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We know, you know, and they know too – nothing screams last-minute gift-buying quite like an out-of-context book choice. The bad news? If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping by now, time is very much not on your side. The good news is that books can be one of the best gifts going – if chosen wisely. So consider this your cheat sheet to mastering last-minute gifting this festive season.
With the holidays just around the corner, you might be planning to make the most of office closures or “working from home” (read: moving your mouse often enough to stay active on Teams) to catch up on your reading. Or perhaps you’re hunting for a last-minute present for a loved one and turning, as so many of us do, to the comforting embrace of literature’s finest. Either way, you’re in luck. We’re proudly the kind of people who almost exclusively (and very intentionally) gift books – and we’ve got a tip or two to ensure your choice feels thoughtful rather than wildly out of context.
Taking inspiration from the world of pairing menus, Wonderland rounds up eight titles, each served with a little something on the side, to see you through the gifting season. Whether you’re after an escape from family chaos, a sneak peek at what’s bound to be the next screen obsession, or the perfect present for the bookworm in your life, you’ll find exactly what you need below.
Soon-to-be Big Screen Hits
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is the undefeated queen of contemporary romance, and with People We Meet on Vacation being her first title adapted by Netflix coming out on January 2026, starring Emily Bader (My Lady Jane, 2024) as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, 2023) as Alex Nielsen, this Christmas break is the perfect time to dip into Henry’s literary universe or get a refresh on Alex and Poppy before their slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance hits the (little) big screen.
On the side: Lazy Oaf’s It’s Been Emotional Blanket (£100) is made for curling up on the couch and binge-watching rom-coms all winter – wrapped in HAY’s dreamy lavender-and-orange cotton pyjamas (£105) and armed with Shark’s CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Repair Mask (£300) to fight off any crying-induced puffiness.
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
After spending a decade in prison, Millie is finally out and struggling to get back on her feet. In a turn of events that seem to be too good to be true, she ends up working as a live-in housemaid for the illustrious and wealthy Winchester family, but living in a room with a door that only locks from the outside and a window that doesn’t open are just some of the contributing factors for Millie’s uneasy feeling. A thriller to be devoured in one sitting, the film adaptation featuring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney will be hitting UK theatres just before Christmas.
On the side: A nice candle never disappoints. Diptyque’s Santal Sandalwood (£58) scent linger in the background and transport you straight to the lush Winchester mansion. This delectable rose number from Flammes (£85) whisks you off to the Tuileries garden, doubling as décor with its handcrafted porcelain vessel. Looking to gift a friend with an edgy streak? Discotheque’s Lola At Coat Check (£54) is your go-to.
Beautiful Editions that Make the Perfect Gift
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum – MinaLima Edition
Tap into the Wicked mania with a beautiful read that doubles as home décor. Whilst the Wicked novel isn’t exactly family friendly, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz taps into nostalgia and provides entertainment for the entire family. The MinaLima edition features beautiful illustrations in a hardback copy that will be passed down for generations.
On the side: add a sprinkle of Ozian magic to your everyday with these red Carel Mary Janes (£425) – perfect for hitting the yellow brick road or just your daily commute. Or lean into Elphaba’s palette with goodies that pair beautifully together, like this luxe La Mer skincare set (£525) or a sumptuous Tekla blanket (£285).
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen – Little Clothbound Classics Edition
The perfect stocking stuffer for the big or little readers in your life. Penguin’s little clothbound classics make the perfect little gifts, or if you’re feeling generous, go crazy at the bookstore and put together every book lover’s dream bundle. If you have to pick just one, The Snow Queen rounds up Hans Christian Andersen’s best works for the perfect winter warmer.
On the side: if you really want to thrill the book lovers in your life, Byredo’s Bibliothèque (£150) is always a win. Inspire them to linger over its notes and jot down a few thoughts too – paired with this elegant notebook (£70) and a MUJI pen set (£10). What’s not to love?
For the ones looking for escape
Grape Juice by Eliza Dumais
831 Stories is the new kid on the Romance block, but they already seem to be knocking it out of the park. With this title, ditch the winter blues and embark on a Summer escape to wine-producing region of Alsace, in France. Dumais’ experience with food and wine writing bleeds through the pages, in an end product that is rich and romantic, and will leave you with a newfound interest in grape harvest holidays. Please note, dreamy French men with whom you can sneak away with to the vines are not included in most travel packages.
On the side: a trip to a vineyard may sit high on the wish list, but if that’s out of budget, this Sabre set (£57) delivers just the right dose of French apéritif charm. Stay on theme by pairing it with Laetitia Rouget’s tongue-in-cheek “I’m Only Here For The Happy Ending” plate (£60) and a set of funky wine glasses (£22).
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Smith’s memoir should be required reading for any (aspiring) artist. It’s a story about love and loss and art and a prelude to success. Run away to New York City in the 1970s, lounge around the Chelsea hotel and brush shoulders with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol.
On the side: this set of espresso cups (£61) or these towels (£65) from the MoMA Design Store bring just the right hit of artistic inspiration to your morning routine. Prefer to stay local? This Perpetual Postcard Calendar (£40) from the Tate Shop is a failsafe choice.
Words – Julia Novis
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We know, you know, and they know too – nothing screams last-minute gift-buying quite like an out-of-context book choice. The bad news? If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping by now, time is very much not on your side. The good news is that books can be one of the best gifts going – if chosen wisely. So consider this your cheat sheet to mastering last-minute gifting this festive season.
With the holidays just around the corner, you might be planning to make the most of office closures or “working from home” (read: moving your mouse often enough to stay active on Teams) to catch up on your reading. Or perhaps you’re hunting for a last-minute present for a loved one and turning, as so many of us do, to the comforting embrace of literature’s finest. Either way, you’re in luck. We’re proudly the kind of people who almost exclusively (and very intentionally) gift books – and we’ve got a tip or two to ensure your choice feels thoughtful rather than wildly out of context.
Taking inspiration from the world of pairing menus, Wonderland rounds up eight titles, each served with a little something on the side, to see you through the gifting season. Whether you’re after an escape from family chaos, a sneak peek at what’s bound to be the next screen obsession, or the perfect present for the bookworm in your life, you’ll find exactly what you need below.
Soon-to-be Big Screen Hits
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Emily Henry is the undefeated queen of contemporary romance, and with People We Meet on Vacation being her first title adapted by Netflix coming out on January 2026, starring Emily Bader (My Lady Jane, 2024) as Poppy Wright and Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, 2023) as Alex Nielsen, this Christmas break is the perfect time to dip into Henry’s literary universe or get a refresh on Alex and Poppy before their slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance hits the (little) big screen.
On the side: Lazy Oaf’s It’s Been Emotional Blanket (£100) is made for curling up on the couch and binge-watching rom-coms all winter – wrapped in HAY’s dreamy lavender-and-orange cotton pyjamas (£105) and armed with Shark’s CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling & LED Repair Mask (£300) to fight off any crying-induced puffiness.
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden
After spending a decade in prison, Millie is finally out and struggling to get back on her feet. In a turn of events that seem to be too good to be true, she ends up working as a live-in housemaid for the illustrious and wealthy Winchester family, but living in a room with a door that only locks from the outside and a window that doesn’t open are just some of the contributing factors for Millie’s uneasy feeling. A thriller to be devoured in one sitting, the film adaptation featuring Amanda Seyfried and Sydney Sweeney will be hitting UK theatres just before Christmas.
On the side: A nice candle never disappoints. Diptyque’s Santal Sandalwood (£58) scent linger in the background and transport you straight to the lush Winchester mansion. This delectable rose number from Flammes (£85) whisks you off to the Tuileries garden, doubling as décor with its handcrafted porcelain vessel. Looking to gift a friend with an edgy streak? Discotheque’s Lola At Coat Check (£54) is your go-to.
Beautiful Editions that Make the Perfect Gift
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Frank Baum – MinaLima Edition
Tap into the Wicked mania with a beautiful read that doubles as home décor. Whilst the Wicked novel isn’t exactly family friendly, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz taps into nostalgia and provides entertainment for the entire family. The MinaLima edition features beautiful illustrations in a hardback copy that will be passed down for generations.
On the side: add a sprinkle of Ozian magic to your everyday with these red Carel Mary Janes (£425) – perfect for hitting the yellow brick road or just your daily commute. Or lean into Elphaba’s palette with goodies that pair beautifully together, like this luxe La Mer skincare set (£525) or a sumptuous Tekla blanket (£285).
The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen – Little Clothbound Classics Edition
The perfect stocking stuffer for the big or little readers in your life. Penguin’s little clothbound classics make the perfect little gifts, or if you’re feeling generous, go crazy at the bookstore and put together every book lover’s dream bundle. If you have to pick just one, The Snow Queen rounds up Hans Christian Andersen’s best works for the perfect winter warmer.
On the side: if you really want to thrill the book lovers in your life, Byredo’s Bibliothèque (£150) is always a win. Inspire them to linger over its notes and jot down a few thoughts too – paired with this elegant notebook (£70) and a MUJI pen set (£10). What’s not to love?
For the ones looking for escape
Grape Juice by Eliza Dumais
831 Stories is the new kid on the Romance block, but they already seem to be knocking it out of the park. With this title, ditch the winter blues and embark on a Summer escape to wine-producing region of Alsace, in France. Dumais’ experience with food and wine writing bleeds through the pages, in an end product that is rich and romantic, and will leave you with a newfound interest in grape harvest holidays. Please note, dreamy French men with whom you can sneak away with to the vines are not included in most travel packages.
On the side: a trip to a vineyard may sit high on the wish list, but if that’s out of budget, this Sabre set (£57) delivers just the right dose of French apéritif charm. Stay on theme by pairing it with Laetitia Rouget’s tongue-in-cheek “I’m Only Here For The Happy Ending” plate (£60) and a set of funky wine glasses (£22).
Just Kids by Patti Smith
Smith’s memoir should be required reading for any (aspiring) artist. It’s a story about love and loss and art and a prelude to success. Run away to New York City in the 1970s, lounge around the Chelsea hotel and brush shoulders with the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Andy Warhol.
On the side: this set of espresso cups (£61) or these towels (£65) from the MoMA Design Store bring just the right hit of artistic inspiration to your morning routine. Prefer to stay local? This Perpetual Postcard Calendar (£40) from the Tate Shop is a failsafe choice.
Words – Julia Novis
and integrate them seamlessly into the new content without adding new tags. Ensure the new content is fashion-related, written entirely in Japanese, and approximately 1500 words. Conclude with a “結論” section and a well-formatted “よくある質問” section. Avoid including an introduction or a note explaining the process.
