I love the idea that the perfect Christmas stocking contains something to read, eat, wear and play with. To me, that's the essence of a good Christmas Day - relaxing and feasting in comfort.
If you're looking for inspiration for a good book to pop into the toe, here are some pocket-sized literary treats that would make great stuffers.
Murdoku 2: Back In Time by M Garand
This unique grid-based puzzle book blends Cluedo with Sudoku. Each puzzle is a mini crime scene and your job is to work out which suspect was closest to the victim and is therefore the killer. There are 80 cases to solve, each more complicated – and more addictive – than the last.
Alone With A Book by Tessa Hadley
The best-selling author shares some of the books that have made her the person and writer she is, from childho0d favourites to the classics she returns to repeatedly. Any book lovers in your life will love this love letter to reading - full of inspiration.
Alone with a Book: On Reading, Writing and Looking by Tessa Hadley
The Book Was Better by Louise Willder
Book lovers will enjoy this romp through the history of book-to-screen adaptations, which highlights the gems to seek out as well as gently poking fun at the turkeys.
The Book Was Better: The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation by Louise Willder
The Book Was Better: The Triumphs and Travesties of Book to Film Adaptation by Louise Willder
River Cottage Cocktails and Botanicals by Josie Pink
Organised by season, this gorgeous guide to making your own nature-inspired cocktails and botanicals is full of tips on how to turn foraged hedgerow ingredients into delicious drinks.
River Cottage Cocktails and Botanicals
Black Coffee And Red Lipstick by Alexandra Shulman
Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman’s guide to living well is full of wisdom and warmth. The GH VIP reader panel chose it as their Winner in the lifestyle category in the Good Books Christmas Collection.
Black Coffee and Red Lipstick: Notes on living by Alexandra Shulman
Night Sky Almanac by Radmila Topalovic and Dominic Ford
This lovely pocket-sized gem follows the progress of the constellations through the seasons.
Night Sky Almanac 2027: A stargazer’s guide to the night sky by Radmila Topalovic & Dominic Ford
Night Sky Almanac 2027: A stargazer’s guide to the night sky by Radmila Topalovic & Dominic Ford
The Winter Guest by Sarah Moss
A seasonal novella from the award-winning author of Summerwater about two strangers who meet in a hotel restaurant and decide to confess their worst crimes to each other.
Cold by AS Byatt, with an afterward by RF Kuang
A cosseted princess finds the freedom she craves in a world of snow when she escapes the confines of the castle she's been kept in, in this magical fable by a masterstoryteller.
No Figgy Pudding by Carol Ann Duffy
A deliciously funny Yuletide poem from the former Poet Laureate, collected in a bijou hardback with gorgeous illustrations by Joe McLaren.
The Art of Being Easily Pleased: Words To Unlock A Wonderful Life by Donna Ashworth
Poet Donna Ashworth has amassed a huge fanbase with her thoughtful, life-enhancing poetry. This is her most personal collection yet, with wise words about finding the magic in the everyday.
The Art of Being Easily Pleased: Words to Unlock a Wonderful Life by Donna Ashworth
