It wouldn't be Christmas without mention of some books. Despite my admittedly fussy preferences, they're usually always something I enjoy receiving as gifts and nowadays gifting to other people as well. Side note: Friends and family, please stop reading this post. Now. Here's my carefully curated edit of books I think would make fantastic presents this Christmas. This is the mere tip of the iceberg and in the interests of not making this post longer than it is, I have streamlined my recommendations. That being said, if you want any more recommendations just ask. I am always happy to talk about books with anyone, whether they ask for my opinions or not. Oh and stay tuned to the very bottom of this post because you can even win a book or two for yourself. Huzzah! 

The one for the fashion lover: Get a Life: The Diaries of Vivienne Westwood is a recently released volume of Westwood's diary entries, from 2010 to 2016. It's a hefty book, coming in at close to 500 pages and is crammed with interesting insights on fashion, politics, the environment and activism. All topics that Vivienne is incredibly passionate about and well informed on. It makes for absolutely enthralling reading. 

For the twenty-something who loves humour and relatable reads: Where Am I Now? by Mara Wilson aka the now grown up girl who played Matilda and was the youngest daughter of Robin Williams in Mrs Doubtfire among other nineties family films. The title, a play on the often asked question by Hollywood media hints at the cleverness and humour contained within. It's an incredibly relatable read and even if you cannot relate to child stardom, there is still something valuable to gain from Mara's writing. 

The beauty product bible for beauty lovers: Pretty Iconic by Sali Hughes has made a few appearances around here now and it's worthy of high praise indeed. I have said it before but I will say it again, Sali Hughes is a beauty writing wizard. This collection of iconic beauty products and Sali's personal musings on them, as well as interesting facts will satisfy many a beauty lover. 

For the one who grew up with Harry Potter: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them: Original Screenplay* by JK Rowling. It may be wrong to judge a book by its cover but you have to be forgiven when it is as exquisite as this 1920's inspired treasure by graphic design team Minalima. If they loved the film they're bound to lap this up as well. It is always a treat to reenter the world of the genius that is Jo Rowling.

The Summer beach/poolside read for the Zoe Foster Blake Fangirl or Guy: The Wrong Girl by Zoe Foster Blake is the right book for the aforementioned fan. See what I did there? It's funny, smart and just a really enjoyable read. It's the paper equivalent of eating Lindor Chocolate and I love Lindt so that is high praise indeed. 

The one for the Gilmore Girl lover: Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham may not be a lengthy read but it is mighty enjoyable. It is also possibly the closest thing we will ever have to a afternoon chat with Lauren Graham. As well as being packed with Gilmore Girls stories, she reflects on her time pre-Hollywood, her career as a writer, the stigmas around singledom and more. 

For the lifestyle goddess: Bloom* by Estee Lalonde, the aesthetically pleasing, inspiring book that is bound to go down a treat. This is a beautiful coffee-table book for a bit of inspiration and to flick through for some ideas and wisdom.

The book everyone needs: milk and honey by Rupi Kaur. Poetry is one of those genres that people seem to either love or hate but this collection of poems and musings by Kaur seems to please even the divided. It'll make you feel a thousand emotions and want to dog-ear pages to commit to memory. It's a best-seller for a reason.

Some extras:

Magazine Subscriptions/Assortments of Magazines: Magazines are a bit of a luxury so it's always lovely to give or receive them. I try to include them with gifts, especially for people overseas who may want a little slice of home or a chance to peruse some unknown pages. My recommendations are: Miss FQ, British Vogue, frankie, Kinfolk and The Happy Reader. 

Bookmarks, in particular these and these: A great stocking stuffer and an ideal accompaniment to a gift for the person who reads all the things. These ones from Whitcoulls are currently on 3 for 2 so I nabbed a set for myself as well as some for friends and family members. I love that they're magnetic too so you won't lose your place in your book. 

A Reading Journal: For the true reading enthusiast, a reading journal is a fantastic way to track what you've read and document your true, honest opinions safe from the prying Internet eyes. There's no chance of offending anyone with your controversial opinions and you have a paper record of what you've read too. Wins all round. 

-What books would you recommend as gifts? Oh and don't forget to check out the giveaway below!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Now for the fun part, I am giving away a copy of Pretty Iconic** by Sali Hughes and Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham. To be in to win simply follow the steps outlined in the Rafflecopter box below and leave me a comment here or on social media letting me know which book you'd like to win. This giveaway will close next Thursday the 15th of December so there's more of a chance of you receiving the book by Christmas.

Note: Due to the size and weight of Pretty Iconic, I have to restrict the giveaway for that title to New Zealand entries only. However, anyone in the world can enter to win Lauren Graham's book. As always, if you are under 18 please get permission from a parent or guardian as I will need your address details. Good luck!

*Review copy

**Thanks to Harper Collins NZ for supplying a copy of Sali's book.