What I'd Gift

Christmas is here, and with it the act of giving gifts to your nearest and dearest.

Buying gifts and wrapping them up is one of my favourite festive activities - usually accompanied by a glass of wine and a cheesy playlist. I find it fun, and I find it fulfilling. There is something warming about giving gifts to the people you care about, and even more so when you take the time to carefully select the right wrapping and ribbon.

Every year, I buy at least two books to gift but not much more than that. Not many of the people in my life read much (if at all), and I worry that gifting books places an unwanted expectation upon the receiver. I would not want the reader to feel they have to read something, and read it within a certain timeframe whilst they are busy juggling everything else.

However, the good thing about gifting books is that they are not perishable goods and they do not take up too much space. It does not matter to me if it takes a year to get it off of your TBR (to be read) pile, or if it turns out to not be your thing ... it is the thought that counts, right?

This year, my Nan and my sister both requested a particular book each for Christmas which makes the gift giving process easier. I have not had to overthink it and worry about pressuring them into a book club that consists of two members. Whilst this is convenient during this chaotic season, it does take away a tiny dose of the creative fun.

So, I thought to make up for this I would share with you the books I would gift this year if I could.

Gifting books is a little different to recommendations. When I think about what books I want to gift, I think about how those books have made me feel and if that feeling is something I wish to share. This tends to focus more on the fun, escapist, and wholesome reads on my bookshelf rather than the challenging ones. My day-to-day recommendations often are those that tackle difficult topics and leave one feeling like they have had a perspective-changing episode - the ones everyone should read at some point. There is plenty of opportunity for these, but at this time of the year let us think about bright settings, charismatic characters, and gripping storylines.

If I could gift some books this Christmas, these would be my top picks:

• 'The Bandit Queens' by Parini Shroff

• 'The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida' by Shehan Karunatilaka

• 'Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow' by Gabrielle Zevin

• 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke

• 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell

• 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller

• 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt

Putting this list together was really difficult! I stared at my bookshelf for a while and worried I would have to put them all on here. It always amazes me how much some of these reads hold my heart and my joy. I hope this tiny list will offer you some inspiration.

Whether gifting for others, or gifting to yourself, I do not doubt that any one of these will capture your imagination and transport you into the heart of exception storytelling.

Is there a book you want to gift? Feel free to add a comment to share with others.