Beautiful classic books to give as gifts
A beautiful edition of a classic book makes a great gift. Here is our curated guide to the best classic gift books for your family and friends.
Whether your mum is impossible to buy for or you've picked someone you barely know in the office Secret Santa, we have the solution to your present shopping panic. A really beautiful edition of a classic makes a great gift: it feels thoughtful and no-one can resist a really lovely cover, even if they've already read the book. Here's a selection of beautiful classic books to give as gifts.
Looking for more Christmas gifting ideas? Don't miss our Christmas gift guide for book lovers.
Cause a sensation
These books all provoked big reactions on publication, with many early readers viewing them as scandalous and even immoral. Modern readers may not find themselves as shocked, but this doesn't reduce the brilliance of the books, and the gorgeous covers mean these editions are still sensational.
The party pack
Literature loves a celebration, and these editions of party-featuring classics are dressed up to the nines.
For the organised book lover
. . . or the friend you know loves to read but you're not quite confident enough to choose a book for.
Macmillan Collector's Library Weekly Planner
by Macmillan Collector's Library
This dateless, customizable and pocket-sized week-to-view planner offers ample space for notes (and book reviews) and can be started at any time of year. Each two-page spread features a carefully chosen quote from a classic work of literature, alongside gorgeous illustrations. The perfect gift for book lovers and those embracing a more analogue approach to planning.
Jane Austen 250th anniversary editions
Created to mark Jane Austen's 250th birthday in 2025, these special anniversary editions of her novels are bound in real cloth with foiling, sprayed edges and a ribbon marker. The perfect present for Regency fans.
Jane Austen's Fashion Bible
by Ros Ballaster
From elaborate evening gowns and elegant walking dresses to charming seaside outfits, Jane Austen's Fashion Bible brings to life the world of Jane Austen. Exquisite colour drawings from Regency magazine La Belle Assemblée and their entertaining descriptions are matched with much-loved passages from Jane Austen’s published novels, letters and manuscript fiction. Professor Ros Ballaster’s lively commentary guides the reader through this fascinating book.
Gothic horror classics
There's beauty in the darkness with these gorgeous paperback editions of some classic horror reads, from Stoker's Dracula to mother of science fiction, Mary Shelley, and Frankenstein.
For younger readers
These stunning pocket-sized classics feature bespoke illustrated covers.
A veritable Wonderland
Macmillan was the original publisher of Lewis Carroll's beloved classic, so you won't be surprised to hear we have a number of gorgeous editions perfect for presents, including two new gift editions to mark 160 years of Wonderland – sure to have fans grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Gorgeous anthologies
If you're not sure what your giftee likes to read but do know one of their other hobbies, a collection or anthology based on their interests is a great option that they will return to again and again.
