Bookish Christmas Gift Guide 2015

Not sure what to buy your bookish loved ones this Christmas? Well, you’ve come to the right webpage. Website Culture Editor Julia Mitchell gives us a quick guide through the books that you should be gifting this festive season – including a few ideas for the children in your life. You’re welcome!

Okay so first off I want to recommend this super Christmassy and adorable looking short story collection that I spotted during my latest jaunt to Waterstones: A Snow Garden and Other Stories written by Rachel Joyce (author of Perfect and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry). This new short story collection features a host of different characters through the telling of seven separate tales, commenting on the delicate relationships between them as they navigate their way through the Christmas period. This one will make a very fitting seasonal gift and is likely to be enjoyed by your friend, relative, and next-door neighbour alike.

If you’re shopping for fiction on a slightly tighter budget, then I suggest that you look out for the little paperback short stories that you can pick up in bookshops for as little as £2.
Dream a Little Christmas Dream will be devoured by fans of Giovanna Fletcher, and The Grownup by Gillian Flynn is a perfect taster for those who like their fiction a little bit darker. If your Christmas-present-recipient enjoyed Gone Girl or Girl on the Train, then they’ll love this.

If you haven’t seen this next one already then, really, where have you been because the brand new illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is absolutely gorgeous. At £15 it’s not too pricey for the student budget, and artist Jim Kay’s illustrations are so stunning that it really is a must-buy for any Harry Potter fan that you’re shopping for this year. If you’re not quite convinced, take a look at this article from the Guardian featuring some of Kay’s artwork from the book. It really is beautiful *drools*.

I’m sure you’ve all seen the hugely popular, and highly tempting, adult colouring books that have popped up in displays all over bookshops during the past year. And if you can actually manage to buy one of these and not keep it for yourself, it would make a perfect Christmas gift for that family member/housemate/friend from your course (delete as appropriate) who would appreciate a little bit of help to de-stress and relax from their busy life. There are so many different themes and designs to choose from that there’s bound to be one to suit any personality – my favourites include Enchanted Forest by Johanna Basford and Animorphia by Kerby Rosanes.

And if you’re really stuck for ideas then get your hands on Animal Selfies by Charlie Ellis, because honestly, who could dislike a book full of cute animal photos? Exactly, no-one.

When it comes to buying for the younger sibling/cousin/niece/nephew/child (delete as appropriate) in your life, I recommend picking up Matt Haig’s brand new festive tale A Boy Called Christmas. This book tells the compelling story of a young Father Christmas growing up in 18^th century Finland, and has been dubbed by the Guardian as ‘an instant Christmas classic’. It’s suitable for readers aged eight and up and is bound to make a great gift for both the younger reader and the big kid in your life. (Matt Haig is brilliant and I’m probably going to read this myself over the Christmas period.)

Another new children’s book that’s worth checking out is Michael Morpurgo’s title An Eagle in the Snow. This one should definitely make it onto your gift list as, firstly, it has an epic plot that spans over two world wars, following a man who could have stopped World War Two! And secondly, it’s an unwritten rule that every child should own at least one book written by Michael Morpurgo, and chances are, they probably won’t have this one yet. This book is suitable for readers aged nine and up, and again, I’m genuinely tempted to read it myself.

Good luck with your bookish gift buying, and I hope that Santa brings you all of the books that you’re hoping for this Christmas!

*Prices correct as of 27/11/15*