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 mums to teens, beauty lovers to quiz enthusiasts. Read on, and get that shopping list at the ready!
For literature lovers
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Santa is sure to be putting in a bulk order of Richard Osman’s new novel, We Solve Murders. It’s one of the most anticipated books of the year – and it’s SO good!
My favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes
This juicy, engrossing family drama from Marian keyes is just the thing to get lost in in those days between Christmas and New Year. Her latest warm and witty story sees Anna Walsh (what a joy to be back with the Walsh sisters!) chuck in her life in New York and come home to Ireland. When she takes a job doing PR for a hotel, she becomes caught up in a tussle with locals – and one of her few allies is a man from her past with whom she has unfinished business…
And Then There Were None: The Ultimate Mystery Edition by Agatha Christie
A special edition of the classic crime novel that has the solution to the mystery sealed in an envelope at the back of the book. A must-have for fans of the Queen of Crime.
The Party by Tessa Hadley
This exquisite novella, about two teenage sisters whose lives are forever changed after a glamorous party, is the perfect stocking filler for fiction lovers.
Killing Time by Alan Bennett
The renowned playwright returns with a pitch-perfect gem of a crime novel set in a care home. As you'd expect from the author of The Lady In The Van and Talking Heads, it's darkly funny and will appeal to fans of Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club.
Coffee table treats
V & A Publications Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection
Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection
A stunning collection of photographs (highlights include works by Robert Mapplethorpe and Eve Arnold) from the collection of Sir Elton John and David Furnish, as exhibited at the V&A this year.
This Creative Life: Fashion Designers At Home by Robyn Lea
Take a peek inside the homes of fashion geniuses, including Bella Freud’s warehouse conversion and Alice Temperley’s Regency manor.
Still Waters & Wild Waves by Angela Harding
A beautiful celebration of Britain’s waterways, full of artwork by renowned printmaker Angela Harding.
For puzzlers
Think Twice by Alex Bellos (£12.99, Square Peg)
Challenge the clever clogs in your life to answer these 70 almost-impossible-to-solve conundrums, set by The Guardian's resident puzzle writer.
The Cosy Mystery Puzzle Book: Death Comes To Enigma Bay by Dan Moore
See if your favourite clever clogs can solve these crime-themed headscratchers, published by our resident puzzles writer.
A Year Of Living Curiously: 365 Things Really Worth Knowing by E Foley and B Coates
Pub quizzers and armchair trivia fans will love this little book packed with 365 pieces of wisdom and wonder.
For foodies
A Thousand Feastsby Nigel Slater
Nigel Slater’s writing is so lyrical I’d be happy reading his shopping list, so this foodie memoir is a delight. From flatbreads bought at a Tehran market to fragrant Christmas fruits in his kitchen, he captures the joyful moments of a cook’s life.
Shake It Up: Cocktails Inspired By The Music Of Taylor Swift
Sixty-five Taylor-inspired tipples for the Swiftie in your life – make mine an I Knew You Were Double!
What I Ate In One Year by Stanley Tucci (£20, Fig Tree)
I could watch Stanley Tucci mixing cocktails on Instagram for days, and while his new book, What I Ate In One Year, doesn’t quite offer the same visual delights,it’s a charming diary of all the meals he consumed over 12 months.
Sylvia Plath's Tomato Soup Cake by various
This compendium of authors' favourite recipes is a real treat for book lovers. From Agatha Christie's Hot Bean Salad to Daphne du Maurier's sloe gin, the recipes are great but it's the insightful anectdotes that make this an entertaining cookbook to dip into.
The Hairy Bikers: Our Family Favourites by Si King and Dave Myers (£25, Seven Dials)
Si King completed this cookbook, which brings together favourites from the Hairy Bikers 20-year career together, after the death of Dave Myers in February 2024. It's a celebration of the food they loved to cook for their friends and family, from quick mid-week meals to relaxed weekend dishes.
The Cocktail Atlas: Around The World in 200+ drinks by Chris Vola
Organised by continent, there's a drink for every taste in this classy cocktail book. Make mine a Za'atar Paloma Lebanon!
For The Love Of Food by Paul Ainsworth
I was practically licking the pages of Paul Ainsworth’s gorgeous cookbook, which has a focus on fish and seafood.
For gardeners
Drawn To The Garden by Caroline Quentin
This lovely gift book has a mix of the actress' personal stories and gardening tips learmed over a lifetime of growing. The book is illustrated by Caroline herself too.
RHS The Garden Almanac 2025 (£14.99, Frances Lincoln)
Every keen gardener needs a copy of this indispensible to what to do when in the garden. As well as advice on what to grow, there's also information on wildlife to watch out for and how to get the most of your garden in a sustainable way.
For culture fiends
The World According to David Hockney by David Hockney, Martin Gayford (£14.99, Thames & Hudson)
From his views on art and creativity to his take on digital life, this fascinating book gives an overview of the artist's thoughts and opinions.
The Artist's Palette by Alexandra Loske (£35, Thames & Hudson)
Take a deep dive into how 50 of the world's best-known artists put together their colour palettes, with details of the artworks they created using them.
Memoirs and more
A Voyage Around The Queen by Craig Brown
A great book to dip into during the lull after Christmas, this entertaining and irreverent biography of the late Queen Elizabeth II is drawn from hundreds of anecdotes, interviews and reports.
From Here To The Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley
From her childhood at Graceland to her marriage to Michael Jackson, the late Lisa Marie Presley’s moving memoir was finished by her daughter, Riley Keough, after Lisa Marie's death in 2023 and is a window into one of the most iconic families in the world.
For children
Jonty Gentoo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (£12.99, Alison Green Books)
The dream team of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler reunite for Jonty Gentoo. A gorgeous picture book for kids under six, it has a lovely message about finding your place in the world.
Murdle Junior by G. T. Karber (£8.99, Souvenir Press)
The Murdle craze shows no sign of slowing down and now there's a version for junior puzzlers.
Chefs Wanted: More Than 40 Delicious Recipes for Curious Cooks by Allegra McEvedy
Chefs Wanted! by Allegra McEvedy (£16.99, DK)
This colourful cookbook for kids is super user-friendly - I'm hoping my little boy makes me the bacon pancakes!
Evenfall: The Golden Linnet by Alexander Armstrong
The first book from the Pointless presenter is an action-packed adventure story for 9 to 12 year olds. 12-year-old Sam’s world is blown apart when he discovers that his family was once at the heart of a secret society – The Order of the Evening – and that an enemy is closimg in, with an aim to claim the order's powerful magic.
At Home In A Book by Lauren O'Hara
This beautifully illustrated book brings to life some of the interiors described in classics of children's literature, from Wonderland from Alice's Adventures In Wonderland to Captain Hook's Ship from Peter Pan. Each of the drawings is meticulously detailed and includes maps, room sets and characters.
Stocking fillers
Three Wise Men by Carol Ann Duffy (£12.99, Picador)
These beautifully illustrated little festive poem books from the former poet laureate are perfect stocking fillers.
