If you’re still Christmas shopping and starting to panic (I have three presents left to get, I’m with you!) then prepare to be saved: not only do many of the things in my previous gift guides come from online stores with one day delivery (get it on Friday if you order today, or Saturday if you really cut it fine and order tomorrow) I also have a snazzy last-minute book idea for you.
Books that are ridiculously good looking.
Never mind the fact that most of them are classics, therefore brilliant presents anyway (who doesn’t like to re-read the classics now and then"), the arty/pretty/luxurious covers make them truly special and a joy to open on Christmas Day.
Order them now (all of these are from Amazon, for last-minute ease, but if you’re in town then you can perhaps pick up from Waterstones or Foyles if you’re lucky!), get them tomorrow, wrap them up with a bar of nice chocolate and you’ve created the ultimate night in. At least it’s the ultimate night in for me… Here’s my pick of some of the most beautiful books for panic-stricken Christmas shoppers:

MacMillan Children’s Classics: beautifully bound hardback books with the most gorgeous prints on the covers – choose from titles such as The Water Babies (£10.68 here) and  Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat (£13.24 here).
Browse the Christmas Gift Guides…

Slightly heftier, in terms of a Christmas present, but oh so very lovely: the comple...