The best books to buy for your family and friends this Christmas
The Christmas decorations are up in the shops, festive tunes are playing through every speaker, GH's biggest issue of the year is on sale … and it's time to start thinking about the presents you'd like to gift to family and friends this year.
The gift of a book is a failsafe option. But with so many titles out there, it can be hard to choose the right one. But worry no longer – because GH have the answer.
We’ve rounded up the best books to buy for your family and friends this Christmas, with options for everyone, from foodies to active kids, beauty lovers to quiz enthusiasts. Read on, and get that shopping list at the ready!
The Secret Of Cooking by Bee Wilson (4th Estate, £28)
This gem of a cookbook combines personal essays with expert tips and doable, delicious recipes.
1964: Eyes Of The Storm by Paul McCartney (Allen Lane, £60)
An intimate collection of snapshots taken by Sir Paul McCartney that documents the year Beatlemania erupted across the globe.
Secret Gardens Of Cornwall by Tim Hubbard, Jo and Rob Whitworth (Frances Lincoln, £22)
Cornwall’s micro-climate makes it a paradise for plants, shown here in their full colourful glory.
India Knight’s Beauty Edit (Fig Tree, £20)
Sunday Times columnist India Knight recommends the best skincare products and cosmetics for older skin.
The Art Of Stargazing by Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock (BBC Books, £16.99)
Learn the basics of naked-eye star observation from space scientist and The Sky At Night host Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock.
Great-Uncle Harry by Michael Palin (Hutchinson Heinemann, £22)
Sir Michael Palin’s biography of his great-uncle, who died at the Battle of the Somme aged just 32, showcases the Monty Python star’s compelling storytelling.
The Cosy Mystery Puzzle Book: The Murder Of Mayor Malady by Dan Moore (Richardson Puzzles & Games, £9.99)
The quizzer in your life will love these crime-themed number, logic and word puzzles.
Your Trip Starts Here (Lonely Planet, £24.99)
Whether you’re buying for someone with wanderlust or more of an armchair traveller, this travelogue has suggestions for more than 50 inspiring journeys.
Space: The Human Story by Tim Peake (Century, £22)
Renowned astronaut Tim Peake tells the awe-inspiring stories of the 628 people who have travelled into space.
So Late In The Day by Claire Keegan (Faber & Faber, £8.99)
Not a word is wasted in this exquisite short novel about a man ruminating on the break-up of his relationship.
A Whale Of A Time by Lou Peacock, illustrated by Matt Hunt (Nosy Crow, £25)
This beautiful compendium features 366 funny poems that will keep recipients smiling all year round.
Britannica’s Encyclopedia Infographica by Valentina D’Efilippo, Andrew Pettie and Conrad Quilty-Harper (Britannica Books, £25)
Through clever infographics and colourful charts and maps, kids will learn a treasure trove of facts and figures about the world.
The Great Reindeer Rescue by Stephen Mangan, illustrated by Anita Mangan (Scholastic, £10.99)
Nine- to 12-year-olds will love this funny, fast-paced story about a fed-up reindeer.
Luna Loves Christmas by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers (Andersen Press, £12.99)
This picture book by the Children’s Laureate is a gorgeous tale with a message about the importance of community at Christmas.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, £14.99)
A classic in the making about a young boy whose grandfather is the gatekeeper of a magical world.
Where Are You? The Family Adventure (Wonderbly, from £27.99)
Your loved ones are the stars in this personalised Where’s Wally?-style search-and-find adventure. You can include up to three children and two adults.
The Nutcracker And The Mouse King’s Christmas Shenanigans by Alex T Smith (Macmillan Children’s Books, £15.99)
This delightful reimagining of The Nutcracker is told in 24-and-a-half chapters, making it the perfect Advent read.
Finding Bear by Hannah Gold, illustrated by Levi Pinfold (HarperCollins, £12.99)
Readers of eight and over will love the Arctic-set adventures of April Wood from the 2022 Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner.
A gift that keeps on giving
Parrot Street Book Club, from £14 a month, three age groups available, parrotstreet.com
Sign a child up to Parrot Street’s subscription service and they’ll receive a monthly parcel with an age-appropriate book, book-club-style questions and an activities pack.
Give the gift of books
A £15 donation to the National Literacy Trust helps the charity ensure children growing up in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities have access to books and literacy support. To donate, visit literacytrust.org.uk/goodhousekeeping
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