5 books that make perfect gifts
Looking for the perfect gift for an upcoming birthday or event? We’ve got you covered. These five books are the ideal present for any occasion – and any recipient.
1. Letters of Note by Shaun Usher
This best-selling collection of some of the most entertaining, inspirational and even bizarre letters is the cumulation of years of exchanges shared on the popular website of the same name. From Virginia Woolf’s heartbreaking suicide letter and Ghandi’s plea to Hitler to the Queen’s recipe for drop scones (sent to former President Dwight D. Eisenhower) and Iggy Pop’s heartfelt letter to a young fan, there’s something in this book for everyone.
2. 1,342 QI Facts to Leave You Flabbergasted by John Lloyd, John Mitchinson and James Harkin
Fans of the hit BBC gameshow QI will love this book of bizarre facts, including: the first pencils were used to draw on sheep, more people work for Walmart than live in Slovenia, the allies considered dropping glue to stick Nazi troops to the ground, and the only life on Earth for a billion years was a thick layer of slime. More mind-blowing facts lie within, making his book perfect for those who love a bit of random trivia.
3. If I Could Tell You Just One Thing by Richard Reed
When Richard Reed started his smoothie stall, Innocent Drinks, on a UK street corner, he had no idea it would become one of the country’s biggest brands. Crediting his success to the advice of others, Reed got into the habit of asking everyone he met, if they could tell him just one thing, what would it be? The result is this book, pearls of wisdom from such visionaries as Richard Branson and Annie Lennox to tennis star Andy Murray and former President Bill Clinton.
4. The Language of Flowers by Mandy Kirkby
A bunch of flowers has the uncanny ability to brighten even the darkest day. Their function spans paying respect at funerals, celebrating love at weddings or simply saying “thanks for being there”. In The Language of Flowers, author Mandy Kirkby explores the meaning behind our favourite beautiful bouquets, crafting the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect flowers for anyone and any occasion.
5. Can You Solve My Problems? by Alex Bellos
Fun, challenging and ridiculously addictive, mathematician and philosopher Alex Bellos’ brilliant puzzles will take every ounce of brainpower you can muster – in fact, some can only be solved by two per cent of the population. The 125 problems and brainteasers in this book range from easy to devilishly hard and will challenge even the most logical reader.