By Holly Presswell, Nazifa Khan and Christiana Jasutan
With Christmas fast approaching, you are probably thinking about starting your Christmas shopping. In this issue, we are here to take some stress off your shoulders and give you a roundup of all the best places in the UK to buy presents for the book lovers in your life. There are a range of bookstores, websites and shops differing in prices depending on your budget, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Waterstones
Waterstones can be found on most major high streets. Waterstones stocks books of every genre; from fantasy to biographies to horror to cooking books, you can find a book for everyone here. Waterstones has a beautiful collection of special edition books if you are looking for something a little extra special this Christmas. The staff are always happy to help give recommendations if you are unsure what to buy. Inside the shop, you will find bookmarks, puzzles and stationery, perfect book-related gifts for your book lover friends and family. The books start from £8.99 and upwards, making this on the higher end of the budget.
Charity Shops
Charity Shops are one of the best places to find books for your friends and family this Christmas. With such a range of books, you may not be able to find the exact one you are looking for; however, you may find a pleasant surprise hidden amongst the shelves. You may also find lovely puzzles and games, which may be to your friends’ and families’ liking. With most books priced between £1 and £3, this is at the low end of the budget, perfect if you do not want to spend much this Christmas.
The Works
The Works can be located on most high streets in the UK and sells books, art supplies, games and stationery. The Works is responsible for mainly selling TikTok trending books such as Colleen Hoover and cheap book series. They have an excellent selection of young children’s books as well as different arts and crafts supplies. The Works also sells a range of game books, such as sudoku or wordsearches, perfect for the grandparents at Christmas. The books range from £3 and upwards, making The Works on the lower side of the budget.
Bookshop.org is a mission-driven website that aims to support independent bookstores and is debatably the best alternative to Amazon. They offer a wide selection of books, both new and used, and 10% of each purchase goes directly to an indie bookstore of your choice. A great way of supporting local businesses online. The website is easy to navigate, with categories ranging from bestsellers to obscure titles. The check-out process is quick and user-friendly, and they also offer gift wrapping and free shipping services with purchases over £25. So, whether you are looking for the perfect gift for a loved one or simply browsing online for something new to read this holiday season, Bookshop.org is definitely worth exploring.
Wordery is another online bookshop which is UK-based. It has quickly become a favourite among book lovers for its wide selection of books, competitive pricing and fast, free shipping. The website offers over 10 million books from around the world, including bestsellers, classics and hard-to-find hidden gems. What’s more, Wordery offers a range of book gifts, including personalised items and stationery, which make unforgettable and thoughtful gifts for any occasion. With its affordable prices, worldwide shipping and loyalty programs, it’s a fantastic place to order books online.
Goldsboro Books - 23-27 Cecil St, London, WC2N 4EZ
You might have seen this bookshop featured in previous issues, but we cannot stress enough how Goldsboro Books is the perfect bookshop to get some Christmas gifts. Specialising in special, first and collectable editions, this bookshop is ideal if you are looking for something a little bit special for your loved ones. The prices are at the higher end of the budget, but what is better than a first edition, signed, special collection hardback as a Christmas gift? While you are there, be sure to check the other bookshops in the area. You will be, after all, in London’s secret alley full of old bookshops.
We hope this article gives you some useful recommendations for where you can do your Christmas book shopping this year, whether by visiting new bookstores, looking at their special Christmas editions, or from the comfort of your own home online. If you are not a reader and are trying to get a gift for your bookish loved ones, don’t be shy to ask for advice and recommendations from booksellers. After all, people who work in bookstores love talking about books.