Christmas Gifts For The Bibliophile In Your Life That Aren’t (All) Books!

Christmas is a time for giving, and so I decided to check out an array of gifts for book lovers that aren’t just adding to their collection.

Among these gifts is an innovative book subscription service called The Rare Birds Book Club. Designed for those who want to broaden their literary horizons. Focused on contemporary women’s fiction, the club sends out one book per month which offers readers scintillating stories, courageous heroines and fulfilling endings.

Those subscribed to the book club will receive a surprise book at the start of every month along with a personal introduction to the book from Founder and Avid Reader Rachel Wood, as well as an explanation as to why she thinks it’s special. After completing the book, they can then log on to the Rare Birds digital book club where they can chat about the book with others as well as access members-only bonus content.

For those who fancy giving something a bit more interactive, and which gives back to the wider community, then membership to the British Library could be the answer you’ve been looking for. For just £80 a year members get unlimited access to the library, as well as a range of additional perks such as free entry to exhibitions, listing guests, 20% the library’s restaurants, cafes and shops, as well as entry to the Knowledge Centre Bar and daytime Member’s Room.

Supporting a non-profit like the British Library also means that you are helping to advance and develop as the world’s largest document delivery service, providing millions of items a yea to customers all over the world. It’s always great to give gifts that are more than just indulgences at Christmas, and this is a great one as the receiver gets something too!

If you really must give books, at least give your loved ones beautiful ones! The Folio Society produces stunning illustrated versions of classics. There’s something for everyone, and they’re all beautifully crafted, making them a gift that your loved ones will truly cherish.

As a crime fiction fan, my top tip is always going to be the beautiful set of illustrated Maigret novels, with a sumptuous three-volume set introduced by Julian Barnes and illustrated by Harry Brockway. Beautiful woodcut illustrations show the Parisian detective with his trademark pipe, hat and overcoat, set against a grey backdrop to elude to the seedier side of the French capital that Simenon portrays in his dark and insightful novels. The three offered here Maigret and the Calame Report, Maigret and the Saturday Caller and Maigret and the Wine Merchant, are all classic examples of this exceptional writer, and make for great reading.

If you’re not sure of the genre to go for and fancy giving a classic gift, then there are a selection of fine books to choose from exclusively available from the society. For example, there is the beautiful Middlemarch, illustrated by Pierre Mornet. George Eliot’s rich realist work telling the tale of a manufacturing town and the lives of its inhabitants is bought to live in this colourful edition which showcases the true beauty of this evocative story.

Modern fiction loves will be entranced by Paolo Coelho’s The Alchemist, which features an afterword and note by the author as well as colourful illustrations by Jesus Cisneros. An intoxicating and deeply powerful story of humanity, love and spirituality, this beautiful edition of Coelho’s classic will brighten any booklover’s shelves.

With such a selection of treats, I wouldn’t be surprised if you ending up picking out a book or a membership for yourself too- don’t worry, I won’t tell! Happy Shopping!