10 Best Books for Christmas Gifting


Shutterstock / Roman Samborskyi © Lady holding a book and looking happy beside the Christmas tree for best Christmas books for 2024

There’s little better than unwrapping a brand-new book on Christmas morning. And with the season of giving fast approaching, you might be looking for some present inspiration. Whether they’re into comedy, music or self-care, you’ll find an ideal gift for your loved one among our pick of the best Christmas books for 2024.

10 best Christmas books for 2024:

1. Be Kind by Rosie Nixon

BE Kind front cover, from our selection of best Christmas books for 2024

A small book with a big impact, Be Kind is perfect for someone who needs to read some gentle words. This little gem is packed full of inspirational quotes, tips and pearls of wisdom from a host of celebrities and experts. Flick through the pages to find pick-me-ups from the likes of Katie Piper, June Sarpong, the Duchess of York, Emma Bunton, and many more.

HarperCollins, HB, £9.99


2. Absolute Casserole: A Taskmaster Compendium by Alex Horne and Jack Bernhardt

Absolute Casserole front cover

Written by comedian Alex Horne and Taskmaster statistician and superfan Jack Bernhardt, this is a fantastic collection of the show’s chaos and creativity. Dive into ten years of Taskmaster, including a peek behind the scenes; facts, figures and statistics; comedy moments that weren’t aired; and some of the most unforgettable challenges in Taskmaster history.

Quercus, HB, £20


3. The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama

The Light We Carry front cover

Following her best-selling autobiography, Becoming, Michelle Obama returns with an inspirational volume of reflections and wisdom she has learned throughout her life and career. With humour and kindness, the former First Lady shares thoughts on being a mother, daughter, spouse and friend, as well as discussing tools and habits she has assembled to help her adapt to change in a turbulent world.

Penguin, PB, £12.99


4. The Gavin and Stacey Quiz Book by Joe Shooman

The Gavin & Stacey Quiz Book

There’s nothing quite like a post-Christmas dinner quiz. So split into teams and test your family’s knowledge of the well lush Gavin and Stacey. Based on the hit TV show, this book contains family-friendly challenges, dares and party games ideal for fans and new viewers alike.

Bonnier Books, HB, £12.99


5. Invisible Strings: 113 Poets Respond to the Words of Taylor Swift by Kristie Frederick Daugherty

Invisible Strings front cover

The Swiftie in your life will know All Too Well how important lyrics, poetry, words are – and this lovely collection of poems responding to Taylor’s songs will ensure there’s no Bad Blood between you. Featuring poems by Hollie McNish, Richard Siken, Ilya Kaminsky and Joy Harjo.

Headline, HB, £16.99


6. All You Knit is Love: The Official Beatles Knitting Book by Caroline Smith

All You Knit Is Love front cover

A multi-generational band meets a multi-generational hobby in a perfect combination of music and knitting. Ideal for your crafty friend, this guide to creating knitwear, homeware and accessories contains pieces inspired by the Fab Four imagery and album artwork. Suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced knitters and Beatle fans.

Insight Editions, HB, £27.99


7. I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart

I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You front cover, from our best Christmas books for 2024

Miranda Hart’s memoir-slash-self-help-manual details the last decade in the comedian and writer’s life. There are ups (a love story) and there are downs (unexpected illness), and there are words of advice and practical lessons from various scientists, therapists and sociologists. All wrapped up in Miranda’s warm, soothing sense of humour and relatable manner.

Penguin, HB, £25


8. The Traitors by Alan Connor

The Traitors front cover

If your household has been as hooked as we have on the smash-hit TV mystery show, this book is a post-Christmas dinner must-have. In the twenty standalone games, you can put your sleuthing skills to the test against twists and turns that rival the telly version. Are you 100% Faithful, or a secret Traitor…?

Cornerstone, HB, £20


9. Comfort by Yotam Ottolenghi

Comfort front cover

Your cosiest friend needs the cosiest cookbook, and Comfort comes close. Restaurateur, chef and best-selling food writer Yotam Ottolenghi’s latest offering contains comforting recipes for the likes of pastas, soups, roasts and stews – all with the chef’s signature mouth-watering twists. Celebrate food and home with a book you’ll pass from generation to generation.

Ebury, HB, £30


10. The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

The Third Gilmore Girl front cover

Reflecting on six decades in showbusiness, Kelly Bishop (perhaps best known as the inimitable Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls) tells her story. With wit and wisdom, Bishop talks about her life, from her beginnings in dance, through her enviable career, up until the present day. This is a warm and incisive autobiography from an incredible woman.

Vintage, HB, £20


Prefer fiction books? No problem, take a look at some of the latest releases.