The best books to give this Christmas

Looking for the perfect present? From crime and memoirs to cookery and gardening, these brilliant books make great Christmas gifts.

A selection of the best books to buy for Christmas, artfully arranged with a festive background

Nassima Rothacker

By Rose Shepherd | Published - 6 Nov 2026

Edimentals - Huw Richards

DK, RRP £25

With food shortages threatened, there’s never been a better time to grow edible plants. But if serried rows of crops aren’t for you, the solution is ‘edimentals’ – ornamental edibles that taste as good as they look.

Discover how to grow and combine 100 multitasking plants from the brightest young voice in gardening today.

Wine: A Global History - Kathleen Burk

Profile Books, RRP £30

Some 8,000 years ago, our hunter-gatherer ancestors made a happy discovery when foraged grapes fermented and vin ordinaire was born.

In the first world history of wine, an oenophile history professor ranges around the planet and across millennia to bring us a knowledgeable, sparkling work

Diddly Squat: The G.O.A.T - Jeremy Clarkson

Michael Joseph, RRP £22

If you’re a libertarian, anti-woke, blokeish writer of irreverent rants, try running a farm and pub in Britain today. What with Diddly Squat and the Farmer’s dog, Clarkson will never want for material.

Love him or hate him, he’s fearless and funny. Progressives will choke on their quinoa.

Fry & Laurie: Every Funny Thing They’ve Ever Written - Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie

Michael Joseph, RRP £25

They met at Cambridge University and it was mirth at first sight. So, on the cusp of the 1980s comedy golden era, was born one of the most brilliant double acts, and here they are, Fry and Laurie – every bit of them.

All Aboard! Tales from a Yorkshire Steam Railway Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton

Quercus, RRP £25

The star of C4’s Steam Train Diaries brims with enthusiasm for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a 24-mile heritage line through breathtaking countryside.

Planned by George Stephenson, clobbered by Beeching, it is a wonderful relic of the glory days of steam.

Snow Birds - Roisin Maguire

Profile Books, RRP £14.99

In the coastal village of Ballybrady, ornery heroine Grace is affronted by an influx of townies, the Duckie Divers Swimming Club.

But they’ve come to fight off a threat to Grace’s beloved roseate terns, and when she teaches them the art of cold swimming, it really breaks the ice. Heartwarming.

Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel - Lucy Foley

HarperCollins, RRP £22

Ah, the joys of a luxury Swiss hotel! The 1950s glamour, the ice-skating waiters, the snow-capped peaks – the corpse in the gondola. As the body count mounts, a little old lady must solve the mystery.

The first authorised Miss Marple in 50 years, thrilling and twisty as a slalom.

Is it Too Late to Make a Run for It? - Judi Dench with Brendan O’Hea

Michael Joseph, RRP £25

Who doesn’t love Dame Judi? To read this memoir, in the form of Q&A, is like spending time in the most diverting company.

Talking us through from her childhood, marriage, motherhood and career, to the trials of old age, her responses are so vivid, quirky and unexpected. Pure delight.

Nights Out in the Kitchen - Jay Rayner

Fig Tree, RRP £22

Self-described ‘greedy man’ Jay Rayner shares reflections, recollections and recipes, from Marco Pierre White’s tagliatelle of oysters and caviar to BBQ chicken à la Morley’s, from deep-fried Brussels sprouts with caper mayo, to deep-fried Mars Bar.

A feast of fun.

A Year of Colour - Ann-Marie Powell

Frances Lincoln, RRP £25

In troubled times, colour in our gardens gives us a welcome boost – but getting the balance right can feel overwhelming.

Chelsea designer Powell delivers easy-to-follow steps to bolder borders in every season, from the smallest courtyard to stately pile. With 40 readymade plant combos to try.

Christmas Carols: An English Enchantment - John Potter

Yale, RRP £18.99

In the bleak midwinter, a carol concert lifts the spirits. Whether ancient or modern, sacred or pagan, carols speak to our emotions.

How many of them we owe to the Victorians, we learn from this singer author as he pulls out all the stops.

This article contains affiliate links, which means Saga may earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Our recommendations are independently chosen.

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