AS 2025 winds down and the most wonderful time of the year begins, you must have started your Christmas shopping. We’re hoping books are at the top of your gift list, because we all know they make the perfect presents. They’re easy to wrap, thoughtful to give, and nothing says “I’ve been thinking of you” more than a carefully chosen read. Whether it’s a bestselling title your giftee has had on their cart for months, a practical guide they’ll actually use, an inspiring pick-me-up, or a book parents (of kids or pets!) can share with their little ones—we’ve got something for everyone. We’ve also included stationery and bookish accessories if you’re looking for something beyond books.
If you need a leg up on your Christmas shopping this year, here are some ideas to get you started.
High on the Wish List: Not sure what to get? Some of the most wishlisted titles of the year are your best bet.
Alchemised by SenLinYu
Based on a Dramione fan fiction, Alchemised is a dark fantasy debut about Helen, a prisoner of war and an alchemist with amnesia, who is sent to a powerful and ruthless necromancer tasked with unlocking her memories. Clocking at 1,040 pages, Alchemised is Penguin’s most pre-ordered debut and one of the most talked about books of 2025.
How’s Moving Castle (40th anniversary Deluxe Limited Edition) by Diana Wynne
When Sophie is cursed by a witch and transformed into an old lady, she must journey to find the moving castle in the hills and confront its mysterious, mischievous wizard. Dazzling and enchanting, How’s Moving Castle is a beloved classic for readers of all ages. This new deluxe edition, featuring digitally printed pages and luminous jacket artwork, makes it even more magical—a gift sure to delight.
Sarap: Essays on Philippine Food by Doreen Fernandez and Edilberto N. Alegre
Sarap, the iconic collection of essays by Doreen Fernandez and collaborator Edilberto N. Alegre, returns in a new edition, reintroduced for a new generation of readers. As hunger-inducing as it is inspiring, this beautiful book is the perfect gift for anyone who loves food and celebrates Philippine culture. Enhanced with stunning illustrations by Gianne Encarnacion, Kitty Jardenil, Elle Shivers, and Eva Yu, it’s a feast for both the mind and the eyes.
Heartwarming Gifts: Books that tug at the heartstrings prove the most unforgettable. They can drive your recipient to tears and turn their hearts into mush. Make sure to send plenty of hugs, too.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
Trust Fredrik Backman, author of A Man Called Ove, to turn on the waterworks. My Friends follows the story behind a world-famous painting and the orphan who unexpectedly becomes its owner. Moving between past and present, Backman delivers a warmhearted tale about humanity, how friendships are formed that last a lifetime, and the quiet ripples they create along the way.
Always Remember: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, The Horse and The Storm by Charlie Mackesy
In 2019, the boy, mole, fox, and the horse stole our hearts with their simple yet heartwarming story. Now Mackesy is back with a sequel, and this time the four friends are journeying in the wilderness amidst a brewing storm. With beautiful illustrations paired with gentle wisdom about love, friendship, vulnerability, and resilience, Always Remember feels like a warm bowl of soup: comforting, healing, and a reminder that kindness can carry us through even the darkest times.
The Convenience Store by the Sea by Sonoko Machida
Human connection and love can bloom in the most unexpected places—even in a convenience store. In this cozy novel, a seaside shop named Tenderness becomes a haven for its staff and regular customers. Wander through its pastel-colored, retro-themed aisles and discover the intricate lives of the people who pass through its doors. It’s an experience anyone can relate to—after all, who hasn’t lingered in a convenience store and pondered about life?
Pet Lovers: For the fur parents and animal lovers in your life, get them gifts that will remind them of their beloved, or improve their pet parenting skills. Their four-legged friends will thank you, too.
Cat Bookmarks
Crazy about cats? These pawsome bookmarks are the perfect gift for friends who love both cats and books. And if you’re feeling generous, throw in a cat book, too (peruse our list of Books About Cats, we have a rich treasure trove of stories about our beloved furry felines)
Cat Tote Bags
Carrying essentials has never been this purrrfect with cat tote bags. There are many designs to choose from –with cats in various degrees of cuteness. A handy gift for a person who loves bringing a tote for book shopping, or for carrying around whenever they’re out and about.
Cat’s People by Tanya Guerrero
This one’s for the cat moms and dads: a heartwarming novel about a stray black cat named Cat who feels inexplicably drawn to five humans who regularly visit her. Teaching compassion, kindness, and the power of connection, Cat’s People is a feel-good book that wraps you up in a warm hug.
The Book Your Dog Wishes You Would Read
Ask any pet parent, and they’ll say nothing beats quiet and quality time with their four-legged friend in tow. A book that enhances the bond between parent and dog makes the perfect gift, just like this one. It’s written by Louise Gazebrook, UK’s dog whisperer, and dives deep into the exceptional friendship between dogs and humans.
Gift of Laughter: Humor your loved ones with the gift of quirky and comic relief.
How to Meet No One by Ainsley Drew
The world can be loud and overwhelming for introverts, but Ainsley Drew shows that they can not only survive it—but thrive in it. With quirky illustrations and plenty of humor, Drew captures everyday scenarios introverts will instantly recognize: the awkwardness of ordering coffee, the discomfort of cramped elevators, the irritation over harsh overhead lights, and the quiet joy of cancelled plans. Plus, plenty of tips to manage social anxiety. If you’re an introvert or antisocial (or care about someone who is), you’ll love this book.
Leaving the Ocean Was a Mistake by Ciara Giaimo
Leaving the Ocean Was a Mistake is a whimsical illustrated book packed with nuggets of wisdom from the ocean’s weirdest and wisest creatures. Their strange behaviors offer surprisingly relatable lessons for life on solid ground: the star tunicate, who avoids anxiety by digesting its own brain; the gloomy octopus, who protects its boundaries by flinging dirt at anyone who bothers it; and the fire-breathing shrimp, who releases pent-up feelings by spewing bioluminescent goo. Dive in and discover what these extraordinary sea creatures can teach us about living, loving, and coping in our own human depths.
Lafufu Coloring Book
Are you or your giftee obsessed with Labubu? Here comes Lafufu! Blending playful parody with the right dose of whimsy, the Lafufu coloring book features creepy-cute Lafufus in questionable environments: surfing sketchy waves, sliding down suspicious rainbows, and even being abducted by aliens. Hands-down, a gift to bestow on a quirky and creative person.
Gifts for Living Well: These are gifts that show your recipient visions of a life well lived.
Do Nothing by Celeste Headlee
Productivity and hustle culture? They’re both overrated. Whether you’re a borderline workaholic or you care about someone who’s a slave to the grind, this book is a balm to the soul. Pulling together threads from history, neuroscience, social science, and even paleontology, Do Nothing examines how we’ve reached a point where productivity is a goal in and of itself and illuminates the way to a better path.
Shibui by Sanae Ishida
In this day and age, we feel pressured to keep up with beauty trends and to delay aging– no thanks to social media. Literature, however, offers transformative perspectives. Shibui, rooted in the Japanese philosophy of quiet, understated elegance, invites a gentler perspective. Through watercolor illustrations, personal anecdotes, and mindful reflections, this book celebrates the simple, subtle beauty that deepens with time, marked with grace, purpose, and joy.
Good Things by Nosrat Samin
Samin Nosrat is beloved the world over for her bestselling book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, which sold over a million copies and inspired a hit Netflix series. Now she returns with her second book, Good Things. Featuring more than 125 recipes from her own kitchen—everything from ricotta pancakes and focaccia to show-stopping roast chicken—Good Things is not just about delicious food, but about why cooking matters. Comforting, soulful, and generous in spirit (and size), it reflects Samin’s belief that the best meals are those shared with the people you care about.
Practical Gifts: Recommended practical and useful gifts that your loved ones are guaranteed to get great mileage out of. Trust us, they’ll give a broad smile and say, “I can really use this!”
Vincent Van Gogh Blossom: Set of 3 Midi Note Books
Anyone who loves art and frequenting museums will adore this Vincent Van Gogh notebook set. Each notebook has a different design. They’re a delight to behold—and even better, they include alternating lined and blank pages to spark creativity, reflection, and everyday inspiration. And did we mention it’s a set of three? It doesn’t get more price-worthy than this!
The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
Not a morning person? This book might just change your mind. In The 5 AM Club, world-renowned leadership expert Robin Sharma shares practical, real-life strategies drawn from his work with some of the world’s most successful people. Grounded in the idea that winning begins at the start of the day, Sharma makes a compelling case for rising early to set a proactive, purposeful, and productive tone for the day and transform your life. This might just make you a morning person.
Mama Sita’s Lutong Bahay
Eating out is all well and good, but these days—between traffic and rising prices—nothing beats good old home cooking, especially meals that remind you of mom and lola. Mama Sita’s Lutong Bahay is a collection of Filipino recipes made with everyday ingredients and practical cooking methods. Who would love this gift? Parents, home cooks, or anyone newly living on their own and craving comforting, familiar flavors.
Gifts for Growing Readers: For nurturing your minds and sparking a lifelong love for reading
Lulu Sinagtala Duology by Gail D. Villanueva
This duology by Filipino author Gail Villanueva is sure to be a favorite among young readers. Steeped in Filipino mythology, it tells the story of an 11-year-old kid named Lulu who possesses superhuman strength and magical powers. Together with her sister, Kitty, and best friend, Bert, Lulu must battle evil entities and vicious creatures to save her universe from descending into chaos.
Ms. Rachel and Bean’s Goodnight Book
This book is perfect for snuggling with your little ones. The terrific Ms. Rachel helps Bean follow a calming bedtime routine, from putting away toys and taking a bath to brushing teeth and reading stories together. Children will love it, and so will the parent, who gets to instill the gift of reading at a young age. Add this to your shelf and bedtime routine.
All New Official Minecraft Survival Handbook
Perfect for Minecraft-loving kids, this handbook is packed with easy, updated tips on how to survive and thrive in the game. From gathering resources and building shelters to battling mobs and crafting tools, it guides young players through everything they need to know. A great pick for beginners and budding builders who want to explore Minecraft with confidence.
Discover more merry and bright gifts for your loved ones at Fully Booked. Check out more gift recommendations here. Happy Holidays!
