Christmas Gift Guide 2024
Enjoy our highlights from this year's Christmas Books catalogue, featuring novels, memoirs and kids' books by bestselling and beloved authors, as well as perfect presents to treasure forever, all available on the shelves of a bookshop near you. Plus don't miss our big Christmas giveaway: we've got £1,000/€1,000 in National Book Tokens up for grabs!
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Discover Christmas Books
Christmas Books and Children's Christmas Books are catalogues produced by and for independent bookshops, showcasing the best book gifts of the season, available to buy from independent bookshops across the UK and Ireland.
They're choc-full of brilliant book gifts for your book-loving friends and family: from riveting fiction to mind-expanding non-fiction, plus books for children and young adults, there's something for bibliophiles of all ages and tastes. Pick up your copy from your local bookshop!
Fiction
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clark
A haunting Christmas short story from the author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and Piranesi. 19-year-old Merowdis Scott can talk to animals and trees. But one snowy afternoon she encounters a blackbird and a fox and her life is changed forever.
A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enriquez
From BookTok sensation and International Booker Prize-shortlisted author of The Dangers of Smoking in Bed comes a brand-new short story collection. These hypnotic tales explore the occult and the macabre, love and womanhood, LGBTQ counterculture, parenthood and Argentina's brutal past.
The Bookseller’s Gift by Felicity Hayes-McCoy
Ever since Catherine and her mother Ann opened the doors of their bookshop on Ireland's west coast, they have been living their dream. But when some building work leads to disaster, the future of Lissbeg Books is in real jeopardy... A heartwarming slab of festive fiction, perfect for cosy holiday nights.
Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst
From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Line of Beauty, this epic novel takes us through the life of one man, David Win. It is a story of race and class, theatre and sexuality, love and the cruel shock of violence.
Barrowbeck by Andrew Michael Hurley
For centuries, the inhabitants of Barrowbeck, a remote valley on the Yorkshire-Lancashire border, have lived uneasily with forces beyond their reckoning. Now, two thousand years of history is coming to an end. From the author of the bestselling Starve Acre.
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
This novel, set in 1970s Pennsylvania, is about small-town secrets and the people who keep them. It shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community – heaven and earth – that sustain us. Described by the Guardian as "an uplifting tale of kindness and community", this literary masterpiece is perfect for those looking for some light in their winter nights.
The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer
From national treasure and bestselling author Bob Mortimer comes the sparkling sequel to The Satsuma Complex. Thorn is struggling with a big decision. Should he stay in London, wallowing in the safety of his legal job, or should he move to Brighton, where his girlfriend Emily is about to open The Hotel Avocado?
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
From the bestselling author of Normal People comes one of the year's most highly anticipated releases! Booklovers queued at bookshops across the country to pick up their copies when it hit the shelves in September, and this moving story of grief, love and family is sure to garner new fans as Rooney continues to take the literary world by storm. Aside from the fact that they are brothers, Peter and Ivan Koubek seem to have little in common. Then their father dies…
Holmes and Moriarty by Gareth Rubin
A new Sherlock Holmes novel, from the author of The Turnglass. Narrated by Holmes’s friend Watson and Moran, Moriarty’s sidekick and enforcer, it reveals a case when the arch-enemies had to work together to solve a mystery. Intrigued? Read our interview with Gareth Rubin over in Long Reads!
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
This is the story of one lost poem, two great rivers, and three remarkable lives – all connected by a single drop of water. It’s a story that ranges from ancient Mesopotamia to Victorian London, to 21st-century Turkey, from the always-dazzling, award-winning Elif Shafak.
Non-Fiction
Bookshop Tours of Britain by Louise Boland
A slow-travel guide to Britain, navigating bookshop to bookshop. Across 18 bookshop tours, we journey from the Jurassic Coast, through Wales, the Midlands, to Scotland, Yorkshire, Norfolk, London, the South Downs and Wessex. Booklovers will delight in this literary exploration – and no doubt plan some trips of their own in the new year!
Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
When lockdown led Chloe to leave the city and return to the countryside of her childhood, she never expected to find herself caring for a newly born hare. This is the story of an extraordinary relationship between human and hare – and a top tip from booksellers across the UK and Ireland this Christmas.
The Bookshop, The Baker, The Candlestick Maker: A History of the High Street by Annie Gray
A social history of the high street, which takes us through the ages, from medieval marketplaces to the purpose-built concrete precincts still standing today. An essential reflection on how we shopped and lived in days gone by.
The Official Agatha Christie Puzzle Book
If you know a wannabe sleuth or a fan of classic crime, let them immerse themselves in the world of Agatha Christie with this new and official puzzling collection which challenges the reader to put their little grey cells to good use in the case of the missing librarian.
Black History for Every Day of the Year by David, Yinka and Kemi Olusoga
Award-winning historian and broadcaster David Olusoga and his siblings, Yinka Olusoga and Kemi Olusoga, tell the story of Black history, sweeping across the world and through the ages, in this wide-ranging book.
The Collins Stargazer’s Bible by Ian Ridpath, Mary McIntyre and Rachel Federman
Combining practical stargazing information and advice, the insights of internationally renowned astronomers and the history, technological advances and art revering the night sky, this book is a celebration of the remarkable sky above – the ideal gift for armchair astronomers.
Dinner by Meera Sodha
A wonderful new book of recipes from the award-winning cook and food writer, with 120 vibrant, easy-to-make vegetarian and vegan recipes for main meals, bursting with flavour. They include baked butter paneer, kimchi and tomato spaghetti, and aubergines roasted in satay sauce.
A History of Ghosts, Spirits and the Supernatural
This beautifully spooky coffee table-worthy tome charts the extraordinary narrative of one of the most fascinating and controversial subjects in the world, covering everything from Neolithic ancestor worship and ancient necromancy to modern-day ghost-hunting.
Biography and Memoir
Never: The Autobiography by Rick Astley
Balancing nostalgia, fresh perspectives and introspection, with a good dose of northern humour, this memoir from pop legend Rick Astley is an intimate look at the man behind the hits – and a portrait of truth and artistic evolution.
A Voyage Around The Queen by Craig Brown
Combining biography, essays, cultural history, dream diaries, travelogue and satire, this kaleidoscopic portrait of the most pubic yet private of sovereigns, Queen Elizabeth II, from the author of Ma’am Darling.
Cher: The Memoir, Part 1 by Cher
After more than seventy years of fighting to live her life on her own terms, Cher finally reveals her true story in intimate detail, in this first in a two-part memoir. It follows her from childhood to pop success with Sonny Bono, and beyond.
Secret Voices: A Year of Women’s Diaries edited by Sarah Gristwood
A captivating collection of daily extracts from women’s diaries, looking back over four centuries to discover how women’s experience – of men and children, sex and shopping, work and the natural world – has changed down the years.
Out of Character: A Memoir by Alison Steadman
A memoir from the critically acclaimed actor and much-loved star of Gavin and Stacey, Abigail’s Party, and many other films and TV series. With her distinctive warmth and humour, she recalls all the must-read moments of her life.
What I Ate in One Year by Stanley Tucci
Actor and author Stanley Tucci records twelve months of eating, in restaurants, kitchens, film sets, press junkets, at home and abroad, with family, with strangers, and occasionally just by himself.
Picture Books and Early Readers (0-6 years)
The Snowman: The Book of the Classic Film by Raymond Briggs
This board book edition of the classic tale from Raymond Briggs features stunningly rendered new artwork based on the 1982 film, alongside beautifully written story narration. It’s the perfect introduction to the magic of the written word for starry eyed pre-schoolers.
My First Lift-the-Flap Fairy Tales by Ingela P Arrhenius
Introduce little ones to the magic of fairy tales with this large-format board book with bright, beautiful artwork and easy-to-lift card flaps revealing a hidden surprise on every page!
Number Train written by Jonathan Emmett and illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius
Count from one to ten in this vibrant lift-the-flap book! Learn the numbers, enjoy the rhymes and scenes inside each carriage, and play the fun counting game on the reverse. Then push the train-shaped book along on its six moving wheels!
Who’s Jolly? written by Camilla Reid and illustrated by Nila Aye
A fabulously festive animal book with soft felt flaps and a surprise mirror ending – perfect for sharing with babies and toddlers at Christmas. Little children will love lifting the irresistibly soft felt flaps to discover who is the jolliest little person ever!
Paddington in Peru: The Jungle Quest written by Lauren Holowaty and illustrated by Katie Hickey
This autumn sees a hilarious new big-screen adventure for Paddington, in which he returns to Peru. This gift book is packed with beautiful illustrations retelling its story; perfect for those looking to relive the cinema magic at home again and again!
Luna Loves Christmas written by Joseph Coelho and illustrated by Fiona Lumbers
This fourth book in the Luna Loves... series celebrates separated families at Christmas, and the power of giving. This year Luna’s family are volunteering, and Luna can’t wait for them to all be together at the community Christmas dinner!
Pablo and Splash: Frozen in Time by Sheena Dempsey
Time-travelling penguins Pablo and Splash must rescue their friend from the Ice Age in this brilliantly funny, full-colour graphic novel for young readers. A scientific breakthrough and an upbeat approach to life helps save the day! Ideal holiday reading for those getting to grips with longer books, as well as less confident, older readers.
Letters from the North Pole written by Annie Atkins and illustrated by Fia Tobing
Five children from around the world write to Santa Claus with ideas for Christmas gifts and he writes back! Children can pull out and read the letters, and each is accompanied by a blueprint for their gift made by Santa’s elves. A must-have gift for anyone who remembers (or still enjoys) the magic of Allan Ahlberg’s classic The Jolly Christmas Postman and wants to bring that magic to life once again.
Children's Fiction (7-12 years)
Evenfall: The Golden Linnet by Alexander Armstrong
The debut children’s novel from actor, comedian and presenter Alexander Armstrong was one of our Discover First picks for younger readers in 2024. 12-year-old Sam’s world is blown apart when he discovers that his family was once at the heart of a secret society which protected world from an enemy…
The Fairytale Fan Club: Legendary Letters Collected by C.C. Cecily written by Richard Ayoade and illustrated by David Roberts
In this second children’s book from the comedian, actor and director Richard Ayoade, you can read about the real lives of fairy-tale characters in an exclusive collection of letters between curious kids and their fairy-tale idols!
Fia and the Last Snow Deer by Eilish Fisher & Dermot Flynn
A powerful tale set in snowy pre-historic Ireland, about hope, kindness and the power of friendship. Fia and her snow deer Solas have always had an unbreakable connection. But now her village want her to make a great sacrifice…
Maisie vs Antarctica by Jack Jackman
The first book in a brilliant new series which takes you on a non-stop adventure in Antarctica. Filled with humour, heart and a touch of the supernatural, it is perfect for the most intrepid of readers!
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas by Matt Lucas and Forrest Burdett
A hilarious adventure with a big dollop of festive magic, from the comedian and actor. When Leo wishes Christmas would go away, his wish comes true. So he sets out on a mission to get Christmas back…
Me and my Brian by Helen Rutter & Claudia Petrazzi
Josh has always called his brain Brian, and Brian can sometimes be his best friend, but can sometimes be his worst enemy. Can his grandma help? A gently humorous and empathetic tale about family and mental health.
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse by A.F. Steadman
In this fourth book in the bestselling Skandar series, the Island’s unicorns are struck by a terrible curse that threatens to change everything. With a sister hellbent on revenge, nowhere is safe for Skandar. Can he and his friends stop the curse?
The Magic Faraway Tree: A Christmas Adventure by Jacqueline Wilson and Mark Beech
Explore the much-loved Magic Faraway Tree at the most special time of the year. This brand-new story by superstar author Jacqueline Wilson is set in the original world created by Enid Blyton. If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a magical adventure!
Children's Non-Fiction
Atlas of Cats by Frances Evans & Kelsey Heaton (6+)
Get your fill of feline facts in this guide to cats from around the world, with amazing illustrations and claw-some profiles and features! Large continent maps show the origin of 100 fascinating breeds from the ragamuffin to the sphynx.
Happy Days: 365 Facts to Brighten Every Day of the Year written and illustrated by Emily Coxhead (6+)
A wonderfully joyful book bursting with 365 happy facts, from the creator of The Happy News. Including adorable stories of animals and inspiring stories of humanity, it is the perfect gift to enjoy each and every day for years to come.
Let Me Tell You A Joke by Sean Hegarty & Jim Field (5+)
50 side-splitting jokes with hilariously funny pictures that will leave you (and your friends) roaring with laughter! It’s written by Northern Irish stand-up comedian Sean Hegarty, and illustrated in colour by the award-winning Jim Field.
What Are They Feeling? by The School of Life (6+)
This book takes children on an exploration of the feelings of others. We follow Detective Feelings as they look for clues about how someone is feeling through their expression, body language and the situation.
Art-bracadabra by Raphael Garnier (7+)
Highly interactive, this sumptuous book about art includes different elements on every page that children can play with, including a pop-up, wheel, special inks, flaps to lift and different textures to explore.
There’s No Such Thing as a Silly Question by Mike Rampton and Guilherme Karsten (8+)
A brilliantly silly question-and-answer book, fact-checked by world-leading experts from the University of Cambridge. It covers a range of subjects from science, technology, engineering and maths to evolution, zoology, social history and more.
The Cosmic Diary of a Future Space Explorer by Tim Peake and Maz Rambaldi (9+)
A real-life astronaut is here to tell you what it's REALLY like to blast off into space - and everywhere we might travel in the future! Essential for readers who want to discover more about space travel, the universe and our place in it.
Murdle Junior: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds by K.T Garber (9+)
Join four junior sleuths on their daring detective journeys deciphering codes, navigating maps and solving mazes to catch the dastardly culprits of fiendish crimes, in this junior version of the bestselling Murdle.
Young Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction (13+)
Fiction and Poetry
Songlight by Moira Buffini
The first book in a new fantasy series, the Torch Trilogy. Don't be deceived by Northaven's prettiness. Many of its townsfolk are ruthless hunters, who revile those who have developed songlight, the ability to connect telepathically…
Somehow, Somehow by Nyanda Foday
During lockdown, Nyanda was at university. She spent 79 days alone, with deteriorating mental health, trying to study for her degree. This visceral collection of poems explores this unprecedented moment in global history
Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll
A fun young adult romance featuring an autistic heroine. Jasper is back in Lake Pristine for one reason: to say goodbye. But before long small-town tensions start to rise, and Arthur, a brooding film buff, starts to look like a very big reason to stay…
AdelAIDE by Melinda Salisbury
A thriller exposing the dark side of new AI technology. Freya desperately wants to be a famous influencer, like her former best friend, Hye-jin, but her posts flop. Until Freya’s stepdad arrives home with AdelAIDE, a home-assistant robot
Here to Slay by Radhika Sanghani
Kali has a lot to deal with. Her crush doesn’t notice her, her parents love her cousin more, and a family wedding is overshadowing her 16th birthday. So, she really did NOT need a demon appearing in her bedroom…
Non-Fiction
An Illustrated History of Urban Legends by Adam Allsuch Boardman
From the campfire to the digital rumour mill, urban legends have flourished wherever we tell stories. This book will ferry you across a river of uncanny tales, from classic folklore to contemporary urban legend.
Adultish: The Body Image Book for Life by Dr Charlotte Markey
Packed with valuable features like Q&As, myth-busting, real-life stories, and expert advice, this book is a go-to source for discovering the importance of self-acceptance and embarking on a journey towards loving the skin you're in.
100 Immigrants Who Made Britain Great by Louise Steward & Naomi Kenyon
From Hans Holbein to Marie Tussaud, Mary Seacole to Mo Farah, this lively, engaging book celebrates the lives of talented individuals who came to the UK and built a sparkling new life here.
Looking for a gift for a young adult aged 18 or over? They might enjoy something from our general Fiction and Non-Fiction recommendations: look out for this year's publishing sensation, Sally Rooney's Intermezzo, and the latest short story collection from BookTok sensation Mariana Enriquez!
Give a gift beyond words this Christmas
All booklovers love choosing books. Whatever they're into, a National Book Token is the gift that gives them the excitement of choosing a new book, and the pleasure of reading it.
Available in a range of brilliantly booky designs, from bookshops across the UK and Ireland, with personalised, e-gift and monthly subscription options just a click away online, there's a book token for every reader.
Give them a gift beyond words. Give them a National Book Token.
Find out more
Gift cards
There's a book token for every reader
Choose from our range of fabulously festive gift cards: perfect presents for readers of all ages.
Gift cards
Buy and spend in bookshops this December
Hundreds of bookshops in the UK and Ireland sell and redeem National Book Tokens – search now!
Discover
Looking for your next brilliant book?
We've got recommendations for all readers from authors, booksellers, and our book-loving team.
