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16 personalised gift recommendations from Vintage

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16 personalised gift recommendations from Vintage

From inspiring memoirs to escapist fantasy, find the perfect book to make your loved ones' holidays merry and bright.

Why not gift a world of wonder this holiday season? Books are the ultimate present, offering a delightful mix of escape, entertainment and enlightenment. Whether your loved ones are passionate about their pets, in search of cosy tales or in the mood for brain-teasing puzzles, there's a book that will make their Christmas morning truly magical.

Tailored to individual tastes and interests, books show you care in a deeply personal way. Explore our hand-picked selection of book recommendations and see why books are the gifts that keep on giving.

For the Gilmore Girls re-watcher

The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

Beloved actress Kelly Bishop, best known for her iconic role as Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, offers us a heartfelt memoir that spans six decades in the entertainment industry. From winning a Tony Award in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her unforgettable performance in Dirty Dancing, Bishop's life is a tapestry of landmark achievements. This memoir is filled with witty insights, personal photographs and life lessons, making it the perfect gift for fans of cosy television and theatre alike.

For the curious mind

You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here by Dr Benji Waterhouse

Unlock the doors to the psych ward with NHS psychiatrist Dr Benji Waterhouse in this eye-opening account of psychiatry. You Don't Have to Be Mad to Work Here explores the complexities of mental health, seeking to explain why anyone would choose this challenging field and how patients receive care amid staff shortages and limited resources. With stories that range from the bizarre to the deeply moving, this book is perfect for readers unafraid of a little dark humour.

For the cat lover

Mornings with My Cat Mii by Mayumi Inaba

Celebrate the unbreakable bond between humans and their feline companions with Mornings with My Cat Mii. This beloved Japanese modern classic, translated into English for the first time, chronicles the twenty-year relationship between Mayumi Inaba and her rescued cat, Mii. Through the seasons and the ups and downs of life, Mii remains a constant source of joy and companionship. This heartwarming tale is perfect for anyone who has ever been touched by the love of a pet.

For the pop music fan

A Thousand Threads by Neneh Cherry

Listeners of Neneh Cherry will love to find this deeply personal memoir that captures the highs and lows of fame, family and artistry under their tree. From her extraordinary childhood to her unforgettable debut on Top of the Pops and the joys of motherhood, Cherry's story is a testament to resilience and creativity. This book is an ideal gift for music and art lovers, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life of an iconic artist.

For the dog devotee

Sophie from Romania by Rory Cellan-Jones

After the loss of their beloved Collie cross, BBC journalist Rory Cellan-Jones and his wife Diane welcome Sophie into their home just before Christmas. This touching story follows Sophie's battles with anxiety and her gradual adjustment to her new life, all while Rory navigates his Parkinson's disease. Perfect for dog lovers, this book is a tribute to the transformative power of love and patience in the world of rescue animals.

For the chronically online

The Visual Detox by Marine Tanguy

Ever feel like your eyes need a holiday? In The Visual Detox art expert Marine Tanguy reveals how the images we consume daily shape our well-being. Tanguy offers tools to help you think critically about visual content, combat information overload, and engage more meaningfully with the art and media around you. Learn your visual thinking style, decode hidden messages in popular culture, and create soothing spaces that enhance your peace of mind. This handy guide will help you reclaim your focus and sense of wonder, making it the perfect gift for anyone looking to declutter their visual world.

For the time-poor cook

The Quick Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer

For the foodie on your list with limited time in the kitchen, we’ve got just the pick. From the master of maximum flavour with minimal mess come 75 all-in-one tin recipes that take no more than 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes in the oven. Rukmini Iyer takes the pressure off dinner, making food delicious and easy this winter with The Quick Roasting Tin.

The perfect read for Dad

Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare

Dive into the life of the man behind James Bond with Ian Fleming by Nicholas Shakespeare. This definitive biography explores Fleming's mysterious life, from his ambitious childhood to his career in Naval Intelligence, which inspired his iconic creation, 007. Shakespeare uncovers new material that sheds light on Fleming's personal experiences and dramatic moments in world history. Perfect for fans of espionage and literary history, this book offers a riveting look at the life of a man whose imagination continues to captivate readers and moviegoers alike.

For the bird watcher

The Starling by Stephen Moss

Discover the hidden talents of one of nature’s most brilliant performers in The Starling. This captivating biography explores the fascinating lives of starlings, from their iridescent plumage to their magical ability to mimic sounds. Learn how these common garden birds have influenced agriculture, inspired artists like Mozart and Shakespeare, and impacted ecosystems worldwide. With beautiful illustrations and expert guides to the UK’s most magnificent murmurations, this book is perfect for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts who want to see the world through a new lens.

For the escapist fantasy reader

The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Something devilish is afoot in the quiet Welsh village of Penhelyg. After a grave mistake, Dr Henry Talbot takes a position in this remote village, only to find himself entangled in a web of myth, magic and mystery. When he discovers his predecessor died under mysterious circumstances, Henry teams up with the enigmatic Linette Tresilian to uncover the village’s dark secrets. Perfect for fans of gothic mysteries and supernatural thrillers, this book from the bestselling author of Pandora will keep readers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the arcane clues.

For fans of weird girl fiction

McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh

In 1851, somewhere in the Indian Ocean, McGlue wakes up in the hold of a ship, too drunk to remember his name or the bloody deed he may have committed. As the ship sails home to Salem, Massachusetts, McGlue grapples with intolerable memories and reluctant sobriety. Perfect for fans of literary fiction and dark, introspective tales, this book offers a gripping journey into the mind of a heartless blackguard.

For the puzzle lover

Think Twice by Alex Bellos

Ready to twist your brain into knots? Think Twice by Alex Bellos features 70 confounding puzzles that are guaranteed to catch you and your friends off guard. Bellos delights in tripping you up and then explaining the biases that lead you astray. Perfect for puzzle enthusiasts and anyone who loves a mental workout, this book makes a great stocking-filler or family game for Christmas Day. Pit yourself against these brainteasers or play quiz master to friends and family – either way, you’re in for a mind-boggling treat!

For the creative soul

The Pathway to Flow by Dr Julia F. Christensen

Whether you find your flow through playing an instrument, cooking, drawing or dancing, this book reveals how just 15 minutes of creativity a day can transform your life. Using neuroscience insights and inspiring stories, Dr Julia F. Christensen shows how embracing our creative side can help us enjoy the moment, regulate our nervous system and reconnect with our bodies. Perfect for anyone looking to experience the benefits of mindfulness without meditating, this book is a gateway to a more fulfilling, creative life.

For the poetry connoisseur

Paper Boat by Margaret Atwood

Set sail on a journey through the mind of literary icon Margaret Atwood with Paper Boat, a career-spanning collection of poetry delivered with her signature wit and wisdom. Perfect for those who find solace in reflective and thought-provoking reads, this collection offers a rich tapestry of brilliant, beautiful and hyper-imagined pieces. Each poem gives voice to remarkably drawn characters, all of whom have something profound to say about what it means to live in a world as strange as our own. For the poetry enthusiast on your Christmas list, Paper Boat assembles Atwood’s most vital poems in one essential volume.

For the thriller addict

Hunted by Abir Mukherjee

Described by Lee Child as ‘pretty much flawless’, Hunted is a must-read for fans of high-stakes suspense and intricate mysteries. When armed police arrest Sajid Khan at Heathrow, his world is shattered. His daughter Aliyah is missing, feared to be plotting an attack in the United States. Enter Carrie, a mysterious woman claiming to know the whereabouts of both Aliyah and her own son Greg, who she believes are together. Sajid and Carrie must race against time, pursued by US Agent Shreya Mistry, who quickly realises this case is far more complex than it seems. This gripping tale of parental love, international intrigue and relentless pursuit of the truth is the perfect pick for the reader on your list in search of their next dose of adrenaline.