Welcome to part 2 of my Christmas Gift Guide for Book Lovers!
If you haven't read Part 1 you can find it here with lots of book recommendations, from popular recent releases to YA fictions and even how to pick up affordable signed and special edition books!
Below you will find even more gift ideas that are more non-fiction based and even some non-book gifts that's I'm really excited to share as they look amazing but are beyond affordable.
Motivational books
Motivational books make an ideal present any time of the year but especially at Christmas with a new year looming. Here are a few popular and uplifting reads that would make an excellent gift.
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
£6.29 BUY HERE
For all creatives and aspiring writers there is Big Magic. Big Magic is about embracing ideas and creativity whilst staying realistic. Ideal for anyone currently writing or studying. This easy to read book is a total joy!
Rise Sister Rise by Rebecca Campbell
£7.69 BUY HERE
If you are wanting to give an empowering feminist read to someone then this is the book to give! A contemporary yet spiritual guide to rising up and becoming our powerful and authentic selves. Rise Sister Rise is a call to arms for women to rise up, tell their truth and lead. It is a guide to co-creating a whole new archetype for women in these awakening times - a woman who does not keep herself small in order to make others feel more comfortable, a woman who knows that she is not her body weight, her sexual partners or her career. A woman who understands the true meaning of sisterhood, and that alone we are strong but together we are fierce. Side note - It also has the prettiest pastel sun prism page edging!
Girl Boss by Sophie Amoruso
£6.99 BUY HERE
For me this is a certain type of motivational book compared to my other choices. This is an inspiring books for someone 18-25 that's wanting to be their own boss. Whether that's in the fashion industry or not as this is an honest look at becoming your own boss by ultimate girlboss Sophia Amoruso. A perfect first motivational read for that strong career focused friend!
The Year of Yes
£6.29 BUY HERE
From award-winning Creator and Executive Producer of the hit television series Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice and Scandal, Shonda Rhimes, comes this personal yet deeply funny look at how she started to say 'Yes'. The ideal book to give in the run up to a new year, especially for someone you know will value a book like this of self discovery and change.
Beauty books (because I couldn't not!)
I've come to realise that a lot of people that love makeup don't own a single makeup book! In recent years there has been a spike of some amazing ones so it's the ideal time to gift an updated beauty book. Below you will find a varied selection of well put together books that I absolutely adore.
Face by Pixiwoo
£9.99 BUY HERE
Finally a book created the amazingly talented Chapman sisters! Now this would make an amazing book for any fans of their Pixiwoo Youtube channel, however if you're unsure you're recipent knows of them or not don't fear as this is still an amazing makeup book regardless! You can read my in-depth review here if you like, but in summary this is a comprehensive guide to makeup and covers everything from skincare to all makeup techiques. One of the best practical makeup books I've read to date.
Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge
£12.91 BUY HERE
Maybe you know someone with a deep interest of makeup that goes beyond applying it. They might have expressed an interested in vintage makeup or maybe their a makeup artist. Basically this isn't your typical makeup book as this is a detailed history of makeup from the politics of colours throughout history to key women through the ages and the makeup they wore. There's also a section about the business of beauty that anyone with a passion for makeup will find deeply interesting. Lisa Eldridge's love of makeup and the history behind it really shines through in this book and for that reason it makes such a detailed read.
Pretty Honest & Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes
£12.99 BUY HERE | £12.00 BUY HERE
Written by the beyond knowledgeable Sali Hughes, Pretty Honest is like no other beauty book. If you are looking to give a makeup book with lots of visuals then you may want to opt for Face by Pixiwoo but if you are after a solid book then you will get that in an abundance with this Pretty Honest Unlike most makeup/beauty books Sali has a clear writing style that is intelligent and witty, making for a really good read. Points are covered on anything you can imagine associated with beauty - how to manage makeup counters, salon etiquette, hair problem solving, wearing red lipstick and even how to pay and receive compliments. As for Sali Hughes' follow up book; Pretty Iconic, think of it as a beauty product bible. Expect the same intelligent and engaging writing style but wrote as almost mini essays (one per page) on products new and old. Both a nostalgic and interesting read and a book sure to make your recipient want to go out and treat themselves to some new beauty products!
The Body Book by Cameron Diaz
£14.88 BUY HERE
If you are looking for a book that mixes aesthetics with health and the body then you can't go wrong with The Body Book. I was refreshingly surprised when I read this to find an educational book on living a healthy lifestyle and fully understanding your body. This is far from a book about Cameron Diaz but one in which she shares her knowledge and with the help of nutritionists explains the key points to being healthy in great depth. Cameron also has a follow up book called The Longetivity Book that looks at age and health in more depth which may not be as ideal to give as a gift but interesting none the less.
Beautiful For Ever: Madame Rachel of Bond Street by Helen Rappaport
£8.99 BUY HERE
Another amazing read for anyone interested in the history of beauty is the intriguing story of Madame Rachel: cosmetician, con-artist and blackmailer. This true story tells of Madame Rachel who began life as a poor fish fryer in Victorian London. She ended up with a shop in New Bond Street, where her wealthy clients came in their droves, lured by the promise of eternal beauty. What they found there was a con-woman and fraudster who made a career out of lie and the desperate hopes of women wanting to be 'beautiful for ever'. A unique book for anyone interested in the history of makeup and the Victorian era.
Festive reads
Okay, so this section is more about books to treat yourself to than giving as gifts. However if you know someone that is all about Christmas and you exchance gifts before the big day then one of these may just be perfect for them. From festive fiction to a Christmas cookbook you will turn to each year.
A Boy Called Christmas & The Girl Who Saved Christmas by Matt Haig
£3.49 BUY HERE | £6.49 BUY HERE
Want to feel the magic of Christmas? Well The Boy Called Christmas needs to be part of your plan in that case. This festive fairytale wrote by genius Matt Haig is for children and adults alike and won't fail to bring a little sparkle to your Christmas. A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and a boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic. It's also sprinkled with illustrations throughout which adds to the magical story of how Father Christmas came to be. And if you steam read though that over the festive period then you can also enjoy The Girl Who Saved Christmas which I plan to read next week!
Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R.Tolkien
£6.29 BUY HERE
Without a doubt the sweetest Christmas book I've ever purchased. This special book is a large collection of hand written and drawn letters from J.R Tolkien as Father Christmas to his three children from 1920 to 1942. With simple letters in shaky handwriting whilst his children were small, to more detailed and elaborate stories as the years go on, even with input from Father Christmas' polar bear chief assistant. Not only is this a book of short Christmas stories in letter form but the love Tolkien had for his children shines through making this such a beautiful and special book. A book I've thoroughly enjoying reading right now.
Another Night Before Christmas by Carol Ann Duffy
£4.79 BUY HERE
A magical reworking of The Night Before Christmas here, wonderfully illustrated by Rob Ryan. This little book would make an ideal stocking filler or to be bought and read to children at bedtime on Christmas Eve. A book to cherish and bring out each year.
Nigella Christmas by Nigella Lawson
£21.44 BUY HERE
I couldn't recommend my favourite festive reads without mentioning the cookbook I rely on every Christmas. Nigella Christmas for me is the ultimate Christmas cookbook with recipes you will actually cook and enjoy. This large coffee table sized book with over 250 pages includes stunning photography alongside the most glorious and indulgent sounding recipes. There's also a 50 page guide in the middle of the book to cooking Christmas dinner from the turkey to all the trimmings and multiple gravy recipes. P.S. If you pick this up please try out the fully loaded potato skins - you won't be disappointed!
Book-ish Gifts
Last but not least I wanted to include some gift ideas that are still book related in a way which would be ideal for book lovers that you don't want to risk buying a book for that they already own or have read. I of course love books but these gifts are some of my favourites from this gift guidee!
Book Related Art Prints
Roald Dahl Print £2.45 BUY HERE
I personally believe a framed art print can make the most wonderful gift, whether it's at Christmas, a birthday or any other celebration. I came across this magical Roald Dahl print on Etsy along with so many other book quote prints on the site and simply downloaded it and printed it out, hence the super affordable price! The beauty of this is that you can print in whatever size you wish and a lot of prints come in a range of colours - this print could be printed in black or gold font. I also love this 'Eat, Sleep, Read' printable print here that's only £1.94 and again would make a wonderful gift when framed.
East of India Bookmark
£2.28 BUY HERE
Giving a bookmark as a little stocking filler or with a book is a nice idea I think. Bookmarks can be picked up all over the place, but I personally love these card East of India bookmarks from eBay. This is my own and it stops me folding down page corners or using scrap pieces of paper as temporary bookmarks!
Stationery gifts
Lastly I wanted to include a few stationary ideas as often book lovers also love stationery... I know I do! Now you may be wondering how much that stunning ring bound weekly planner is going to set you back and I can happily tell you only £3.00! Yes, this is from Sainsbury's of all places, along with the lovely gold polka dot Daydreamer notebook, £2, and is just so well made for the price. For more affordable stationery that's Kate Spade inspired I'd recommend Home Bargains and for beautiful hardback notebooks TK Maxx/Homesense should be your port of call.
I really do hope this Christmas gift guide has been helpful and make sure to check out Part 1, if you haven't already, here!
Fee xo.
