I used to work in a bookshop—these are the best literary gifts for people of all ages | Books | Entertainment

Christmas is just around the corner, which means people up and down the country are busy searching for gifts for their loved ones. Finding gifts for foodies, beauty enthusiasts, and wine connoisseurs is easy enough, but finding the perfect gift for someone who has read everything can be challenging. Bookworms tend to have a pile of books by their beds at the ready, and their finger on the pulse when it comes to book-related news.

This means gifting them the latest Booker Prize winner or British Book Award winner isn’t a guaranteed win. Having previously worked in a bookshop for years, and being somewhat of a bookworm myself, I’ve compiled a list of literary gifts for all ages. From a nail-biting crime thriller that’s perfect for your dad, to literary accessories your bookish friend may never have thought of, these are some of the best gifts for book fans this year.

Dog Tails Bookmark

I’ve bought two of these this year for my friends and family. They’re made from 100% leather in the UK and are the perfect way to add a splash of colour and fun to books.

They have a lovely illustrated design and come in a range of colours, including pink, yellow, and my personal favourite, turquoise.

At just £10.50, they make a brilliant stocking filler or Secret Santa gift for book and dog-lovers.

Dog Tails Bookmark is available for £10.50 from Ark Colour Design.

Book Lover’s Reading Light – Botanical

A book light may not sound like the most exciting gift, but this botanical-themed one from Waterstones is much more attractive than your average book light.

With a good battery light, two dimmable LED bulbs, a secure clip and a positionable neck, it has everything one needs from a book light.

When I worked in the bookshop, these flew off the shelves at Christmas. They make a brilliant stocking filler and are perfect for those who enjoy reading into the early hours.

There are other themes available if the botanical design isn’t suitable.

Book Lover’s Reading Light in Botanical is £14.99 from Waterstones.

A Christmas Carol Acrylic Book Vase

I’ve had my eye on Biblio Bloom’s book vases for quite some time. Despite all the hints I’ve been dropping over the years, I’m yet to receive one and might have to buy one for myself.

These literary-inspired vases make a beautiful gift and come in a premium, gift-ready box.

There are a plethora of designs available from Pride and Prejudice to Anne of Green Gables, but I think this festive design depicting A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is lovely.

A Christmas Carol Acrylic Book Vase is £24 from Bibio Bloom

Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm: Exclusive Edition

If you’ve previously gifted The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy, this follow-up would make a lovely gift for people of all ages.

This exclusive edition from Waterstones is really special with a violet real-cloth quarter bind, updated cover illustration, exclusive dedicated page, satin ribbon and printed with Charlie’s handwritten script.

The life-affirming story follows four unlikely friends as they wander through the wilds once again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer.

Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm: Exclusive Edition is currently £17.99 from Waterstones.

Santa & Son by David Walliams

David Walliams’ books always flew off the shelves when I worked in the bookshop, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re hilarious, imaginative and filled with brilliant characters but still manage to explore serious topics in a humorous way.

This year’s offering, Santa & Son, looks just as hilarious and exciting, with the plot focusing on a Christmastime robbery at the world’s most famous toy shop.

The store’s Santa and his son have to use the toys as weapons to stop the baddies and save the toy shop.

Santa & Son is currently available for £7.49 from Waterstones and Amazon.

Paddington Bear Toy

If you’ve got a little one to buy for this Christmas who is just beginning to explore books, this Paddington Bear plush could be perfect.

The soft and cuddly bear comes wearing the character’s iconic outfit: a blue duffle coat embroidered with P.B., a bush hat and shiny red wellington boots.

There’s also an adorable suede label which reads, “Please look after this bear, thank you”.

Rainbow Designs Classic Paddington Bear with Boots is available for £17.99 from Amazon.

The Complete Gardener: A Practical, Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening by Monty Don

If you’ve got a gardening enthusiast in the family, this is the perfect book for them. Monty Don’s extensive guide covers everything from types of flowering plants to how to grow crops.

It’s a great gift for any keen gardener — old and young — and is a Sunday Times best-seller.

The Complete Gardener: A Practical and Imaginative Guide to Every Aspect of Gardening is £16.79 on Amazon. 

111 Places Books

These books have proven to be really popular for friends and family and are perfect for those who have recently moved to a new area.

The 111 Places guidebook series uncovers hidden places, stories, shops and neighbourhoods to explore in different cities and regions.

They’re not just in the UK either, there are guidebooks for Asia, Africa, Europe, South America and North America, which means you can gift one to any frequent travellers too.

The full selection can be found here 

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

If you’ve got a crime fiction lover in the family, this is the gift for them.

The bestselling Richard & Judy Book Club pick was published in 2013, and has been described by The Times as “Visceral, gritty and cinematic” and “clever and compulsive” by the Sunday Mirror.

The story focuses on a former intelligence agent who must come out of retirement to stop a terrorist plot to commit mass murder.

Despite being more than 10 years old, I always spot this on shelves in Waterstones and other independent bookshops.

A crime thriller enthusiast in my family claimed it’s also the only book they’ve ever read twice.

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes is available for £10.11 from Amazon or £10.99 from Waterstones.

Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes

The Sunday Times bestselling new cookbook from Mary Berry features 90 of her best recipes, including her best ever lasagne bolognese, a foolproof chicken traybake and a delicious raspberry soufflé.

Mary Berry’s books were always popular when I worked at the bookshop, and they remain so now.

The baking queen’s classic recipes and home-cooked meals continue to inspire cooks of every age.

Mary 90: My Very Best Recipes is £14 from Amazon and Waterstones.

Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World

I love hair and beauty, so when I was gifted this book for Christmas a few years ago, I was thrilled.

Beauty journalist Sali Hughes uses her wit and extensive knowledge of hair, skincare and makeup to take readers on a journey exploring products that have shaped the industry — and our makeup bags — today.

It makes a great coffee table book and is perfect for those who are interested in learning more about cult beauty products, where they come from and how they’ve become a permanent fixture in our lives.

Just beware…I’ve been inspired to buy many a product after reading this book.

Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at the Beauty Products that Changed the World is £10.79 from Amazon and £16.99 from Waterstones.