Books make wonderful presents for so many reasons! Not only is it a brilliant excuse to browse around a book shop, you can show someone you’ve really considered their interests and personality, current life situation and aspirations, by giving them a book chosen just for them. A book won’t cost the earth, but it will be one of the most memorable presents you can give a friend or family member…much more so if you write a personal note on the inside.
To give you some ideas the lovely team from Literally PR have helped me choose a list that has something for everyone. As part of our #EarlyAdvent competition series, they are also very kindly giving one lucky reader the chance to win a bundle of all these books in time for Christmas so don’t forget to check out the giveaway at the end.
For the History buff…
Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor
Drawn From History is a cartoon journey through Britain’s past. Cartoonist James Mellor traces the story of Britain from the end of the Ice Age to the dawn of the Twenty-First Century and captures a selection of the nation’s most significant episodes (and some of the other, slightly less significant happenings) with a humorous sideways slant.
Perfect for: Anyone even vaguely interested in history, particularly those with a sense of humour and a penchant for cartoons is helpful but not required!
Surprising suitable for: GCSE and A Level History Students seeking respite from the rather more serious tomes of required reading!
For the Romantic…
Love Spells by Marianne Vicelich
Love Spells is for those of us in love, soulmates, those looking for a deeper level of love and understanding in a relationship, those seeking a romantic relationship, and relationships that are challenged and vulnerable. It provides inspirational advice, insight and guidance for individuals and couples from a spiritual and psychological background. It explores the yin and yang of deeper love, feng shui for love, suggestions of emotive and meaningful gifts of love, practical steps to take to make your love last, and a collection of spells and practical exercises to help the reader focus on issues such as fidelity, healing an argument, and spicing up a love life.
Perfect for: Your best female friend or sister.
Surprising suitable for: Those interested in spirituality, astrology, and believes in fate and choice, destiny and… feng shui!
For your Mum / Auntie / Grown-Up Daughter…
My Mother, My Daughter, My Self by Dr Jane Goldberg
Dr. Goldberg waited until her mid-forties before she experienced motherhood and along with the passionate bond that she formed with her daughter there came a professional curiosity: why is this relationship so fundamental? The author uses her own experiences as a daughter, as a mother of a newly-adopted baby, and as a psychoanalyst to explore an essential truth: that our relationships with our mothers affect our other significant love relationships, our values, our self-esteem, and our sense of satisfaction, often throughout the whole of our lives. She also uses the experiences of some of her patients, taken from her forty years as a practicing clinician, to provide further fascinating insights and illustration.
The book addresses the complicated nature of mother daughter relationships by acknowledging the oxymoronic nature of the relationship as both parties are simultaneously seeking individuality and closeness. The book is about maintaining intimacy with both closeness and separateness: we want both; we need both.
Perfect for: Anyone questioning their role as mother and daughter, and for women who are raising a daughter.
Surprisingly suitable for: Any woman going through a difficult emotional time with her mother such as illness (and being a carer) or bereavement.
For the food intolerant person in your life…
Food Intolerance Solutions by Mary Roe
This is a fabulous book for anyone affected by chronic food intolerance issues. More than 6% of children have a proven food allergy (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2011) and the number of diagnoses are increasing. Mary specialises in working with children with behavioural problems as well as food intolerances. She has many years of experience working with people of all ages, of course, and is keen to share her experience and research findings with a wider audience. The book provides all the information you need to know to understand food intolerance problems and offers actionable, practical, proven advice about how to solve them.
Perfect for: Anyone who suspects a food intolerance or has recently been diagnosed.
Surprisingly suitable for: Parents of children who have not been diagnosed but would like support for symptoms such as ADHD and other behavioural problems.
For the Fashionista…
Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones for Cancer Research UK
Caroline Jones’ Mum, Mary (72), passed away in October 2014 after a brave battle with breast cancer. A couple of months later, on New Year’s Eve, Caroline had an idea that would lead to her raising more than £60,000 for Cancer Research UK (and counting!). Every day in 2015 Caroline put together a fabulous outfit from pre-loved items sold in Cancer Research UK shops. Despite grieving for the loss of her dear Mum, Caroline got up every day and had her photograph taken to share on social media. She quickly amassed thousands of followers, thousands of pounds in donations, and become the solo fundraising success story of 2015. The book launched in May 2016 and has been growing in popularity ever since. The frugal fashionista has an incredible eye for pick n’ mix styling, and a passion for pre-loved shoes, jewellery, hats, and clothes. Caroline’s innate sense of style and her tendency to successfully bend the sartorial rules, mean this book will inspire you to embrace the endless possibilities of pre-loved clothes.
Perfect for: Those touched by cancer in any way – the perfect, thoughtful gift to support an incredibly important charity.
Surprisingly suitable for: Fashion-mad shopping fans who may not usually buy pre-loved.
Win all 5 Books for Christmas:
To help you get ahead on the Christmas shopping we have a bundle of all five of these books to give away to one lucky reader. To be in with a chance of winning leave us a comment sharing which one of these books you’d like to give this Christmas and to whom. Then just record your entry in the Rafflecopter widget below along with any additional entries you’d like to make.
The giveaway will run until Tuesday 15th November 2016 and is open to UK residents only.
Don’t forget to check out our other #EarlyAdvent giveaways daily throughout November.
cheryl hadfield says
I would love to win the History Buff book my husband
Tracy K Nixon says
I would love to give my sister ‘Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones for Cancer Research UK ‘
emma walters says
my son has taken a real interest in history and would love the cartoon book
clair downham says
for your mum auntie grownup daughter for my mum
ElizM says
The Knickers Model’s Own for my teenage daughter
laura stewart says
for my daughter she would like The Knickers Model’s Own
Simon Tutthill says
My dad would love the history buff book
Marycarol says
I’d love the Drawn from History book for my brother who hasn’t been very well this year but loves his history and reading too x
Emily says
It would be Food Intolerance Solutions for my best friend, who’s struggling with her health – would be interesting to see if food is part of it as some foods affect her really badly!
Sophie Lockley says
I would love to give my mum the Food Intolerance book as she really struggles with her diet and finding foods that agree with her!
amy says
id love the Love Spells by Marianne Vicelich for my mum shes such a romantic!
Jo Hutchinson says
The Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor I would give this to my best friend she loves history and the past.
Annabel Greaves says
I would keep the fashionista book for myself – I would love to revamp my style xx
Wendy Becker says
All of them to our grandson
ValB says
Food Intolerance Solutions by Mary Roe would be great for both my daughter and myself to read as we both have food intolerances and always on the lookout for advice
John says
Drawn from History for my son he would love it
Annmarie says
i would love the history book for myself! And the Love Spells for my sister
Fiona says
To my nieces as they love reading
Allan Wilson says
Drawn from history for my brother in law.
laura says
the history buff for my hubby as he loves all that stuff
Susan Smith says
Would like to win The Love Spells for my sister
Kristy says
Food Intolerance Solutions by Mary Roe would by ideal for my lovely work colleague who has many intolerances
Karen Barrett says
Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor for my husband, but I think I would enjoy it just as much as he would! 🙂
Sharon stanley (@Shandy2008) says
I would love to give the Drawn from History to my eldest daughter. She loves history and has chosen it as one of her options. The cartoon appeal makes it easier to absorb the information.
Jim says
Drawn From History for the daughter that adores learning through pictures
Simone says
Drawn From History – I’d give this to my BF as he’s starting to get into comic drawing 😀
Jo Jones says
Drawn From History for my history mad brother
Stephanie says
My whole family would live this! There is something for everyone
Katrina Fox says
I would give the food intolerance book to my friend whose children have developed allergies and she’s really feeling the pressure. Anything to make her life easier <3 x
Beky Austerberry says
My son would love the history one
Catherine says
I would love to win the food intorlance book (i have some intorances) and i would give it to my bf as he does all the cooking in our house haha
melanie stirling says
The drawn from history book for my son,he loves history and comedy so this would be ideal.
Samantha O'D says
Drawn from history looks great
Amy Dugdale says
Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor- to my fiancee
Louise says
I would give drawn from history to my brother
Caroline H says
I’d love to give my friend (I won’t name and shame!) ‘Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones. Her house is bursting at the seams with clothes and she won’t stop buying them!
Nigel Rummey says
Love Spells by Marianne Vicelich for my partner
sarah rees says
drawn from history
Solange says
The Knickers Model’s Own for my daughter
Jo Carroll says
Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones for my lovely teenage fashion & charity concious neice 😉
Lorraine Stone says
Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor ~ for my Dad.
leanne weir says
I’d love the Drawn from History book for my son
jodie harvey says
Drawn From History for my eldest son, hes a huge history fan!
Leanne Newsome says
I’d give my nephew the Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor book because he loves history
Rich Tyler says
History 1 for my boy 🙂
Emma says
The History Buff for my sister! 🙂
Stephanie Green says
Would love The History Buff for myself.
shaz wilkes says
my daughter loves history and with her exams coming up the Drawn from History book would be perfect for her.
Linda C says
Fantastic prize, we all love books, would love Love Spells for my daughter
Stevie says
I’d like to pick the Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor for my 8 year old nephew.
Jackie ONeill says
Drawn From History and I would give to my history mad nephew
Tracy Gladman says
Drawn from History for my daughter – for her GCSE History course.
Mary N says
I love this for my teenage daughter Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones for Cancer Research UK
Lynda Sanderson says
The Food Intolerance for my daughter who is unable to have Dairy, and various other foods. She deserves a good Christmas
helen tovell says
The history one for my daughter as it is one of her favourite subjects
Lesley Walsh says
Food Intolerance book for my niece
Susie Wilkinson says
I’d love to give Drawn From History to my partner, he loves history, but as a dyslexic, he struggles to read full books.
Harriet says
Food intolerance book for my nephew.
Tammy Stevenson says
I would choose Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones for Cancer Research UK for my sister. I think she would love this
Matt McAndrew says
Drawn From History for my brother, Finn, who is currently enduring his GCSE years.
Joanna Ford says
I would like – Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor. I would give it to my partner as he loves books that are a bit different and he enjoys learning about history.
emilia nastaly-howard says
My Mother, My Daughter, My Self by Dr Jane Goldberg to my mum 🙂
Thomas Buchanan says
My partner susan the food intolerance book, she has lots of intolerance.
Eileen Tingle says
L would like to give Drawn From History to my brother-in-law.
Kat Allinson says
I’d like to give Drawn from History to my husband
Lisa Wilkinson says
My mum loves history so I would give her Drawn From History
Rebecca C says
I’d love to give the Food Intolerance book to my mum to help her manage her gluten intolerance
Sheena W says
For the fashionista would be a gift to myself!!
Ruth Harwood says
The history book would be perfect for my mum xx
claire woods says
For the Fashionista for my sister in law, as she loves clothes.
aj says
my son would love the history buff book
Sally Collingwood says
I think my 14 year old grandson Jake wouyld really like Drawn From History , he would find it both interesting and amuisng.
Diana says
Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones for Cancer Research UK for my sister in law
leanne weir says
I would love to give my friend ‘Knickers Model’s Own: A Year of Frugal Fashion by Caroline Jones
donna l jones says
The Knickers Model’s Own for my eldest granddaughter
Lauren Old says
I would give my mum the Food Intolerance solutions book as she is gluten free
Anthea Holloway says
I would love to give My Mother, My Daughter, My Self to my daughter – helping us to understand each other even more hopefully!
hannah brooker says
I would love the book for intolerances because myself and family have a fair few between us!
Natalie White says
Love Spells by Marianne Vicelich for my best friend!
esme mccrubb says
the drawn from history book would be great for my bro in law
Julie Henderson says
Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellorb for my fab father
Charmian Filewood says
Food Intolerance Solutions by Mary Roe for our daughter, shes away at uni but seems to be having a lot of stomach problems so anything to try and help her out there
Rebecca Howells (@PeanutHog) says
I’d give it to my mum. She deserves it.
lara latchem says
Drawn From History: A Cartoon Journey Through Britain’s Past by James Mellor for my hubby who loves his history so be perfect gift for him
RACHEL JONES says
My mother and sister would adore these books
sion gibby says
the cartoon book on history would be great for my 9 yr old and 6 yr old kids – especially as history is the only topic in school that gets more difficult each year that passes by………;)
Kate Knight says
Love Spells by Marianne Vicelich for my mum
Sheri Darby says
My son would love Drawn from History
carol boffey says
Drawn from history
Samantha Fernley says
The Drawn from History book for my stepson who is really into history.
Hekna says
I would like to gift the Drawn From History book to a friend of mine at work who has been in the UK for a few years now and really loves history but hasn’t had the opportunity to learn as much as she’d like about the UK.
Lucy Chester says
My son would love the The Drawn from History book
natalee gosiewski says
Food Intolerance Solutions by Mary Roe because me mum sister and daughter all have this problem
LEE HARDY says
Love spells for my wife .
olivia Kirby says
The history one for my son, he’d find that interesting
Karen Howden says
History for my Mum, Healthy Eating for my sister, Romantic for my other sister
Natalie Crossan says
My daughter is a book buff 😀
Dale Dow says
My Mother, My daughter myself for my Mum, she would love it
Melanie Burton says
I would LOVE the food intolerant book for my brother as he suffers with Chrohns disease and struggles to know what to eat to control his suffering!
maria blythin says
my daughter has chrohns so it would be the food intolerance book xx
Denielle Nicol says
I would pick a Food Intolerance Solutions for my friend and carer who has loads of problems with this and it would be really nice to try to help them out
claire little says
I’d love to give the love spells book to my best friend
Adrian Bold says
This Was a Man by Jeffrey Archer for my Mum who loves his books.
Tom Morrison says
Food intolerance solutions is the book I’d give