Christmas Gift Guide – Books And Stationary
Christmas is coming, and most of us are well underway when it comes to Christmas shopping. If, however, you are still looking for inspiration, then check out my latest guide, which is concerned with all things books and stationary. As ever, you know the drill, bookmark this post as I will be adding to it as we get nearer the big day.
Crime
Murder at the Matinee by Jamie West
Renowned murder mystery playwright Bertie Carroll returns, this time in London’s West End, to solve the mystery of an impossible murder and the newspaper advert that preceded it.
Following on from the success of Death on the Pier, playwright turned real-life detective, Bertie Carroll, returns for the second book in this golden-age-style whodunnit series, set in the exciting world of theatreland in 1930s London. An unexpected phone call from a rival playwright puts Bertie centre stage in another mystery. Can he help unravel the motive behind a mysterious newspaper advert that boldly declares a murder will take place during a show’s third act? There’s only one problem, there is no murder in the third act of the play!
Cosy crime makes for a great Christmas read, and this book by Jamie West is both clever, and a real nod to the golden age of crime with it’s wonderfully atmospheric style and great characters. Jamie clearly has a real knowledge of theatreland that makes this such a riveting read. I loved it!
Available from Amazon here
One of the most beloved of all Agatha Christie books has now been released as a very special version just in time for Christmas.
Available at Amazon here and all good bookshops.
Towards Zero Hardback Edition
With a new dramatisation soon to appear on Netflix, this is the perfect time to read one of Agatha Christie‘s standalone novels, Towards Zero.
An explosive love triangle, a formidable matriarch and a house party of enemies. All drawn inexorably … Towards Zero.
This is the latest Agatha book to be given the hardback, special edition treatment and so is totally collectable, and a perfect gift for fans of the Queen of crime fiction.
Available from Amazon here and all good bookshops.
The Christmas Appeal – Now in paperback
Janice Hallett‘s hilariously brilliant novella from last year is now available in paperback, so if you know someone who loves cosy crime that will also make you laugh out loud, then this is one.
One dead Santa. A town full of suspects. Will you discover the truth?
Written in trademark Janice Hallett style featuring text messages, Christmas cards, post it notes, emails, this is an absolute joy, one to read again every single Christmas.
Available from Amazon here and all good bookshops.
Fashion
THE PINK BOOK Fashion, Styles & Stories
For the fashion lover, beautiful, coffee table books are a wonderful gift idea. The Pink Book is a gift for Barbie girls everywhere, full of stunning fashion moments as well as stories related to this most vibrant of colours. Fashion, Styles & Stories by HEIDE CHRISTIANSEN and MARTIN FRAAS is the first fashion title in an upcoming series dedicated to the mega topic in fashion: colours.
Any fashion enthusiast will be thrilled by this unique coffee table book. It serves as an inspiration for those passionate about fashion brands, high fashion, and the runways of the fashion industry. With its luxurious presentation and exquisite tactile quality, The Pink Book: Fashion, Styles & Stories almost becomes a fashion item itself. It is suitable as an upscale gift or a standout piece for any home library.
You can find this stunning tome at AAC Art books here.
MARILYN MONROE STYLE BY TERRY NEWMAN
Marilyn Monroe is one of the most enduring style icons of the 20th century, and in MARILYN MONROE STYLE author Terry Newman examines some of her most iconic looks, as well as looking at the influence she has had over designers into the 21st century.
Published in collaboration with the Estate of Marilyn Monroe, this is a beautiful hardback book that is just overflowing with stunning, full colour photographs.
Marilyn Monroe Style celebrates Marilyn’s impact on fashion by revealing the influence of her many iconic looks. Her wardrobe encompassed sensual femininity as well as low-key minimalism. Outfits span from shimmering showpieces such as the Jean Louis gown worn to serenade JFK on his birthday, to Pucci slacks and cats-eye spectacles.
Available from AAC Art Books here.
The Original Morris & Co Willow Boughs Daily Organiser Set From Pen Heaven
We’re now moving onto looking at some diaries and organisers, and I’m starting with this absolute beauty from Pen Heaven. The Original Morris & Co Willow Boughs Daily Organiser Set is lovely, using William Morris Willow Boughs print on its cover which is finished with a matching ribbon closure. The interior contains 53 diary pages, 42 to-do pages, and 42 lined pages, with tabbed dividers so you can find your way around easily.
This is an elegant, beautiful organiser that is a really stylish piece.
You can find all Pen Heaven diaries and organisers here.
If you are gifting a diary or an organiser, then a personalised pen would be a brilliant match up. The Parker Jotter Original Ballpoint Pen come in a range of colours and can be personalised with a name or initials, or even an affectionate nickname. Each pen is beautifully boxed and is just a practical and lovely gift idea. If you want something a little more luxurious, then opt for the Parker Jotter Stainless Steel Gold Trim Ballpoint Pen.
Find the complete range of Pen Heaven pens here.
The Book of Everything From Charlotte Dover
This is the book that will organise every aspect of your life! Combining calendar, planner, weekly and daily pages with notebook sections, productivity tools and more, the Book of Everything from Charlotte Dover is the perfect way to organise and manage everything with convenience and style.
Great for people with busy brains who are fed up of buying planners they never end up using, it’s designed to remove the boredom of repetitive pages, and the shame of unused ones. Everything is undated, which means you can use it when you wish. It looks great, a real desk staple!
You can find more information here.
Morning Notes Journal From LSW London
In these times of stress and worry, we all need tools that can help us control and cope with our mental health. LSW London is a brand that also understands the demands of modern life. Producing a range of self help, self love journals, affirmation mind cards and stationary, this is a brand that is just perfect to gift to someone to show you care.
They say:-
Our products are designed to offer quick and easy mental health tools that easily fit into your daily routine. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, anxiety management, or tools for self-care, our range of wellbeing products will help you to prioritise your mind without overwhelming your schedule or the need to dramatically change your lifestyle.
Morning Notes is a three-month undated daily well being journal that I am absolutely obsessed with. You can start using this at anytime, and it is a perfect way to get your thoughts in order when you wake up, rather than diving straight into social media and emails. It is a beautifully stylish journal that allows you to set prompts and goals for the day ahead, and gives you space to review your month. It also has lovely, mindfulness colouring pictures, for when you need to wind down and take time out. It is simply beautiful.
You can find the LSW Morning Notes Journal here.
Any Year Diary from MFPA (the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists)
The MFPA (the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists) are a collective of extraordinary disabled artists who create beautiful artwork using only their mouths and feet. Each year, their incredible work is transformed into high-quality Christmas gifts including cards, jigsaw puzzles, calendars and wrapping paper. Each purchase directly supports the talented artists who create these works of art to generate an independent and sustainable living, showing that disability is no barrier to talent and inspiration.
Their Christmas gifts are perfect for those who want something practical that also makes a difference. I love the Any Year Diary which is handbag sized and contains beautiful art work. It is perfect for those who still like to actually write down their important dates and keep them with them at all times.
An Ottergami Journal
Beautiful stationary ticks the gift boxes for so many people. Students, teenagers, those who just love to write everything down – from ideas to their shopping list, you really can’t beat a gorgeous notebook or journal.
The Ottergami Premium A5 Notebook is made up of 100 GSM dotted paper that are silky smooth & robust. It is thicker than most dotted notebooks, ensuring minimal ink bleed & ghosting. This dot notebook can also make an ideal scrapbook or minimalism art journal and has a lovely faux leather cover, a elasticated closure and pen holder, and comes in two fabulous colours, marine teal and rose gold.
Click to view on Amazon here.
Stabilo Christmas stationary treats
STABILO have upgraded their Christmas selection to feature some wonderful products suitable for all ages, whether they be school children or students, or those who love to colour for mindfulness or enjoy anything with an arty slant.