15 of the best stocking filler books for Christmas 2018
Looking for a bookish stocking filler for your nearest and dearest? We’ve got you covered with puzzles, feminist guides, poetry, self care and fun, pocket-sized gift books.
1. The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy by Jennifer McCartney 
We’re constantly being told how to live our lives; how to be more productive, how to arrange our homes for good vibes, how to live better, eat better, sleep better.
Accompanied by witty illustrations, The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy is the antithesis to all that – a book that encourages readers to embrace their inner sloth.
That’s right – this book is all about slowing down, chilling out and removing yourself from stress. It’s the perfect gift for that friend who needs to escape the daily rat race.
Buy Now: The Little Book of Sloth Philosophy – HarperCollins, £5.99
2. The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book by Ordnance Survey & Dr Gareth Moore
This treasure hunt of a book comprises over 200 puzzles, inviting map-readers to decipher geographical details, crack codes and work their way across Britain via visual conundrums and quizzes.
Amidst the 40 full-colour Ordnance Survey maps, there are fascinating facts about the history of the UK, with mind-boggling brainteasers, word games and navigational tests of varying difficulties.
It’s a great way to get acquainted with Britain’s landscapes.
Buy Now: The Ordnance Survey Puzzle Book – Trapeze, £10.49
3. Ring-A-Ring O’Roses by Diana Ferguson and All That Glisters by Caroline Taggart
These gorgeous hardback books make fantastic stocking fillers for anyone who loves words, quotes and rhymes.
There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about Ring-a-Ring O’Roses, which takes readers on a trip down memory lane with more than 100 rhymes traversing childhood and history.
All That Glisters is equally fascinating, drawing on classic sources to explore witty, wise and well-known quotations, revealing their origins and meanings.
Buy Now: Ring-A-Ring O’Roses – Michael O’Mara, £9.18
Buy Now: All That Glisters – Michael O’Mara, £9.18
4. For Every One by Jason Reynolds
Best-selling author Jason Reynolds’ poem book is, quite literally, for every one.
Written in the form of a letter, it’s for dreamers and adventurers; for those pursuing their passions and those doubting they have what it takes to succeed.
Full of hope and emotion, it challenges readers to act on their ambitions, whatever they might be. It’s a short, sweet book of accessible poetry that anyone can identify with.
Buy Now: For Every One – Knights Of, £4.38
5. The New Rules of Coffee by Jordan Michelman & Zachary Carlsen
This illustrated modern coffee guide by the founders and editors of coffee culture website Sprudge will appeal to anyone who enjoys a hot or cold brew.
It’s got essential tips on growing, serving, roasting, storing and brewing, plus lots of coffee facts from across the globe.
The book is split into three sections, covering coffee at home, at the café and around the world, making it an interesting book to dip in and out of.
Buy Now: The New Rules of Coffee – Ten Speed Press, £8.58
6. Art Matters by Neil Gaiman & Chris Riddell
Neil Gaiman is a master of words. Chris Riddell is a master of illustrations. Combine the two and you’ve got Art Matters – a brilliant book about reading, imagining and creating, and how it can change the world.
It’s impossible not to feel inspired by Gaiman’s clever and poignant words, which have the power to capture the imaginations of readers both young and old.
But it’s Riddell’s pencil artwork – at once delicate and vividly detailed – that jumps off the page. Proof that even the smallest of books can be mighty.
Buy Now: Art Matters – Headline, £7.07
7. 12 Small Acts to Save Our World by WWF
“Despite what Hollywood might have you believe, you don’t have to be the Black Panther, Thor or Wonder Woman to save our planet.” That’s the message Ben Fogle has for readers in his foreword for 12 Small Acts To Save Our World.
Written in support of WWF, it’s all about making the world a cleaner and healthier place. It’s also about understanding that even the smallest, simplest change can make a difference.
A hugely important book with prudent environmental and sustainability advice.
Buy Now: 12 Small Acts to Save Our World – Century, £8.10
8. How to Slay the Buffy Way by Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Sometimes when it’s dark and I’m all alone, I think, ‘what would Buffy do?’
From heartbreak and family drama to existential crises and supernatural beasties, Buffy Summers had A LOT to deal with. But she dealt with it in style, as How To Slay The Buffy Way can attest to.
This fun official gift book features funny, emotional and kick-ass quotes, alongside photos of iconic scenes and cute little doodles that encapsulate the spirit of the hit 90’s series.
Buy Now: How to Slay the Buffy Way – Ebury Press, £7.44
9. A Pocket Coach Guides by Dr Sarah Jane Arnold
Following her interactive books The Mindfulness Companion and The Can’t Sleep Colouring Journal, best-selling author Dr. Sarah Jane Arnold has written a series of four pocked-sized self-help titles.
Focusing on Calm, Confidence, Sleep and Kindness, they aim to help people enhance their wellbeing with daily exercises, expert tips and step-by-step techniques.
The Pocket Coach books are easy to digest manuals for a happier and healthier life. They’re also compact enough to carry in a bag and bring out when you need some mindful encouragement.
Buy Now: The Pocket Coach Guides to Self-Care Series – Michael O’Mara, £5.50
10. What I Lick Before Your Face… and Other Haikus By Dogs by Jamie Coleman
If you’re looking for a stocking filler to make someone laugh out loud, What I Lick Before Your Face should be at the top of your shopping list.
It’s a collection of hilarious and clever haikus that reflect what dogs really think of life and their owners.
Written like the innermost feelings and thoughts of a pooch, each haiku comes with a cheerful photo that will make you smile even before you read the words.
Who knew canine poetry could be so funny?
Buy Now: What I Lick Before Your Face… – Bantam Press, £7.40
11. How To Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings by Sarah Cooper
Pushy, scary and aggressive are just some of the words banded around when a woman dares to be ambitious in the workplace.
With her sharp witted, tongue-in-cheek guide for professional women, blogger and comedian Sarah Cooper tackles this idea head-on, teaching non-threatening strategies for women to adopt without harming male egos.
From authenticity and diversity to allies and entrepreneurship, this is the book for the go-getting woman in your life.
Buy Now: How To Be Successful Without Hurting Men’s Feelings – Square Peg, £7.20
12. The Astronaut Selection Test Book by Tim Peake & The European Space Agency
Drawing on astronaut Tim Peake’s experiences of applying to the European Space Agency in 2008, the Selection Test Book gives readers the chance to test their skills to see if they’ve got what it takes to venture into space.
There are 100 real astronaut selection and training exercises, ranging from memory puzzles and leadership trials to concentration and aptitude tests.
As fun as it is educational, it’s the ideal present for space enthusiasts of all ages.
Buy Now: The Astronaut Selection Test Book – Century, £6.00
13. New Erotica for Feminists by Caitlin Kunkel, Carrie Wittmer, Brooke Preston, Fiona Taylor
Dedicated to “every hot and bothered feminist out there”, this satirical book from the women behind The Belladonna proves there’s nothing more erotic than gender equality.
It’s packed with saucy feminist fantasies and tantalising literary quickies, turning the tables on the erotica clichés that make intelligent women moan – though not with pleasure…
Buy Now: New Erotica for Feminists – Sceptre, £7.19
14. Christmas at Liberty Colouring Book
This enchanting colouring book brings the iconic Regent Street shop to life through beautiful artwork, poetry and anecdotes from the Liberty designers.
History and magic collide across the pages as they uncover the store’s history and the stories that inspired their design collections.
With over 70 designs to colour, it guarantees lots of enjoyment over the festive season.
Buy Now: Christmas at Liberty Colouring Book – HarperCollins, £9.18
15. You Know it Makes Sense: Lessons from the Derek Trotter School of Business (and life) by Del Boy
Building on his ‘this time next year we’ll be millionaires’ mantra, Del Boy brings you his definitive business guide, covering everything from marketing and negotiation, to looking the part with the right ‘clobber’.
Del gives his two cents’ worth on the internet, social media, USPs, customer care and trend spotting, all with his characteristic cockney flair and unfailing self-belief.
Written by Jim Sullivan, the son of Only Fools and Horses writer John Sullivan, You Know It Makes Sense is a funny, tongue-in-cheek guide to business and life by Peckham’s finest entrepreneur.
