As I said before, I think books make terrific presents. They wrap up beautifully, provide enjoyment for most people, have enough weight to feel substantive, and can usually be acquired for less than $20.
However, the secret to a good gift is knowing the recipient. Embarasssingly, I once gave a dear friend one of my favorite books, but the content made them uncomfortable, so it wasn't actually a good gift. I tried to give options based on archetypes of family members--but I don't know your life. I would recommend most of these books regardless.
For your Dad who actually read the Hamilton biography when you were listening to the sountrack.... Grant by Ron Chernow
For your Dad who loves to cook...The Cooking Gene by Michael W. Twitty
For your Mom who hates the cold, I recommend a summer read like The Identicals by Elin Hilderbrand
For your Mom who loves thrillers or puzzles...Origin by Dan Brown
For your older sister who has watched all six hours of the Pride and Prejudice BBC mini-series more than once (that's me!) I recommend Jane Austen at Home by Lucy Worsely
For your younger sister with an excellent sense of style and a better sense of humor (also me, #middlechild) how about Killer Fashion by Jennifer Wright.
For your smart older brother who always wonders what if...American War by Omar El Akkad
For your younger brother who wasn't old enough to vote in the 2008 election...We Were Eight Years in Power by Ta-Nehisi Coates
For your toddler nephew/niece: The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak (seriously, all my littles have this. They love it.)
For your school aged nephew/niece, why don't you do them a favor and introduce the to the Chronicles of Narnia...The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
For your sibling's significant other that you don't know very well--get them a fun, lighthearted nonfiction piece. I suggest Word by Word by Kori Stamper
What books are on your list for this year? Any particular personalities difficult to buy for? Let me know in the comments!