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.
The party pack
Literature loves a celebration, and these new editions of party-featuring classics are dressed up to the nines.
Jane Austen 250th anniversary editions
2025 marks Jane Austen's 250th birthday, and to celebrate we've released special anniversary editions of all her novels, in real cloth with foiling, sprayed edges and a ribbon marker. Or for an extra indulgent gift, give the full set of the original Macmillan Collector's Library editions, presented in a limited edition gift box. The perfect present for Regency fans.
The Jane Austen Collection
by Jane Austen
Whether in the electrically charged chemistry of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy, or the simmering romance of Emma Woodhouse and Mr Knightley, no one writes love and relationships like the incomparable Jane Austen. This gorgeous, limited edition box set includes all of her classic romantic novels. Each individual volume is beautifully designed and features a bespoke jacket, introduction or afterword, and Hugh Thomson’s timeless, evocative illustrations.
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.
