With screens dominating our lives more than ever, it’s nice to step back now and then and take pleasure in the written word. Christmas is an ideal time to gift books to a loved one of any age, and here are a few that we think will hit the mark, from pre-schoolers to music fans and plenty in between.
Maptastic! from DK
£22
Maps and mapping of the physical world have fascinated people, old and young, for generations. This beautifully illustrated book, which is perfect for young minds aged from 9 to 13 years, is packed full of facts and fabulous insights from around the world.
Every page uses a map to demonstrate something different, from population density across the globe to where in the world the most meteorites fall to earth. It will keep curious minds engaged and help them to understand a little more about the world around them.
Things Scientists Don’t Know Yet: The Unsolved Mysteries of Science by Peter Gallivan
£17
Kids are always full of impossible-to-answer questions, so if you’ve ever been asked, “How big is the universe?” or “Why do we dream?”, then this is the book that should be on your Christmas shopping list this year.
Written by Peter Gallivan using expertise from the scientific minds at The Royal Institution, Things Scientists Don’t Know Yet unpacks some of the topics that have stumped scientists so far. While the book can’t give definitive answers to those taxing questions, it does give well-written, easy-to-absorb answers aimed at readers between 7 and 9 years old, which are the best estimates from current scientists.
With beautiful illustrations from Daniela Gamba, it could set your youngster off on a path to scientific discovery.
Say What Ewe Sea by Louis Catlett
£8
When the Christmas dinner has been demolished, and you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine, it’s time for the party games to begin. This year, rather than the same old games, how about a few visual puzzles in the vein of that well-loved TV show Catchphrase?
Say What Ewe Sea is one of those puzzle books that will drive you crazy and have you in hysterics in equal measure. Some of the puzzles are more obvious than others, but as they say, if you know, you know.
Excellent fun for all the family, which will keep the competitive spirit alive among the adults long after the kids have gone to bed.
The Jane Austen Insult Guide for Well-bred Women by Emily Reed
£13
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, and as any Austen fan knows, she was the queen of the witty retort. In homage to the literary genius of Ms Austen, Emily Reed has combed her works to find the most cutting of remarks, yet insightful remarks, and groups them under headings that are more appropriate for the 21st century.
From grating house guests to bad dates, Reed has some quips that will, on occasion, leave the recipients unsure if they have been insulted or praised. A fun gift that will delight a Jane Austen fan, and doubtless make you the target for a few wonderfully wordy comments.
You Are Younger Than a Star by Katherine Halligan
£15
You Are Younger Than a Star is a wonderfully illustrated children’s book for ages 5 to 7. It looks at the natural world and how children fit into it by exploring the concepts of size and distance.
Fun and facts are woven into the lyrical journey through the book, which makes comparisons that young children can comprehend, which will not only spark their imagination but also create discussion and broader understanding.
NME The Cover
£160
NME, or New Music Express, has been championing great music since 1952. 2024 saw the launch of the first annual coffee table book, which celebrates all of the most exciting emerging artists of the year.
Following the success of NME The Cover, the second edition has now been released, in time for Christmas. But it’s more than just a book. It’s a collector’s piece that documents the year’s new music across its 300 pages.
A collection of images, unseen photographs and interviews that cover 50 acts from 2024 and 2025, beautifully bound into a coffee table book that will be the pride of any modern music fan.
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