It’s clear that the Rock My community are fans of books as well as blogs. For example, I loved the chat that followed this post about Kindles vs Books, and Charlotte’s post about Mabel’s favourite books prompted me to write a post about the best Christmassy books for kids over on Rock My Family today. So it figures that you may want to treat yourself or your nearest and dearest to one of the following reads.
The {Bookish} Present for the Interiors Lover
One of my favourite Christmas presents last year was a copy of Styled by Emily Henderson. Emily has impeccable taste and I don’t read many other blogs but Styled got me hooked on her blog, her Instagram and her instastories. And as an Ikea hacker I’m dying to have a flick through Upcycling: 20 Creative Projects Made From Reclaimed Materials.
The {Bookish} Present for the Foodie
A brill prezzie for an East London dweller/East London lover, this has got to be the most instagrammable foodie book going. It’s got a super-luxe cover and comes in pink, grey or green, all with gorgeous gold foiling.
The {Bookish} Present for the Jetsetter
If you’re planning on surprising a loved one with a trip this Christmas then a sweet way to announce it might be to give them a destination guidebook like this one or this one. I’ve been meaning to pick up one of the guides from the ‘500 Hidden Secrets Of…’ range ever since reader Annie recommended their Paris book. And then all I’ll need is for someone to whisk me away to Paris.
The {Bookish} Present for the Green Fingered One
Now THIS is the perfect prezzie for my auntie, who has the most beautiful garden. I may not be green fingered or know a good gardening book from Adam, but I’m guessing that a company which specialises in book subscriptions have done their research, and that any keen gardener would appreciate a new book landing on their doormat every month all about how to grow stuff.
The {Bookish} Present for the Newly Engaged Couple
What else to recommend but Rock My Wedding: Your Day Your Way? I think the Rock My whatsapp group went into overdrive when it was launched earlier this year, and excitement levels hit a peak when Charlotte’s book reached #1 in various categories of the Amazon bestseller rankings. I bought a copy for my now sister-in-law, and I bet my best mate who’s engaged can guess what will be waiting for her under the Christmas tree.
Whilst I’m here, I may as well talk about the books that I’m hoping to find under my Christmas tree. I’m currently reading The Book of Dust and I’m happy to say that it’s just as magical as the trilogy that inspired Rich and I to call our little girl Lyra. But when I’ve finished that, I’d love to get stuck into Tin Man, The Burning Girl and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness.
Have you got any of the books above, or given them as gifts?
Which books are you hoping to find stuffed in your stocking?
Have you bought any good ‘uns recently that the team and other readers need to know about?
Ah the Book of Dust is sooo good! These are all great recommendations. I’m a big fan of book subscriptions too, many months of literary surprises in the post (check out The Beautiful Book Company for some inspo!) xxx
Have you finished Book of Dust Emily? I’m dreading that day! 😂
I love Beautiful Book Company, so many thoughtful gift ideas x
I am so stuck in a fiction rut! But I have turned to nature writing and non fiction instead. Saw John Lewis Stemple’s Meadowland on IG and got it for Christmas last year- it’s magical, and the seasonal structure makes it the perfect gift as the year turns. I’ve also read a couple of Robert Macfarlanes and am hoping for more.
I’m going to get a copy of the RMW book for my engaged sister in law, but as she’s expecting too I’m going to add a copy of Insta midwife Clemmie Hooper’s great How to Have a Baby (and Push it Out) which is hilarious and helpful in equal measure.
And, should anyone be looking for books about the ancient world, may I plug my own? Gorgeously illustrated, reasonably priced, and a fascinating first step into the Tuscan past: http://www.reaktionbooks.co.uk/display.asp?ISB=9781780238326&m=28&dc=993
Hee hee please plug away Lucy S, I feel like I’m talking to a celebrity right now!
I bought The Children’s Book on your recommendation and it’s next on my list after the Book of Dust.
What a lovely parcel to put together for your sister in law. Also a big fan of Clemmie here x
Great recommendations, this is so timely as I was just making a list yesterday of books that I want to get people. I am such a bookworm and this year I have decided that everyone is going to receive a book as part of their Christmas pressie this year! I am thinking of doing the 4 gift rule (Want, need, wear and read) I think they are such a special gift to receive too. Adventures of a Young Naturalist by David Attenborough will definitely be making its way under the tree x
YES to everything you’ve just said Sarah T. I can think of so many people in my family that would love a copy of Adventures of a Young Naturalist – fab recommendation x
A beautiful book (with a lovely cover too) that I read this summer and have loaned out to so many girlfriends, who all adore it too, is ‘The Keeper of Lost Things’. A gorgeous story, would make a lovely gift: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Keeper-Lost-Things-word-mouth/dp/1473635489/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510225816&sr=8-1&keywords=the+keeper+of+lost+things
I also very nearly picked last weekend, up as a present to myself, a beautiful edition of Murder on the Orient Express – it was in Waterstones and had a shimmering front cover, presumably special edition released ahead of the film.
Our book group includes the prettiness of a cover in our overall points scoring of how much we enjoyed the book. Bit shallow but we’re a marketeers dream – nothing like a pretty book cover (or wine label!) to get us purchasing!
Nicola I am currently reading The Keeper of Lost Things and I’m loving it. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds. x
The Keeper of Lost Things looks beaut. Thank you, it’s another for my list!
Totally with you on being a sucker for marketing! x
I’ve basically added all of these to my Amazon wishlist… not sure that was the idea but I am sure my friends and family will appreciate all of the beautiful recommendations, haha. We are hoping to move house early next year so I’m now particularly lusting after the interiors ones.
I also read Keeper of Lost Things recently and 100% recommend Nicola’s suggestion that it would make a good gift. Lovely story and beautiful cover xx
You probably need this as well then too Emma:
http://amzn.to/2houvTf
xx
Well this definitely inspired me to get looking for some new reads, and what perfect timing with amazons 3 for £10 offer… you’re welcome haha! Despite being a major book nerd myself I’ve never really considered books as gifts for others, I’ll be sure to let my friends and family know they have your lovely selves to thank!!
They’re welcome! 😉
I am listening to NORTHERN LIGHTS right now at bedtime and when i saw you mention your daughter Lyra in an eaRlier blog post i wondered if they were one and the same. What a magical connection!
Ahh, Jen, hope you’re enjoying it! x