A gift guide for the book lover in your life
Featuring a stylish book bag and Stanley Tucci (sort of)
I know festive gift guides have been doing the rounds on Substack for weeks now and—true to form—I’m fashionably late to the party. But here we are, pulling this together as dusk falls over Bondi, the sweltering heat giving way to a torrential downpour and glass of red in hand—my favourite kind of Friday night.
First of all, a huge thank-you to everyone who read In The Beginning. It was—by far—my most personal post to date, and it’s been lovely to find out that lots of you aren’t just here for the bookish content. For anyone who’s new around here, welcome! I’m so happy you’re here.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. All I ever want for Christmas is books—or, failing that, something gloriously book-adjacent. Below, I’ve curated a selection of literary treasures perfect for the book lover in your life (or, indeed, for treating yo’self—no judgment here).
Liyabrairie’s Book Bag
I’ve been eyeing up this beautiful book bag from Liyabrairie for months now, and it happens to have a whopping 30% off for Black Friday—surely a deal too good to pass up? Its chic design and stylish straps make it a real stand-out, and the perfect companion for trips to the library or cosy café reading sessions. Available in several colours—the rose is my favourite.
Buy it here.
A Subscription to Slightly Foxed
Slightly Foxed is hands down one of my favourite publishers. With a catalogue including everything from Joanna Rakoff’s gorgeous memoir, My Salinger Year (the best publishing tome ever written IMHO) to Diary of a Provincial Lady, they also publish quarterly journals, which are a true book lover’s dream, filled with charming essays about books you’ve never heard of (but will immediately want to read).
As a special treat for my subscribers, Slightly Foxed is offering a free duck-egg-blue clothbound notebook when you take out a subscription. Just use code LITEDIT24 at checkout.
Subscribe here.
Papier’s Reading Journal
If you’re anything like me, tracking your reading is half the fun. While apps like Goodreads are handy, there’s something special about the analogue charm of a reading journal. Papier’s version is both beautifully designed and wonderfully practical, offering plenty of space to jot down your thoughts on your latest reading adventures.
Buy Papier’s most stylish reading journal here.
The Women’s Prize for Fiction Daphne du Maurier T-shirt
In the name of research (ahem), I had to scroll through both Stanley Tucci’s and the Women’s Prize for Fiction’s Instagram account to find this rather swoon-worthy picture of Stanley donning the exact same t-shirt I also happen to own (not something I ever thought I’d say, but, here we are). I love this Daphne du Maurier T-shirt from the Women’s Prize for Fiction. It’s stylish, bookish, and Tucci-approved. What more could you want? (Sadly, Stanley Tucci isn’t included.)
Buy the t-shirt here.
Book/Shop’s Bookmark Notepad
These bookmark notepads are a sophisticated alternative to sun-faded receipts and dog-eared parking stubs, brought to you by Oakland-based Book/Shop. While browsing their site, don’t miss their beautifully minimalist tote bags—perfect for carrying your latest bookish finds.
Shop bookmarks here, and tote bags here.
A Natalia Ginzburg Bundle from Daunt Books
If you haven’t yet discovered Natalia Ginzburg, you’re in for an absolute treat. Her writing is quietly powerful, deeply human, and imminently readable. I’ve read—and adored—nearly all of her books, but Sagittarius (included in this bundle) holds a special place in my heart. This trio is the perfect introduction to her extraordinary world.