Give the book lover in your life a gift that will last all year long with a book subscription. These fun and surprising websites give members the chance to read books from authors they may have never encountered otherwise, and receiving a new book every month makes members feel like they’re a part of one big, digital book club.

Oyster
Oyster is an affordable membership site that allows members to download unlimited books from over 100,000 titles. The service works with iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, and it features an easy-to-navigate library and simple layout that makes mobile reading easy and convenient. Oyster costs less than 10 dollars each month, but the site offers a one-month free trial for new members to try out the service without spending a penny.

Open Letter
This nonprofit literary translation press affiliated with the University of Rochester publishes ten translated titles every year from all over the world, giving English speakers access to books from a number of different countries. Open Letter's subscription service delivers one of their new releases to members’ homes every month, as well as a thoughtful letter from the publisher about the book and how it was published. Open Letter offers either a 6-month or 12-month subscription.

Public Domain/Public Domain

Houndstooth Coffee is a coffee shop with Texas attitude. Located on North Lamar Boulevard just off of 42nd Street, Houndstooth has become a go-to spot for those who like good coffee. And with everyone who works there having a good time while providing good service, it’s also a relaxing place, too! The décor is cool, but understated — a nice atmosphere to enjoy your morning. When you come to the counter, take your time, because there is a lot of different coffee to choose from. Also, you can get your coffee brewed three different ways. The baristas here are always happy to make your order to your specifications. Even the coffee cups are cool, with imprints of the state. Want to learn more about coffee and how to brew it correctly? Come to one of the weekly “cuppings.” Then take a pound home to make yourself.

Houndstooth Coffee
4200 N. Lamar Boulevard, Suite 120
Austin, TX 78756
(512) 531-9417
http://www.houndstoothcoffee.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/houndstooth-coffee-austin

Wishing everyone a happy and safe holiday season with all the warmth and splendor this time of year has to offer. Happy Holidays!