Coffee table books are the unsung heroes of the living room, offering more than just a place to rest your mug—they’re conversation starters, a window into your personality, and an instant mood-lifter. When they’re infused with humor, they become a delightful source of shared laughter and the perfect way to break the ice or simply enjoy a solitary chuckle on a quiet afternoon.
Funny coffee table books are a unique blend of visual appeal and wit, often capturing life’s absurdities through clever photography, illustrations, or pithy observations. They make for excellent gifts, bringing a sense of joy and levity to any occasion. Whether it’s for a friend who loves a good laugh, a family member who appreciates the quirkier side of life, or a treat for yourself to brighten up your living space, these books are a testament to the joy of laughter. So, let’s turn the page and dive into the world of hilariously entertaining coffee table books that are as much a joy to give as they are to receive.
The Coffee Table Book of Coffee Tables
“The Coffee Table Book of Coffee Tables” is a fictional book created by the character Cosmo Kramer from the television sitcom “Seinfeld.” The show, known for its sharp wit and often absurd premises, features Kramer conceiving a coffee table book about coffee tables. The meta-humor is typical of “Seinfeld,” a show that prided itself on being about “nothing” while simultaneously commenting on the minutiae of everyday life. This book within a show became an iconic example of the series’ self-referential humor. While the book itself does not exist, it is a concept that has tickled the fancy of many fans and is emblematic of the show’s legacy in pop culture. It would make a whimsical gift for any “Seinfeld” enthusiast or someone with a taste for the meta and the quirky.
Awkward Family Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack
“Awkward Family Photos” is a compilation of some of the most cringe-worthy yet uproariously funny family pictures ever captured. From bizarre holiday themes to matching outfits gone wrong, this book is a treasure trove of family moments that are so awkward, they come full circle back to being absolutely endearing. It’s a great conversation starter and a reminder that every family has its quirks. This book is a fantastic gift for anyone who’s ever endured a family photo shoot or who simply enjoys laughing at the charmingly imperfect nature of family life.
How Not to Be a D*ck: An Everyday Etiquette Guide
“How Not to Be a D*ck: An Everyday Etiquette Guide” by Meghan Doherty is a humorous take on modern manners. This book is a tongue-in-cheek guide to polite behavior in contemporary society, tackling common social situations with wit and a touch of sarcasm. It’s filled with playful illustrations and scenarios that depict the fine line between being considerate and being a nuisance. The book is a great conversation starter and a light-hearted reminder that we all have the power to choose kindness over dickishness in our daily interactions. It’s a perfect coffee table book for anyone who enjoys a good laugh with their life lessons.
Cats on Catnip
This delightful book captures the euphoric frenzy of felines under the influence of catnip. Through a series of candid photographs, readers are treated to the sight of cats at their most uninhibited and ridiculous. It’s a celebration of cats being cats, with all the goofy, charming, and sometimes bewildering behaviors that come with a good nip. “Cats on Catnip” is a must-have for cat lovers and anyone who needs a pick-me-up. It’s a book that will never fail to amuse, making it a purr-fect addition to any coffee table.
People of Walmart: Shop and Awe
“Shop and Awe” is a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the essence of “People of Walmart.” This book is a collection of the most outrageous and hilarious shoppers spotted at America’s favorite retail giant. It’s a candid exploration of the wild, weird, and wonderful variety of humanity that can be found in the aisles of Walmart. This book is a humorous ode to the individuality and quirkiness that can be found in everyday life, making it an excellent gift for anyone who appreciates the stranger side of Americana.
Poo With a View: High Alpine Shitters of the Canadian Rockies
For those with a sense of adventure and humor, “Poo With a View” offers a unique perspective on the great outdoors. This book features a compilation of the most scenic and, admittedly, exposed toilet locations in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a cheeky take on travel photography, where the majesty of nature meets the call of nature. This book is for the outdoor enthusiast with a sense of humor or anyone who can appreciate the absurdity of finding the perfect spot to go when you’re miles from civilization.
Sh*t My Kids Ruined: An A-Z Celebration of Kid-Destruction
Any parent will tell you that kids have a special talent for destruction, and this book celebrates that chaotic energy. “Sh*t My Kids Ruined” is an alphabetical journey through the messes, the mayhem, and the utterly mind-boggling destruction that children can cause. It’s a book that parents can relate to, laugh about, and maybe even find solace in. This book is a great gift for new parents or seasoned veterans who can look back and laugh at the trials and tribulations of raising kids.
Cacas: A Coffee-Table Book
This book takes a humorous look at a subject that is often taboo: poop. “Cacas” is a coffee table book that explores the subject from every angle, with a mix of scientific facts, cultural anecdotes, and a healthy dose of humor. It’s a book that will raise eyebrows and elicit giggles, proving that even the most mundane topics can be fascinating and funny. This book is a great ice-breaker or a gag gift for someone with a bathroom sense of humor.
Crap Taxidermy
“Crap Taxidermy” by Kat Su is a book that takes a humorous look at the art of taxidermy when it goes hilariously wrong. Stemming from the hit website crappytaxidermy.com, the book is a collection of some of the most bewildering and absurd taxidermy attempts. From a toad with a pipe to a lion with a less-than-ferocious grin, the book captures a gallery of taxidermy disasters. It’s not just a parade of grotesque creations; it also includes a DIY section on stuffing your own mouse, contributed by an Insect Preparator from the American Museum of Natural History. This book is a perfect blend of shock and chuckle, making it an ideal gift for someone with a dark sense of humor or an interest in taxidermy. It’s the kind of coffee table book that will start conversations, provoke laughter, and maybe even inspire a quirky new hobby.
The Onion’s Our Dumb World: Atlas of the Planet Earth, 73rd Edition
“The Onion’s Our Dumb World: Atlas of the Planet Earth, 73rd Edition” offers a satirical take on a traditional atlas, with the renowned humor of The Onion applied to the entire globe. This book features maps, graphs, and faux statistical data that will have readers laughing out loud at the absurdity of it all. It’s a brilliant parody that pokes fun at world cultures, international relations, and the concept of an atlas itself. Perfect for the politically savvy, the travel enthusiast, or anyone with a sharp sense of humor, it’s a coffee table book that’s as enlightening as it is entertaining.
Things I’ve Learned From Women Who’ve Dumped Me by Ben Karlin
“Things I’ve Learned From Women Who’ve Dumped Me” is a collection of essays curated by Ben Karlin, former executive producer of “The Daily Show,” where various comedians and writers share the wisdom they’ve gleaned from their failed relationships. It’s a hilarious, often poignant look at love and loss, with each contributor bringing their unique brand of humor to the table. This book is a great pick-me-up for anyone who’s ever been through a breakup or for those who just enjoy a good laugh at the expense of love’s many pitfalls. It’s a humorous, relatable, and sometimes all-too-real coffee table book that’s sure to get a conversation going.
I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano
“I Could Pee on This: And Other Poems by Cats” gives readers a glimpse into the whimsical and sometimes twisted minds of our feline friends through a series of poems ‘written’ by cats. Francesco Marciuliano has crafted a book that cat lovers will find both relatable and laugh-out-loud funny, with poems that capture the essence of what it means to be a cat. It’s a charming and humorous addition to any coffee table, perfect for cat enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys a good chuckle at the expense of our pet overlords.
Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern
“Sh*t My Dad Says” began as a Twitter feed and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, leading to this hilarious book by Justin Halpern. It’s a collection of outrageous, profound, and expletively-laden quips from Halpern’s father, offering unfiltered life advice on a variety of topics. This book is a testament to the wisdom and humor that can be found in everyday life and is a perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the humor in paternal bluntness. It’s sure to be a standout on any coffee table and a source of endless entertainment for guests.
Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel
“Underwater Dogs” presents a series of striking and comical photographs of dogs diving into water, captured by Seth Casteel. The images reveal the submerged antics of our canine companions with vibrant energy and splashing excitement. Each photograph is a freeze-frame of pure bliss and chaos, showcasing the dogs in a way you’ve likely never seen before. This book is a delightful conversation starter and a perfect gift for anyone who finds joy in the playful nature of dogs.