Edmund De Waal's pot book is wicked. You would be potty not to like it (sorry). A page is given for each pot which is just enough text to give you insight. A broad selection of ceramics, well curated. Recommend it, along with a visit to the top floor of the V+A to the ceramics gallery.

http://ca.phaidon.com/store/decorative-arts/the-pot-book-9780714847993/

Dorling Kindersley produce the best books ever. You want to use them when you're a baby, you want to use them when you're a child, you want to use them when you're nineteen and you want to use them when you're older. They're great because, they are not patronising, they are full of so much detail, with brilliant photography and clean, simple layout. Whether it's a book about the human body, my first cook book or an encyclopedia, you know that it will be a book that will stay around forever. 

Such brilliant design in my opinion.

http://www.dk.co.uk/

Psssst

Psssst wanna know a really good bookshop, specialist in fashion, fashion illustration, magazines and fashion photography books? Well go to Claire de Rouen books. It's hidden above a sex shop on Charing Cross Rd. Certainly worth a visit even if you don't buy something, just to flick through some gorgeous books. Also there is a gallery space on the same floor, which is also worth a peek. Last time I went there was a show by the wicked Valerie Phillips. 

http://www.clairederouen.co.uk/

Bruno M and Andy W

I think you should ask for this book for Christmas. It is a totally insightful look at design, whether visual, graphic or industrial design. The language is really simple and it is broken down into small chapters - perfect for bad readers. Perfect for dipping in and out of. My favourite part is when he analyses pea pods and oranges in terms of packaging design - sheer genius.   

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Design-Art-Penguin-Modern-Classics/dp/0141035811/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322955984&sr=8-1

Also "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again" is one of my favourites I always dip into. Definitely borrow or steal this of someone or even buy it.  This autobiography by Andy W is so insightful into his bonkers life. It's soo bonkers, once you finish reading it you feel like you have the most boring life ever. He covers his thoughts on love, beauty, fame, work, time, death, economics, food, atmosphere, art and success - perfect. If you're feeling uninspired read this and whether you love it or hate it you'll wanna make some stuff.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Philosophy-Andy-Warhol-Penguin-Classics/dp/014118910X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322956408&sr=1-1

Cecil B

Cecil Beaton

This is by far the best book that I stole from home when I moved out. This gem of a book records Cecil Beaton's strains, satisfactions, delights and despairs of making a major movie. Also including sketches and his own pictures of the film in progress. My Fair Lady is a brilliant musical and Pygmallion is an equally good play. His art direction in the film, especially in the ascot scene is spectacular.  This book is brilliant as it gives an insight into his design process and ideas. 

His books are hard to come by, but next year the V&A will be holding a major exhibition of his photography which I am excited about.