christmas

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge the bookworms in your life with thoughtful gifts that fuel their love for reading. Whether they’re fans of thrilling mysteries, epic fantasy, insightful memoirs, or the latest bestsellers, there’s a perfect gift for every type of reader. Books, accessories, and unique literary-themed items can transport them into new worlds and make their reading experience even more special.

In this gift guide, I have curated a variety of bookish treasures to delight every kind of reader on your list (including me), so you can give the gift of a story this Christmas.

A Gift that Keeps on Giving

For the bookworms who like a surprise, a one-off or subscription book box will be appreciated. You can find ones that can suit any reader from your romantics to your crime thriller obsessives.

1.Wordy & Wild -£27.99 per month

Wordy & Wild offer subscription boxes as well as one of book boxes to suit most types of readers. Perfect for those interested in romance, thrillers or fantasy. I bought a one of romance book box a few months ago and was impressed with the choice and loved the book themed items included.

2.Fawn & Flame – £39.50 per quarter

A beautifully presented seasonal book box which features a handmade candle, paperback, snack and treat. I love the idea of receiving a box every season and I promise you the candles smell amazing.

3. Prudence and the Crow – £16 per month

I love vintage books and have never received a bad choice from Prudence and the Crow whose offering features a vintage paperback, handmade book bag, library card and other surprises.

4. AbookandaCuppa – £12 one-off book box

Super cute one-off book boxes are perfect as a cosy gift this holiday season.

Wear your Love

1. Bookworm Sweater – Wordy & Wild from £35

I need this jumper for my lazy Sunday reading days (please Father Christmas I promise I have been good)

2. Book Shaped Handbag – Wellread co £50+

My favourite bags are from Well Read Co and I also have two coin purses, a purse and a pouch from there. The quality is amazing and I have had so many compliments over the last few years when using them.

3. Book Locket – Not on the Hightstreet £26

This is on my wishlist for 2024!

4. Classic Lit Theamed T-shirts – Literary Emporium £ 20.95

I love my Sappho and A Midsummers Nights Dream inspired t-shirts which are both super soft.

Pretty Books

If you have been following my bookstagram for a while you know that I love a pretty cover especially when it comes to my favourite classics.

1. Barnes and Noble Leathebound Editions -£20-30

2. Penguin Clothbound Classics – 3 for £33

3. Harper Collins Painted Editions – £15-20

4.Wordsworth Collectors Editions – Under £10

5. Penguins Little Black Classics – £1-3

Make sure that you check out second-hand retailers such as World of Books for the more pricey options as you can frequently find the leatherbound editions for £10 in near pristine condition.

Want to find out what editions are on my wishlist visit here

Experiences

For the last few years I have been asking for tickets and experiences as gifts and it’s something I try do for my friends especially for things that they want to go to but can’t justify the cost.

1. Shakespeare Plays – RSC from £10

The Royal Shakespeare Company offer tickets for £10 for those under the age of 25 which is how I have managed to see so many great shows over the last two years. However, even without this discount you can find well-priced tickets and spend the day wandering around Shakespeare’s birthplace I can’t think of a better gift.

2. Reading Retreat – Ladies Who Lit from £1000

Have you ever imagined a holiday designed around reading? Then check out these beautiful retreats which include accommodation and food & drink.

3. Library Reading Room – Gladstone Library from £10

Located in North Wales Gladstone’s library has been on my bucket list for a while and it’s not too far from where I currently live. They offer readers passes for free which gives you access to the beautiful reading rooms however they do ask for a £10 donation which I think is more than fair to keep such a lovely place running. They also offer stays from £120 for a single room. Who doesn’t want to say they have stayed in a library.

Cute Bits

1. Sunday Kind Jewellery – $35

Everything looks so pretty!

2. Clothing – Miss Patina

For more inspo check out my Christmas wishlist here!

This year, give a gift that celebrates their love of stories, and you’ll be sure to make their Christmas one to remember. Happy gifting, and may your book-loving friends and family find joy in every page they turn!

Love,

Ali xoxo

I can’t believe it’s December already! I’m a little behind on my Christmas shopping this year, especially for those hard to buy people in my life.

These are the gifts that are on my Wishlist this Christmas:

1) Special edition books

My favourite edition of The Iliad & The Odyssey

Whenever I share a picture featuring one of my Barnes and Noble Leatherbound classical editions people go mad for them. So why not gift one of these pretty classics this year.

From £20

2) Signed Editions

A signed edition from your friends’ favourite author can make an extra special gift this Christmas. I bought myself an early Christmas present of a signed copy of Neil Gaiman’s ’The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ you can find the latest signed copies from most bookstores but my two favourites are:

The West End Lane bookstore:

Foyles

3) Candles

I’m obsessed with Orbiting Pluto’s candles which feature books, films and characters! I currently own The Secret History and Persephone, which both smell beautiful. You can also request a custom candle to make an even more special gift.

From £8

4) Book Gift Box

The Literary Emporium is filled with lovely gifts but their gift box is perfect for any classic literature nerd! There are plenty of books that you can choose from including: Virginia Woolf, Macbeth and Sappho It comes with a copy of the book, t-shirt and pin badge and comes pre-wrapped marking it easy to send to a long-distance friend.

From £32

5) Bookish Accessories

Another favourite brand of mine is the Well Read Company who specialise in bags, purses and pouches styled as books.

From £10

6) Stylish Leather Accessories

Azurina is another love of mine and they have a range of gifts perfect for all budgets. From monogrammed notebooks to help you jot down your inner ramblings. To personalised bags and pouches.

From £15

My other favourite purchase from Azurina is the Stockholm tote which is perfect for lugging around my laptop and books to meetings and class.

The Stockholm £95

7) A Classic Watch

I was gifted a watch from Holzken, and I’m just so in love with it! A good watch is a timeless classic, and this one allows you to take a little piece of nature with you wherever you go.

The Calina: £249 (Use code alibooks to get 13% off until the 21st December)

8) Jewellery

For those who love A Dead Poets Society and the Dark Academia aesthetic, the Carpe Diem necklace and signet ring from Bohomoon is the perfect gift. Made from stainless steel both pieces promise to stay tarnish-free (I’ve been wearing mine since June and it still looks perfect).

From £22

9) Beverages

I’m obsessed with Offblak tea flavours! My favourite being Orange and Ginger which feels so Christmassy.

From: £9.99

Get festive with a bottle of Shiraz from Babe Wine! Perfect for late-night reading or to destress after class or work.

£12 per bottle

10) Subscription Box

Give them a gift every month with a book subscription box. There are lots on the market from YA, Thriller, to Female Empowerment there is something for every type of reader. Here are two of my favourites:

Reposed is the perfect box for those looking for a range of fiction and non-fiction books delivered to their door every month. Also included in the box is a hot beverage, snack and other treats such as skin products, flower seeds and notebooks.

Just £12 a month

Prudence and The Crow gives you a vintage paperback every month along with a book sleeve, library card and other treats every month. You can pick your genre or keep it a surprise.

Just £15 per box

What’s on your Christmas wishlist?

Ali’s Book Corner

Carpe Diem

Top Holiday Gifts for Book Lovers