Books to Gift this Christmas Based on your Friend's Niche Personality Type
Everyone has that friend who is almost impossible to buy for - so where better to look for a gift than within the world of literature? Nothing says ‘I know you’ like a handpicked book. Whether you’re shopping for a fan of all things moody and dark or a lover of all things romance, we've got you covered!
The Weird, Hot Girls
Look - I said it would be niche. Think explorations of female rage, cultish cliques, and just generally unsettling depictions of girlhood - this is possibly my favourite genre.
Bunny by Mona Awad
Like a twisted re-write of Mean Girls, this fairy-tale-horror follows a clique of girls on their creative writing postgrad. When outsider Samantha receives an invite from the ‘bunnies’, the turn of events is nothing you could imagine as the novel delves into the dark side of obsessive female friendships. It's best to go into this one blind, so follow the bunnies down the rabbit hole and see for yourself.
Boy Parts by Eliza Clarke
Dark and satirical, Boy Parts follows a photographer in Newcastle who likes taking photos of naked men. Often described as a female version of American Psycho, the novel fearlessly and grotesquely unpacks taboo gender dynamics. Combining laugh out loud moments with stomach-churning chapters, it’s impossible to put this one down.
The Introverted, Academic Friend
These books are perfect for that friend who’s always in the library, has their head in a book, and lives for the dark academia/academiacore vibe.
The Secret History by Donna Tart
It couldn’t be more dark academia than this one - this book follows a group of enigmatic philosophy students at a prestigious university. Things take a turn for the worse after a member of the group is murdered, and a mystery gradually unravels. Full of thought-provoking quotes and complex character dynamics, you won’t be able to let go of this story even after you put the book down.
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
Follow Dorian Grey down a journey of self-destruction in the pursuit of eternal beauty. This classic follows the story of a beautiful man influenced by his older, hedonistic friend who makes a bargain with fate to keep his youth forever. As we watch the protagonist transform from seemingly pure and innocent to morally corrupt, this Oscar Wilde classic will leave you feeling existential.
The Life and Soul of The Party
For the friend who is wild and free, the one who calls us up every weekend to go out, and the one who is always last to go home. Let them romanticise their lives by getting lost in someone else’s crazy party stories.
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Often hinted to as being inspired by Stevie Nicks and her time in Fleetwood Mac, it doesn’t get much more rock and roll than this. Following a band at their peak in the 70s, an electric love affair, and the downfall of the ultimate party girl, Daisy Jones will have you dreaming about life in the fast lane.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This timeless classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald unveils the most extraordinary parties in fiction. In hopes of winning the attention of his former lover, mysterious millionaire Gatbsy throws lavish parties in his mansion. Set in the roaring 20s on Long Island, what better way to immerse yourself in the party season?
The Hopeless Romantic
Does your friend fall head over heels every weekend? Swear they’re going to marry every Hinge date? Then these books should be at the top of their Christmas list.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
Dolly’s all-relatable, overly-vulnerable memoir takes us on a journey through the trials and tribulations of love and heartbreak through her 20’s. You will laugh, and probably cry, while reading this one. Everything I Know About Love reminds us that romantic frustrations are shared while helping the hopeless romantic feel less alone.
Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney has the unique talent of ripping our hearts out when it comes to romance. Slightly less gut-wrenching than Normal People but with the same intense romance and passion, Rooney’s newest novel follows two friends living in different parts of the world across a series of emails as they both fall in love. As much of a love affair between the friends as it is with the couples involved, this one will swallow you whole.