Christmas 2021 Gift Guide - Book Edition
13/12/2021
In Iceland there’s a Christmas tradition called Jolabokaflod, which apparently translates to Christmas Book Flood. I’m sorry, did you hear that? CHRISTMAS. BOOK. FLOOD. Have you ever heard sweeter words? It’s exactly what you’d imagine it means. On Christmas Eve everyone swaps books as gifts and the evening is then spent reading them immediately and drinking hot chocolate. I’ve always wanted to instigate starting it with my family but as we usually gift books anyway it did seem a little bit like demanding extra, advance Christmas presents. Though if I’m getting a bunch of books you really can give them to me whenever, I’m not going to complain.
All this is to say that I believe books to be one of the top, if not the top, choice of gift at Christmas. Plus, I don’t necessarily think you need to buy expensive coffee table books or brand new hardbacks. Second hand books are also an ace shout to buy good quality copies at a discount, or if you want fresh copies there are usually excellent deals depending on where you shop and what deals you hit up. So, since ‘tis the season of gift guides, here are some of my top picks for books to buy this Christmas. I retain the option to update this post if I come across something else interesting looking! You can go to my Bookshop.org shop for full links and a longer list.
FOR LITTLE CHRISTMAS MUNCHKINS
One of my childhood favourites! Full of fun little notes and cards to read! Probably most suitable for 3+.
A TIMELESS READ FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
I grew up reading Raymond Briggs’ books and I think The Snowman is a nostalgic read that the whole family can enjoy together. There are also TV and stage versions if the book goes down well!
GREAT FOR TEENS & YOUNG ADULTS
I love Jane Mount’s bookish illustrations. This new version of Bibliophile is a collaboration with Jamise Harper, the founder of Diverse Spines and features a large selection of often overlooked writers and books.
FOR PRETTY MUCH ANYONE ON YOUR GIFT LIST
Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York project is astonishing and literally changes the lives of those he features. In this, his newest book, he travels the world to collect stories from humans everywhere. I just love it.
FOR THE TRUE BOOK LOVERS
I loved Cathy Retzenbrink’s The Last Act of Love, a moving and heart-breaking memoir, so I’m exciting to read Dear Reader in which she delves into the literature that has brought her solace over the years.
FOR THOSE WHO LOVE A GOOD MEMOIR
I think Bernadine Evaristo is my top (new to me) author of the year. Everything she writes is gorgeous and incisive and I am so, so excited to read this memoir.
FOR THE HOLIDAY ROMANCE FAN
I usually read a Christmassy novel in December but this year I heard about this Chanukkah romance! Such a lovely little story from an ex-rabbinical student. Lots of fun and silliness but also surprisingly educational on the topics of Judaism and chronic illness.
FOR THOSE WHO SET NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS
I keep hearing wonderful things about this non-fiction book in which Oliver Burkeman delivers a thought-provoking take on how we can best use the time we’re given. I think this would be a great gift for any family member, friend or gender - particularly in the large age bracket from young adulthood to middle age.
FOR THOSE WITH A SUCCESSION HANGOVER
For the Succession fan in your life. If they weren't obsessed with Brian Cox before they probably will be now. So get them his memoir while they wait for Season 4.
FOR THOSE WHO LIKE SOMETHING DIFFERENT
This year Susanna Clarke won the Women’s Prize for Fiction for her long awaited second novel Piranesi. It’s a sprawling tale that defies description, so a perfect purchase for those who might fancy reading something a little out of the ordinary.
FOR YOUR ROYALIST GRANDPARENTS
That recommendation headline is a little niche I know but still, potentially helpful. Gyles Brandreth is an excellent writer and very funny, so I reckon this will be the most enjoyable Prince Phillip biography out there.