Bookish Gift Guide 2025

Looking for some bookish gift inspiration this festive season? Here are 10 recommendations from independent bookshops from across Devon, and a few of our own featuring some of our other bookish friends!

  1. The Dartmoor Folklore Map - Ethan Pennell
    Suggested by The Ivybridge Bookshop, Ivybridge
    A moorland guide to the eldritch world of ghosts, pixies, The Devil, witches, wisht places, legends, strange phenomena and more.

  2. A Raw Writing Workshop
    Help make someone’s writing goals a reality with a professional writing workshop with the Exeter-based Raw Writing team!

  3. Queer: A Graphic History
    by Meg-John Barker & Jules Scheele
    Suggested by Lavender Menace Books, Exeter
    A unique portrayal of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action, this graphic novel is perfect for anyone looking to learn a little bit more about queer history in a fun and easy way.

  4. bookonahookco - Earrings, keyrings and more!
    A staple at our yearly Book Market, Jemma’s handmade micro bookish creations are incredibly charming and make for a wonderful gift for the reader in your life!

  5. Wild Folk
    by Tamsin Abbott and Jackie Morris
    Suggested by Seven Fables, Dulverton
    The Exmoor based bookshop have an incredibly close working relationship with Jackie Morris & Tamsin Abbott and supported this book from when it was just an idea!

  6. Tickets to Exeter Cathedral’s ‘The Storytellers’
    A mesmerising light and sound installation that brings the rich history of storytelling to life. It heads to Exeter Cathedral in January 2026.

  7. Book Subscriptions & Foodbank Book Donations
    Suggested by Bookbag, Exeter
    A book handpicked from the Bookbag team straight to your door featuring indie presses & under-the-radar reads. Bookbag are also collecting brand new children’s books to donate to Exeter Foodbank - online or in-person!

  8. Hallowed Earth: A Lifetime in Photography
    By Chris Chapman
    Suggested by Dogberry & Finch Books, Okehampton
    Rooted in the Dartmoor landscape and community, the Dogbery & Finch team recommend photographer Chris Chapman's new book.

  9. Adventuremice: Mousehole to the Centre of the Earth
    By Reeve & McIntyre
    Suggested by First Draft Books, Bovey Tracey
    First Draft Books work closely with neighbours and supporters Reeve & McIntyre, sometimes shop owner Leslie sees it as ‘the bookshop that Adventuremice built!’

  10. Devon and Exeter Institution Trial Membership
    Spend the day at Devon’s oldest library surrounded by literary beauty with one of The DEI’s trial memberships.

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