Still haven't crossed off all the people on your list? Worry not. We've put together the be-all, end-all (or, at least, pretty darned good) guide to 2006 books to satisfy any and all people you haven't shopped for yet. We've devoured every book on the list, so you can shop secure in the knowledge that we'd give these books to our own listees as well. How much do you love us now? - Jenna Schnuer



For folks who like to learn about stuff they didn't know they were interested in

A Keeper of Bees: Notes on Hive and Home by Allison Wallace (Random House, $24): Wallace takes readers under the helmet to deliver a sweet explanation of all things bee.

The Cloudspotter's Guide: The Science, History, and Culture of Clouds by Gavin Pretor-Pinney (Perigee Trade, $20): It's a book about clouds. But it's funny. And it's got cool pictures. Sixth-grade science teachers, take note!

Ambitious Brew: The Story of American Beer by Maureen Ogle (Harcourt, $25): While researching the book, Ogle learned that the drink's history is as interesting as a finely crafted stout.

For people who just want to look at a (really) pretty picture or two

One Planet: A Celebration of Biodiversity by Nicolas Hulot (Harry N. Abrams, $55): This photo book takes you up close, really close, to an astonishing array of creatures, people around the globe, and landscapes so beautiful that it's hard to believe they're real. But they are.