Antonia~ My Christmas Gift Guide Recommendations
Giving the gift of a book is a delight. You are presenting someone with a chance to escape into a magical world or increase their knowledge of a subject they enjoy. A book is multidimensional, providing support; friendship; joy, and wonder.
I always enjoy giving books to friends and family, yet I am aware there is sometimes too much choice, making it hard to decide which gifts to give. I have compiled a few of my favourites below which I hope helps you choose the right gifts this festive season. I have separated these into the following categories (specifying suitability for children’s ages) Classics, History, Fiction, Poetry, Food & Drink, and Humour.
Classics
At this time of year, a classic can provide comfort or expand our knowledge. Sometimes a classic can spark a great love of literature, whether you read as a family or by yourself in bed. For me, these three books provide joy as well as happiness and I find myself always turning to them during the festive period.
A Christmas Carol
It would be wrong not to include a festive classic and for me, A Christmas Carol is my favourite. It teaches readers to understand and be grateful for what they have, whether that be love, family, or a roof over their head. This book is perfect to read solo or as a family, as a child, I enjoyed reading this with my younger siblings.
The Hobbit & Lord Of The Rings
This collection is one I always enjoy re-reading, journeying through middle earth with fantasy, excitement, and quests this collection is perfect for those who enjoy mythical tales. For younger readers who are not quite ready for the Hobbit or those who enjoy fantastic artwork, I would recommend the Graphic Novel. It is a great introduction to Tolkien’s Universe and a wonderful addition to every fan’s bookcase.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
“Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents” Grumbled Jo…. “We’ve got Father and Mother, and each other,” said Beth.
This tale takes you on an adventure of four sisters who all follow their own paths in life, writing a book, becoming a mother, seeing the greatness in life, and going to art school. It is a beautiful story that reflects on how life can have more than one path. I recommend this book for anyone aged 8+ years.
History
As an Archaeology student in a past life, I still enjoy reading lots of non-fiction works. I have included below a variety of books from different eras of history which would make wonderful gifts.
Square Haunting
This book is ideal for fans of Virginia Woolf, Dorothy L Sayers, Jane Harrison, and Eileen Power. Exploring the lives of five female writers through letters this group biography shows female careers in a new light, showing the people behind the stories. This book is inspirational and will stay with the reader long after the last page has turned.
Storyland: A New Mythology of Britain
We live in a beautiful country with a rich history and this book celebrates this through retelling medieval tales of legend and landscape. Visiting known prehistoric landscapes such as Stonehenge and Orkney this book is perfect to gift those with a love of the history of the UK and enjoyment of its myths. I found myself travelling back in time with every page, wanting to read slower to savour every word. This book truly is a time capsule.
River Kings: The Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads
If you have an archaeologist enthusiast on the gift list, then this book is for you. Examining the paths of Vikings using forensic techniques this story reflects the journey Vikings took ON British soil. Focusing on the role of women and children Jarman offers a new perspective on the lives of Viking culture. Using radiocarbon dating and other methodology this book takes you on a journey into the exciting world of archaeology.
Fiction
To delve into the world of fiction is magical and exciting. I often find myself turning to fiction to discover or travel back in time. Gifting fiction can be daunting with so many good books to choose from. Here are a few I have enjoyed this past year.
Piranesi
If you would like a book that is out of the ordinary, has unexpecting twists and turns, and excitement then this book might be for you. With crime and a psychological twist, this book is ideal for those wanting something different presented this season.
If you would like an in-depth review, please see my earlier blog post here.
A Musical Offering
This beautiful translation takes you on a journey through the history of music. Using a variety of historical timelines, the reader begins to feel the inspirational effects music can have even in the darkest periods of history.
The Women of Troy
After having read Silence of the Girls I was very excited to read Pat Barker’s new book as she tells the story of women in Ancient History who have been overlooked or ignored in favour of their exciting male counterparts. This fantastic book takes you back to the ancient world filled with battle and mystery.
Poetry
Poetry is beautiful, lyrical, and imaginative. You can lose yourself in the lines created for a short while. I turned to poetry at a young age for comfort. My favourite poem was ‘Not-So-Hot-Dog’ by Spike Milligan. It made me laugh and years later I now have a sausage dog who likes to steal sausages given the chance. Poetry can be whatever you need it to be, a source of joy or comfort. I hope these choices will help you when choosing a poetry gift.
The Poetry Pharmacy/ Poetry Pharmacy Returns
This book provides a poem for every feeling, stress, anxiety, and news overload for example. Sometimes poetry can provide a source of comfort or enjoyment and this series includes a variety of poems that make a kind gift for those who have had a stressful year and are in need of some comfort.
A Poet for Every Day Of The Year
Allie Esiri has compiled a collection of poems in which she provides a short paragraph providing information about the poem and its history. I enjoy reading this collection every morning, discovering a new poem, and reading its history. It truly is my favourite part of my morning routine. This collection would be the gift that keeps on giving, 365 days a year.
Beowulf
This medieval poem has many translations, by Seamus Heaney and J RR Tolkien are the classics but the latest by Maria Dahvanna Headley is a wonderful new translation labelled ‘a new feminist translation’. This translation brings characters such as Grendel’s mother more to the forefront. If you would like to introduce your child to this epic poem, I would recommend Michael Morpurgo’s translation, which includes fantastic illustrations. The perfect tale of adventure that family and friends can enjoy.
Food & Drink
One of my favourite parts of Christmas is the food and normally I make a Christmas cake, starting in October and ‘feeding’ all the way through to December. For this, I always use my Delia Smith cookbook that my mother uses also. I rely on cookery books for most of my cooking, enjoying not only the recipes but the snippets they include about their lives.
A Cook’s Book
This is the latest cookbook from Nigel Slater, filled with incredible photographs and the stories of his life this book is a love story of cooking and family. Filled to the brim with recipes this book is not only nourishment for your stomach this is food for your soul.
Eating to Extinction
If you are in need of a gift for someone who is interested in the history of food and what we are on the cusp of losing right now in our ecosystem, then this book is for you. Captivating and exciting, these stories journey through time to the present-day exploring foods around the world that are at risk of extinction. This is a great book for the food environmentalist in your life.
One Pot, Pan, Planet
This book is perfect for students or those with busy lives who need delicious meals without all the dishes. Filled with practical advice and nutritious meals this book is ideal for those who need some inspiration in the kitchen.
Humour
Sometimes I am in need of something uplifting and joyful to read. Below I have listed a few classics and new favourites which may brighten your gift list.
Cold Comfort Farm
This humorous tale transports you to the rural British countryside into the world of a farm in Sussex. With whit, charm, and attention to detail, this book is a lovely book to read by the fire. This classic truly deserves its place on your gift list this festive season.
The Importance of Being Interested Adventures in Scientific Curiosity
This book is witty and filled to the brim with interviews from people from all walks of life. Ince explores the world of science and brings the reader to burst with scientific curiosity. I found this book very enjoyable and made the scientific community appear less distant and difficult through the journey you take.
My Sister the Serial Killer
I have not had a book that made me laugh this hard in a long time… And I don’t know what it says about me but my goodness, this book left me in stitches. Following two sisters, Korede is a nurse, very clean and efficient. Her sister Ayoola keeps killing her boyfriends and is now dating a doctor Korede has feelings for. If you are in need of a brilliantly written story with a dark storyline but humour at every turn then this book should be on your gift list.
I hope this selection of books helps you choose your gifts this festive season. Keep your eyes peeled for more gift recommendations in the weeks to come over on our social media or here on our blog page. Request a copy here.
Take care and seasons greetings.