Christmas Gift Guide 2020

Books, Style

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

Pandora’s Jar was an amazing read

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

Relax with your favourite book

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

Matching 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

Keeping my notes neat

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

This bag can fit so many books!

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

*gifted item

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

I’m never seen without this necklace1

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

August’s Reposed 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?

5 Dark Academia Inspired Outfits For Fall/Winter

Style

With fall around the corner, I’ve been pulling out my winter wardrobe, which just screams dark academia vibes.

I’m obsessed with the aesthetic and hope to give you some inspo with these 5 outfits perfect for class, work or running around museums.

Cardigan: Boohoo £12

1) The 90’s Throwback

The perfect WFH staple is the cardigan worn as a shirt! This dogtooth short-sleeved one gives me geek chic vibes and can be worn with skinny jeans, layered necklaces, and a statement belt.

Shirt: Nasty Gal £12
Cardigan: Monki £35

2) Chunky Knits and White Shirts

The weather is definitely fickle at the moment so I’m still wearing my little white shirts from summer but instead of shorts, I’m now pairing them with skinny jeans and a chunky autumnal coloured knit. This outfit makes me want to take long walks through freshly fallen leaves while drinking a pumpkin spiced latte.

Trousers: Next £32

3) Prince of Wales Checked Trousers

A timeless outfit perfect for classes, the office, or for browsing galleries and museums. Checked trousers can be worn with a plain turtleneck for a casual look or with a crisp white shirt for a smarter feel. Pair with heels or a chunky pair of kickers and a satchel to maximise the dark academia potential.

4) To Suit or Not To Suit?

I bought a suit ready for interviews and professional events but it’s not often I wear both pieces together. I love this brown-toned one I wear the blazer over dresses and with jeans to smarten up an outfit instantly. I frequently wear the suit trousers with a black turtleneck and trainers to relax my look.

Jumper: Gap £35
Trousers: Uniqlo £24.90

5) Toned Neutrals

A caramel turtleneck is the perfect piece to carry you through autumn into winter. Wear it with checked trousers for an office chic look or, with blue jeans and a blazer for a more casual look