The best books gift ideas for UK shoppers in 2026 — updated regularly.
A travel memoir in which the author cycles the route referenced in David Bowie's Life on Mars? lyric — from Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads. Written with humour throughout, it blends adventure, mid-life reflection, and Bowie tributes without being a conventional biography or cycling guide.
A hardback illustrated book by Charlie Mackesy — creator of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, which sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Hand-drawn illustrations throughout with short reflective messages on kindness, courage, and resilience, suitable for all ages from older children to adults.
The 2026 edition of the world's best-selling annual book — Guinness states all records are officially verified by their adjudicators before publication. 256 full-colour pages covering science, nature, sports, gaming, and human achievement, suitable for ages 8 and above and genuinely engaging for adults too.
The official companion to ITV's The 1% Club — 100 logic and lateral thinking questions organised from 90% accessibility down to the elite 1% level. No general knowledge required throughout — all questions use reasoning rather than memorised facts, with full answers and explanations at the back.
The latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book from Jeff Kinney — part of a series that has sold over 250 million copies worldwide. The illustrated diary format makes it one of the most reliably recommended reads for reluctant readers aged 8–12, and each book works as a standalone story without needing to read the rest of the series first.
A Jack Reacher thriller co-written by Lee Child and Andrew Child — part of a series that has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Fast-paced action and sharp dialogue from the first chapter, with a standalone story that requires no prior reading of the series.
A new thriller from Dan Brown — author of The Da Vinci Code, which has sold over 80 million copies worldwide. His signature blend of historical codes, symbols, conspiracy, and fast-paced international settings returns in hardback first edition format.
A Hunger Games prequel by Suzanne Collins — set during the 50th Hunger Games and following a young Haymitch Abernathy, the mentor central to the original trilogy. From the author of the 100-million-selling series, in hardback first edition format.
The third book in Rebecca Yarros' Empyrean series — continuing directly from Iron Flame's cliffhanger with higher stakes for Violet and Xaden. Fourth Wing became one of the fastest-selling adult fantasy novels in publishing history. Requires reading Fourth Wing and Iron Flame first — adult romantic content throughout.
The fifth Thursday Murder Club mystery from Richard Osman — a series that has sold over five million copies in the UK alone. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron return in a new standalone case with Osman's signature blend of clever plotting, British humour, and genuine emotional warmth.
A complete UK theory test preparation kit with the official Highway Code book, 1,000+ DVSA-approved practice questions, and hazard perception training — updated for the 2025 test format. Covers cars, motorcycles, and LGVs in one package rather than buying each component separately.
