There is little nicer than the gift of a book: it says, ‘find a comfortable chair; take some time just for yourself’. And so I promised you a books gift guide - and one you shall have. I would happily give (or receive) every single one of these - and am actually doing so in some cases…

Back in time

Lucy Steeds’ The Artist is one of my books of the year - a heady, sensual, intoxicating tale of art, power, desire and ambition. A mystery and love story wrapped into one, set in 1920s Provence where an uneasy ménage develops between reclusive art monster Eduoard Tartuffe, his niece, Ettie, and Englishman Joseph, a wide-eyed naif and journalist. (Read more from Lucy here.) It’s a Waterstones’ book of the month and the book of the year, so it’s available in a lovely, Christmassy edition.

Another of my favourites - The Eights by Joanna Miller features a quartet of young women - amongst the first female cohort to study in Oxford in 1920. They board - where else? - on corridor eight, and a gloriously life-affirming friendship in the face of all manner of obstacles ensues. It will make you long to be one of the Eights, cycling through the cobbled streets of Oxford, basket full of books, blown by the wind of ambition and change. Gorgeous characters, gorgeous book.

I was not the only one who thought Andrew Miller would win the Booker with The Land in Winter. It’s an intricate, beautifully composed and masterfully controlled depiction of a world on the brink of change, set during the frozen winter of 1962. Luminous writing that warrants the hype.

The Midnight Carousel is a love story, a mystery, an adventure that spans the globe. In 1914, riders vanish whilst on a carousel - Detective Laurent Bisset is not satisfied by the apparent solution. In 1920s Chicago, resourceful orphan Maisie Marlowe acquires a beautiful, antique carousel, and sets up an amusement park - and then a child goes missing on its most famous ride. An enthralling, evocative debut from Fiza Saeed McLynn, who has created a heroine (and a detective) to fall in love with.

Get the rest of the Christmas list - it’s your shopping sorted AND you’ll be first in the queue for the children’s special - coming up next week!

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This is brilliant post - she says, modestly. Actually, I can say that because I’ve handed it over to some of my favourite writers/Substackers/fellow readers. I asked them two questions: what book do you plan to gift? And which books would you like to find under the tree?

Their answers are so diverting, so very excellent that my heart swelled with deligh…

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In the same way that I prefer the sparkly, twinkly, festive month before Christmas more than the day itself; I prefer the giving of presents, the pondering of the perfect gift, to receiving. (And I do adore getting presents: let me not dissemble. I’m not the selfless type who says, “No, no, I don’t need anything.” Like King John in AA Milne’s poem, I do like oranges and candy, and a box of chocolate would come in handy, and whilst putting this together, frequently found myself thinking ‘I rather fancy that’.) But overall, I prefer the thinking about and choosing of presents, the wrapping - which I always do by the tree, with a festive film humming in the background, surrounded by wrapping paper (how glorious is this toile de Santa?) and ribbons.

And so to this year’s gift guide - which you’ll need to click through to read in its entirety, as it is too long to fit in a single email. I promise you a books-centric instalment next week - but for this week, here is a guide with all manner of recipients in mind - including, naturally, bookworms - collated with thoughtful affection. And everything is under £100. It is a labour of love that takes hours (predominantly in the evening - a time particularly well-suited to pondering presents, I find), so if you enjoy it, please do share away merrily. And you can always give the gift of a subscription to Book(ish)!

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Onwards then, to the ideas for (hopefully) nearly everyone on your list….

First up, the books. Sabzi - because we all need to eat more vegetables and this looks like a delicious way to do it. The Last Bite for those obsessed with dessert; and two books of essays about food, which is so hard to do well. Diana Henry is peerless in her marriage of exceptional recipes and beautiful writing (equalled only by the great Nigel Slater) - Around the Table is on my own wish list. Bee Wilson’s The Heart-Shaped Tin: Love, Loss and Kitchen Objects breathes life into everyday objects - who knew they were so beautiful and poignant? Give with a personalised recipe journal so they can create their own collection of jottings and recipes for posterity.

We were given new knives and it is no understatement to say it has changed my cooking life - they are by David Mellor (not that David Mellor, presumably), so I now know a very good knife would make an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys cooking. As is a zester (functional rather than beautiful, but so very useful). Also useful: a Yeti coffee cup: since coffee started to cost as much as gold, I now make my own when I am out and about. This striped pepper mill would warm any pepper-lovers’ (like my darling dad - who also needs a new apron) heart - pleasing enough to leave out on the side. And who could resist lovebird salt and pepper shakers? Not I. I bought my husband a lobster bottle opener and it was a surprise hit.

FOOD! Lemon and ginger curd; salted caramel truffles; a willow cheese baker (gift with cheese). And olive oil is always a good gift idea - Santa Elia’s is award-winning.

If your recipient is anything like my husband - who loves an early night and has been known to wash up whilst people are still sitting at the table - needs this Please Leave By 9 cushion in his life as a matter of urgency. If they are more like me, they will require this gold bath caddy on which to rest their book (how about the brilliant How to Art?) whilst having a piping hot bath.

I do like a carefully considered home titifier (ought to be a word. Sounds vaguely naughty). In a world of Alexas, give a charming retro radio; a gorgeous vase and some flowers; a giant velvet bow for their tree, mirror, or front door (velvet bows always remind me of Pauline Fossil in Ballet Shoes); or the perfect pot (check out the website for various iterations and colours) and a plant; ridiculously pretty napkins; a plate for cake or their morning croissant; chic but practical: a diary or gardener’s scissors. How about a pretty box of matches - especially if packaged with a wintery candle?

How about a book and a Substack subscription package - the gift that keeps giving? The New Romantic Garden by of The Gardening Mind; How to Design a Garden by of The Well-Dressed Garden; Home by .

I don’t know about you, but I find men (from boys to grandfathers) really very tricky indeed. Some ideas: dumbbells for fitness fanatics (available in various sizes) with some chocolate owls for balance - and who doesn’t want a chocolate owl in their life? A very natty scarf (I do like a man in a scarf, so win-win). A retro record player. A 3-in-1 games board which you can have personalised. An libation - Monkey Gin - with stylish glasses, and a book to read by the fire: Karla’s Choice or The Land in Winter. New pyjama bottoms or a classic merino knit. Quirky artwork.

I think of the women in my life: of what do they dream? Ruby slippers, perhaps? (These are heels rather than slippers but the ultimate bargain party shoes.) Coffee - in the prettiest cups. A gloriously chunky bracelet and a classic gold necklace with a contemporary twist. Cushions and candles. A cross-body bag. Perfume that smells unlike everyone else’s and does not cost a bomb. To be both warm and pretty: this cardigan for the win; AND chic and comfortable - this skirt has all the shine, none of the so-tight-you-cannot-eat. P.S. It also comes in leopard print. Perhaps most of all, they like the quiet of a hot bath, a good book, and more sleep: Neom’s magnesium bath soak might help that last along, along with two of my books of the year which I plan to give to everybody: Heart the Lover and How to End a Story.

Children are the best people to buy for. I have my eye on this marble run for my adorable nephew (my children LOVED it when they were little). Successful presents I have given in the past: one of the best ever was an easel, magnetic letters, and oodles of art supplies (head to Ikea for the latter), and this train set was the entry point for years of train joy for my son. My daughter (who am I kidding - her mother also loved them) adored Maileg mice (how about a wardrobe for their attire?) and a tin tea set - so much more practical than china. A wand is the perfect stocking filler, and everyone likes a coffee machine, right?! Train them early. And I love Boden’s collaboration with the English National Ballet - this cardigan will fulfil all their Nutcracker dreams.

Books are a non-negotiable. Three highly recommended options: The Lion Cub’s Secret; The Cave Explorer; I Follow the Fox by wondrous Rob Biddulph.

When buying for really little ones, you are often buying for their parents, so go wild with a cosy all-in-one with bear ears as it is impossible to resist a baby with bear ears. Or bunny slippers or perhaps the sweetest baby blue cardigan across which ducklings waddle. An art print for the nursery which is not remotely twee and will grow up with them - I do love a leopard giving the side eye. An aesthetically pleasing early toy/something to bite - hello stylish moon! A dear little acorn to cuddle, or this bunny which both my children have had since birth and are very beloved. Excellent toys for toddlers: a tool kit, a house full of cheerful wooden people, and a stacking tower that is neither plastic nor garish.

And the books - I promise any of these will fill hearts with joy and nurture a passion for reading: Brambly Hedge; Bear’s Nap; Where to a Hide a Star; Oh Dear, Look What I Got!

(See also: tweens.) NB I enlisted assistance for this one.

Daughter assures me Bows Are Big: be they a velvet hair bow; on a mug for their homemade matcha which they make using a matcha set thereby saving you an inordinate amount of money; on pjs. Knekkis (aka hairbands) are Big News. Laneige and Rhode make excellent lip glosses, and these star pimple patches almost make having a spot cool. Special editions of their favourite novels are also v. good. And Gazelles and beanies are still cool. Because many teens enjoy what they delightfully term ‘bedrotting’ anything of the cosy sock ilk is a winner. They also like stationery (as well as being stationary), and this limited edition Papier notebook with Damson Madder is so delightful I fancy it for myself.

My son (11) loves his indoor football; table football which slides neatly under the bed; this Nerf howler and his padel racquet (it’s the new cool sport, kids!); electronic dartboard; and - I hope he’s not saying this to keep me happy - his book light. His heart longs for grip socks (ideal for football, apparently, and good stocking fodder) and a Stussy hoody.

How about a portable speaker or a personalised case for their in-ear headphones? They can lay down backing tracks with this pocket Stylophone drum machine.

Great books for tweens/teens: Six of Crows; The Naturals; graphic novel Global; What Happens Online

Ah, my bookish people (Lucy Mangan’s book is not my Substack in book form - IMAGINE, but it is a love letter to us bookworm types)… If you’re not buying them books, then how about this elegant bookmark or fish bookends.A monthly subscription is a delight - there are so many options - I have often gifted this one - but this looks good. Are you Team Emily, Anne or Charlotte? (Small present, big joy.) A puzzle as fiendish as any of Agatha Christie’s mysteries. I am always intending to write down a list of every book I read - perhaps a reading journal would prompt me to do so.

For the writers: an Austen-inspired notebook, or writers and their characters, plus a copy of ’s In Writing (or a subscription to her Substack). But really, this mug says it all. And for everyone who ever played librarian - a personal library kit. (This is at the top of my own list.)

If you have made it this far, I salute you! Do leave me a comment or heart - thank you in advance! I’d love to hear your thoughts and please do share it if you have enjoyed it or think it will be helpful for other present-givers.

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In my last post I mentioned my desire to be festive fair isle woman - the kind who makes her own sloe gin and Christmas decorations from dried orange slices; who had written and posted all her cards by the second week of December; whose tree is surrounded by presents, bought and wrapped; her supermarket delivery slot was secured months ago and her turke…

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Well, here with us with with but 10 days to go. All ready for the big day? Nope, me neither. Let me tell you what makes it easier: books for everyone.

But what if you’re buying for one of those folks who prefer what one the regular customers during my Waterstones days (I did a stint in a branch for a few months whilst I was finishing my Master’s about 1…

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It’s here! Lots and lots of lovely book suggestions for everyone on your list. (The picture above features just some of the titles. And if I’ve missed someone - let me know!) It has taken me days, and I have achieved almost zero Christmas shopping, but oh, how I have enjoyed myself, imagining a family of highly demanding readers. (Obviously, all of these books will suit many lucky recipients, but allow me my fun.)

As this post is so l-o-n-g, the committee and I* have taken the decision to do a separate non-fiction round-up, so hold on to your Santa hats and jangly reindeer ears for that little gem.

*I am the committee.

Right, who are we buying for…?

The grandmother who does the crossword every day, swears by a brisk walk and a 6pm sherry, and is terrifyingly sharp.

How to Age Disgracefully has her name all over it. Clare Pooley’s joyous, unexpected and hilarious tale of a senior citizens’ club like no other has one of the most indomitable, brilliant heroines you will ever come across. The Night in Question is a mystery set in an old people’s home - yet there is nothing remotely fogeyish about it’s spirited is its heroine. It manages to be both heartbreaking and hopeful. Murder at the Castle finds retired Angela Merkel at a loose end - handy that, as there’s a mystery solve. If the real-life Angela is anything like this fictional depiction - she’s a hoot.

The exacting (some might say picky, but I wouldn’t dare) thriller fan who demands a book which is more than the sum of its parts.

Charlotte Philby’s The End of Summer has a brilliant protagonist: a crooked, ruthless, loving grandmother whose continent-hopping pursuit of crime and riches is about to catch up with her. But it’s also a historical family saga, a study of mothers and daughters and a deeply enjoyable thriller. There’s more travelling to and fro in time in the tremendous The God of the Woods, in which history seems to be repeating itself when a girl vanishes from a summer camp - in the same woods where her brother went missing. Chris Whitaker’s All the Colours of the Dark is one of the stand-out thrillers of the year - a haunting tale of abduction, survival and the lengths we will go to for those we love.

You begin to wonder when Janice Hallett’s capacity for invention will wane - there is no sign of in The Examiner: secrets, lies, backstabbing, rivalry and quite possibly murder simmer on an art course. Note that her murder-at-the-village-panto The Christmas Appeal makes a terrific stocking filler. Bella Mackie’s What a Way to Go is a whodunnit with an enjoyably ghastly Succession-style family and a victim - an oleaginous, faithless hedge funder - who is mourned by no one. So when he is impaled at his own birthday party - there are more suspects than you can shake a stake at. Grimly entertaining and arch social commentary.

The not-so-secret romantic

To keep reading, give yourself and (ahem) me a Christmas present of a paid subscription. Still only £5 a month. The stocking filler which keeps on filling (your reading list/shelves).

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PART TWO HAS LANDED. And, yes, I have had fleeting moments of wondering why I committed to a colour theme, but then I thought ‘look how pretty it is and yet useful: how can I stop now?’ It has made me itch to start the Christmasification of my house. I am planning to festoon my tree with decorations and ribbons this year, abiding by the maxim that more …

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Yes, it’s November, but in the past I have always been late off the mark with Christmas gift guides and regretted the fact; this weekend I had my first mulled wine (at an annual, very casual fireworks shindig - a genuinely joyful occasion); and I have just partaken of a chocolate coin or two.

It is time.

Also, if you’re anything like me, just glancing at…

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