Gifts for Book Lovers
Paperbacks to get lost in, from literary mysteries to memoirs
- 10 ideas
- £7.99 to £25
- Updated
Book lovers are happy with books, but the trick is to choose one they will not already have. Titles that sell steadily but are not new releases are a good bet, and a mix of fiction and non-fiction covers more tastes.
This list leans towards books people recommend to one another: the cult favourite The Secret History, the fantasy Babel, the romantic comedy Funny Story, a big new novel from Maggie O'Farrell, a Joanne Harris winter story and The Correspondent. For non-fiction there are Swan Song, Agrippa, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, and a Penguin English Library Dorian Gray. Prices were checked on 13 October 2026 and can change.
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The Correspondent
The Correspondent, a novel at under £8 that is easy to give without overthinking.
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The Picture of Dorian Gray (Penguin English Library)
The Picture of Dorian Gray in the Penguin English Library, a classic in a good-looking paperback.
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The Secret History
Donna Tartt's The Secret History, a paperback with a cult following.
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Babel
Babel by R. F. Kuang, a long paperback that mixes fantasy and history.
£10.99 View at Waterstones: Babel -
Funny Story
Funny Story by Emily Henry, a romantic comedy in paperback.
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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, a funny, heartfelt memoir by a therapist.
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Make a list for any occasion, share a link, and let friends claim or split gifts without spoiling the surprise.
Start a list -
Agrippa
Agrippa, a novel by Robert Harris for readers of historical fiction.
£16.99 View at Waterstones: Agrippa -
Sleepers in the Snow
Sleepers in the Snow by Joanne Harris, a winter story that suits the season.
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Swan Song: Diana, My Sister
Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Charles Spencer's book about his sister, for readers who love royal history.
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Make a list for any occasion, share a link, and let friends claim or split gifts without spoiling the surprise.
Start a list -
Land (Exclusive Edition)
Land by Maggie O'Farrell in an exclusive hardback edition, for readers who want a big new novel.
Questions people ask
What is a good gift for a book lover?
A paperback of a book people recommend, such as The Secret History or Funny Story, is a safe choice. A hardback of a new novel feels more like a present.
How do I avoid giving a book they already have?
Choose a book that is not a current bestseller, or one from a sub-genre they like but do not read every week. A Penguin English Library edition is also a good way to give a classic.
Should I give a book as a stocking filler?
Yes, if it is under about £10. The Correspondent, Dorian Gray and the Tartt and Henry paperbacks are all under £11.
More gift ideas
- Gifts for History LoversCastles, queens and a Roman general
- Gifts for CooksCookbooks for weeknights, batch cooking and a Christmas feast
- Gifts for GrandparentsBoxes to pass round, books by the fire and flowers that last
- Secret Santa Gifts Under £10Between £5 and £10, and a notch above a mug
- Gifts for MumChocolate, a good book and a little pampering
- Gifts for Art LoversBricks that look like paintings and books that teach you to draw
Planning to give a few of these?
Put them on a GiftListHuddle list and share a link. Friends and family can claim or split gifts without spoiling the surprise.