Holiday reads · 6 min read · November 25, 2025

The Christmas tradition you need to start

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

Elevate your festive gifts this year by starting a cosy Christmas Eve tradition inspired by Iceland's Jólabókaflóð – creating a book box with a gifted read, hot chocolate, socks, candles, and a handwritten note. It also includes a 2025 BookTok-style gift guide with popular picks for all ages, from fiction to feel-good non-fiction. The takeaway? Books make thoughtful, relaxing gifts that add a little magic to Christmas Eve.

There's something magical about slowing down on Christmas Eve – the tree lights glowing, hot chocolate in hand, and the quiet excitement of the next morning in the air. You know what'd make it even better?

A Christmas Eve book box. A tradition inspired by Iceland's Jólabókaflóð (Christmas Book Flood), where families gift each other books and spend the night reading. But, BookTok has put its own spin on it: think trending reads wrapped up with hot chocolate, fluffy socks, candles, and a handwritten note. It's wholesome. It's cosy. And honestly? It beats panic-buying socks at 4pm on Christmas Eve (you know who you are).

Let's dive into the ultimate 2025 BookTok-approved book gifting guide – complete with options for adults, teens, and kids.

Big hits

Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series

This one's a real crowd-pleaser. Imagine a group of sharp-witted pensioners solving cold cases from their retirement village – and doing a better job than the police. Everyone and their nan is talking about this series, and for good reason. A great pick for mystery lovers, crime fans, or someone who just wants something genuinely clever to get stuck into over the holidays.

Sarah J. Maas' A Court of Thorns and Roses series

What the kids call Romantasy. There are epic battles, forbidden love, and swoon-worthy characters – everything you'd want from a romance/fantasy novel. If someone on your list is still grieving Game of Thrones or needs a new obsession post-Twilight, this'll hit the spot.

Picking Daisies on Sundays by Ella Cosgrove

This one's like a 2000s romcom wrapped in a paperback. Think meet-cutes, messy relationships, emotional growth, and a lot of heart. If they grew up watching The Holiday or Bridget Jones, this will make them feel like they've stepped right back into that era – with a modern twist.

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

Dan Brown does what Dan Brown does best: high-stakes mystery, ancient secrets, and global conspiracies. This one's perfect for the armchair adventurer. Expect cryptic puzzles, secret societies, and a pace that doesn't let up. Great for fans of The Da Vinci Code or anyone who likes their fiction fast and full of twists.

Young adult (but not just for teens)

Jenny Han's The Summer I Turned Pretty series

You might be obsessed with the series already, and if not, someone you know definitely is. The love triangle between Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah is peak YA drama, and the summer setting makes it feel like a warm breeze in the middle of winter. Whether you're Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah, it's the kind of story that'll have you rooting for love, crying a little, and maybe texting your high school crush.

Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series

Magic, parallel worlds, daemons, and a heroine who doesn't play by anyone's rules. This series, starting with Northern Lights, is pure storytelling gold. It's fantasy with brains, touching on philosophy, science, and what it means to grow up. One of those rare series that hits just as hard for adults as it does for teens.

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For the kids (aka guaranteed quiet time)

Dog Man by Dav Pilkey

From the creator of Captain Underpants comes Dog Man – a part-dog, part-human cop who fights crime and cracks jokes. These books are chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly heartfelt. Perfect for kids who love comics, silly humour, and a good dose of action.

Bonus: they'll actually want to read it.

Kipper's Christmas Eve by Mick Inkpen

A gentle, festive story that's just right for bedtime. It follows Kipper the dog as he prepares for Christmas – and it's as warm and comforting as a hot chocolate. Great for toddlers or young kids who are just starting their book-loving journey.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

A classic for a reason. This story blends whimsy with wisdom and hits different every time you read it, no matter your age. If you want extra brownie points, go for an illustrated or special edition – it's the kind of book that looks good on a shelf and means something. One to be treasured.

Non-Fiction stocking fillers

Eat Yourself Healthy by Jamie Oliver

Look, even though I'll never forgive him for what he did to school lunches (if you know, you know), Jamie does know his way around a kitchen. His books are full of simple, flavour-packed recipes that actually work. A solid gift for someone looking to level up their weeknight dinners or get into cooking without the faff.

The Traitors Quiz Book by Alan Connor

Still talking about that final betrayal? This one's for the die-hard Traitors fans who can't stop guessing who's a faithful. With games, trivia, and quizzes inspired by the show, it's a fun addition to any Christmas gathering – especially if the usual board games cause more drama than the show (I'm talking to you, mum).

When Gavin Met Stacey and Everything in Between by James Corden and Ruth Jones

No Christmas special this year? No worries (I'm not crying, you're crying). This one's packed with behind-the-scenes stories, scripts, and interviews from one of the UK's most-loved comedies. It's nostalgic, hilarious, and full of heart. A brilliant gift for someone who still quotes Nessa on a weekly basis ("Oh").

We'll find your next holiday read

Tell us your favourite book, or where you're going on your next trip, and we'll come up with the perfect holiday read for you.

In Audiobooks Oct 2, 2025

New year, new me

Everyone loves New Year's resolutions, so why not give your friends and loved ones the motivational push they need?

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

Straight-talking, no-fluff advice on how to stop caring about the wrong things. Mark Manson blends real talk with solid life lessons to help you reset your mindset. It's not preachy, just honest. Great for someone looking to start the new year with more clarity (and less stress).

Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn

This one goes deep. Natasha Lunn interviews all sorts of brilliant people, from psychologists to poets, about what love really is. Romantic, platonic, family… it covers it all. A quiet, thoughtful read for anyone reflecting on connection, relationships, or heartbreak.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

One of the best entrepreneurs of all time meets one of the best biographers. This book doesn't sugarcoat anything. It's bold, fascinating, and full of lessons on innovation, risk, and vision. Ideal for anyone starting something new – or just dreaming a bit bigger in 2026.

Buy your favourite book from this list

Any of these books catch your eye? Buy it now on the Waterstones website and get ready for your next getaway.

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Bottom line?

Books make great gifts. They're thoughtful, personal, and don't need batteries. Whether you're filling a Christmas Eve box or just want to give something meaningful, this list covers all bases. And who knows – maybe they'll even let you borrow it after.