Drawing the colleague whose only known trait is “always has a book” is a classic Secret Santa moment. The good news is that readers are easy to please if you avoid guessing at their taste in books. This guide sticks to gifts that work whatever they like to read. Stay within the budget your group agreed, and check current prices at the retailer, as they change often.
The golden rule: don’t guess the book
Unless you know their taste well, a specific novel is risky. They may have read it, own it, or dislike the genre. A National Book Token sidesteps this: they choose, and tokens can be spent in most UK bookshops. If you’d like to give something physical, choose an accessory to reading instead.
Safe crowd-pleasers
Book darts or a metal bookmark
They’re small, elegant and genuinely useful. A good choice when you know very little about the person.
Look for:book darts tinA clip-on book light
Practical for commuters and bed readers alike. Warm or adjustable light is the feature to look for.
Look for:clip-on book lightA padded book sleeve
Protects a paperback in a work bag. A neutral pattern is safest for someone you don’t know well.
Look for:padded book sleeve neutral patternA reading journal
A small notebook for logging books and favourite lines.
Look for:reading journalCosy and comforting
A good mug plus tea or hot chocolate
It works for almost everyone and pairs naturally with a reading break.
Look for:large mug and hot chocolate gift setCosy socks
They’re fun, warm, and nobody minds an extra pair in December.
Look for:cosy bed socksA flameless candle
This adds cosy desk or bedside light without a naked flame, which also makes it safe for an office.
Look for:flameless LED candleFor the colleague you know a bit better
Bookplates or a personalised library stamp
A lovely gift for someone who lends books out. Personalised stamps take time to make, so order early.
Look for:ex libris bookplatesAnnotation tabs and a nice pen
Ideal for book club members or anyone who underlines as they read.
Look for:annotation tabs and fineliner setA pocket edition of a classic
Small-format classics or poetry collections are giftable without being a big commitment.
Look for:pocket classic editionOffice-friendly tips
- Keep it neutral. Avoid strong scents, in-jokes and anything that could embarrass someone in front of colleagues.
- Allergies and diets: if you include food or drink, choose something sealed and check ingredients if you can.
- Presentation matters. A book token tucked into a mug with a bookmark feels far more thoughtful than the token alone.
- Include a gift receipt where possible.
Looking for something bigger? See our full guide to cosy Christmas gifts for book lovers.