Budget Picks in Arts & Photography: Best Sellers Worth Your Money

This memoir from the Friends star covers his childhood, rise to fame, and struggles with addiction and recovery. Its conversational, humorous voice keeps the heavier material readable. It is not an art book, so it suits a reading gift rather than a creative practice.

This kids' book packs 300 drawings into step-by-step lessons with arrows and clear illustrations. A dedicated practice space and colouring pages add to the content for the money. Buyers say it is easy to follow and keeps children busy for hours.

Based on a 1930s work by the Japanese artist Sanzo Wada, this book presents 348 colour combinations. The swatches work as visual inspiration even for readers who do not read Japanese. Reviewers describe it as a fresh, thought-provoking source of ideas.

This book offers 500 surprising but true facts across history, science, sports and pop culture. Each entry is short, so it works for dipping in at bedtime or at a party. Buyers say it is easy to read and makes a light, low-pressure gift.

Michael Douglas tells his life story, from his complicated relationship with his father to winning Oscars as a first-time producer and as an actor. The book is packed with behind-the-scenes anecdotes about the film industry. Reviewers note that he is candid about his mistakes without self-congratulation.

This drawing book for children includes 300 cute step-by-step designs, from animals to kawaii gifts, with space to colour in the finished pictures. Reviewers say it suits children around eight who already enjoy drawing. Opinions are split on whether the steps are detailed enough, and some feel the value is not there.

Music producer Rick Rubin gathers short essays on creativity and the artist's way of living. The chapters are brief and include practical exercises. Some readers find the ideas beautifully explained, while others find them too abstract.

Andy Cohen shares twenty years of Bravo history through over 600 photos from his personal archive. Short recollections accompany the images, covering the Real Housewives franchises and spinoffs. It is a visual keepsake rather than a how-to book.

This anniversary edition offers a daily writing ritual called Morning Pages, along with an Artist Date and hundreds of exercises. It works as a long-term programme rather than a quick read. Readers say it is practical and worth the purchase, though some find the prose hard going.

This calendar opens 25 doors in the lead-up to Christmas, each revealing a Hogwarts-themed surprise such as stationery, key chains and washi tape. Fans enjoy opening it daily. Opinions are mixed on whether the gifts justify the cost and whether the calendar suits young children.