendships and romantic dilemmas, and to find the courage to pursue their dreams.

For the person who always brings the drama at family events » The Book You Want Everyone You Love* To Read *(and Maybe a Few You Don’t) by Phillippa Perry

In this entirely sensible book, psychotherapist Philippa Perry shows you how to approach life's big problems, like: how do you find and keep love, what can you do to manage conflict better, and, importantly, are other people just annoying or are you the problem?

For the person who maintains an aggressively minimalist house » Ornament is Not a Crime by Rebecca L. Gross

In this gorgeously photographed book, Australian designer Rebecca Gross sings the praises of postmodern style, and the new wave of architects and designers who are experimenting with shape, scale and symbolic references to transform the everyday with joyful colours and patterns. Daring and delightful with a healthy dose of wit and whimsy, this exuberant showcase is for anyone seeking bold inspiration for their home.

For the literary snob who says "comics aren't real books" » Haruki Murakami Manga Stories, adapted by Jean-Christophe Deveney and illustrated by PMGL

Haruki Murakami is one of the world's most acclaimed literary stars, and finally English speakers can enjoy some of his best-loved short stories in graphic novel form. Containing 9 classic tales this collection combines Murakami's trademark mix of realism and fantasy with playful visuals that perfectly meld the absurd and profound.

For the person who claims they have no time to read » a Libro membership

Life is busy, we get that. But Libro makes it possible to enjoy books while commuting to work, driving long distances, working out at the gym, doing the ironing, gardening, walking the dog, grocery shopping ... With bookseller-curated lists and recommendations and customer service from real people, Libro.fm allows you to support your local independent bookshop while still enjoying a vast selection of audiobook offerings from Australia and around the world. Find more details here.