Help me think of gifts for a bookish 17-year-old girl

[Manro]

I’ve been ill the last couple of weeks and not able to get out and shop for 17-year-old DD‘s Christmas presents. Starting to panic now as I only have a couple of things. She’s quite difficult to buy for - if you gave her money she would buy books, then more books, and more books. She’s really into Victorian literature, plus the Classics, as in ancient Greeks and Romans, particularly Pliny the younger. I am absolutely stuck! She’s definitely not into make up or anything like that, but nor is she tomboyish either. She’s absolutely lovely though and a completely delight, and I’m sure will be thrilled with anything she gets but I’m really stuck.

When she was younger, I would rely on lots of crafts and arty type stuff, but that sort of thing has taken a backseat in recent years.

I’m still not well, so really it needs to be things that can be bought online. All suggestions welcome, up to a budget of about £200 in total.

On my thread DD doesn't want socks ...What does she want? | Mumsnet People suggested Official Book Nook® | DIY Miniature 3D Book Nook Kits which might fit maybe?

A subscription from Mr B’s Emporium in Bath.

I was a huge reader but also loved theatre - tickets to a Royal Shakespeare Company production, or the Globe or the Playhouse on South Bank?

I saw someone on here recommend Book Nooks. That could combine her love of books and crafty side?

A kindle and credit to buy books?
cashmere socks
nice chocolates?

Book ends?
My DD has a pencil holder shaped like Julius Cesar...
Present Indicative might be a good website.
Theatre tickets?
I've also bought an escape room game based on Greek/Roman myths for a gift this year - Waterstones website.
Something classy from Daunt bookshop?
T-shirt (with Pliny the younger on it) find a website that does bespoke ones as I don't think you'll find this in the shops. Ditto something like a mug or mouse mat? A calendar with busts of Roman writers/book covers (again you'll have to find some images but it would be a fun gift)

If she would truly love money to spend on books I would perhaps give her money for books plus a new blanket, pyjamas and Stanley cup?

Would she like a boyfriend? I dream about DS meeting somebody like her.

Your DD sounds lovely. Hope you feel better soon. Yoshi bag with book theme

https://www.yoshigoods.com/collections/black-friday-sale-bags-1/products/dickens-bookworm-black-leather-multiway-grab-bag

https://www.yoshigoods.com/collections/black-friday-sale-bags-1/products/jane-austen-bookworm-warm-grey-leather-cross-body-bag

Book Nook model
Penguin book tote https://shop.penguin.co.uk/collections/bags
Charm bracelet https://lifecharms.co.uk/products/book-lover-charm-bracelet?srsltid=AfmBOooq3GFZpzYhBTXmYxsC48n5c71EOyCrl-N7OKIo0Rg_p24FtLqQ

Jane Austen guess who game https://janeausten.co.uk/products/jane-austen-guess-who?srsltid=AfmBOoqhOvLQGZ3q3UrJlTV1-7EMiZ-ux3-rE3eJ395nbuQi2wpirEC8

A subscription to

https://persephonebooks.co.uk/

https://www.presentindicative.com/collections/literature

lots of good ideas here

Or to:

https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/subscribe/fiction/

Second the Mr B Emporium or Connected a women’s book shop which is in the NE but offers a subscription service

Do you think she would enjoy a computer game such as "The Forgotten City"? It's available on PCs but also game consoles such as Playstation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Forgotten_City

She may like this book OP, Santa Claus (aka DH) is going to be bringing it for me. But the way you describe her interests I feel it may suit her too: Proto: A New History of Our Ancient Past by Laura Spinney.

Natalie Haynes, the Classics writer and podcaster, has a Christmas list for classicists on her Facebook which has loads of lovely ideas for fans of Greek and Roman history, literature and myths. Your DD sounds like me as a teenager and I'd love most of the things on Nat's lists.

If your DD likes going to the theatre, Austentatious (the improvise Jane Austen show) is touring in 2026. They might have a tour date near you.

Present Indicative and The Literary Gift Company are good places to look, as others have said. Or perhaps a special edition of one of her favourite books, a Penguin cloth bound or Folio Society edition.

Klever Kase makes covers for Kindles and probably other tablets. I have a Hound of the Baskervilles one and like it a lot.

Reading lights are also on this site. I have seen the book bags and they're amazing, but can't think where and when I truly would use them to the extent I have to use a handbag.

Edit- ooh, and 20 percent off discreetly at the top of their page (this week).

I’d go for a £100 Waterstones voucher then a nice blanket, pjs, slippers and new mug so she’s cosy whilst reading!

Or pick one of the lists below and buy her as many as your budget allows:

https://brittlepaper.com/category/book-lists/

If she’s particularly keen on the artefact itself, perhaps something from here?

https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/fiction

Thank you so much - these suggestions are fantastic! I’ve already ordered a book nook and will be perusing at leisure later on.

I think she would quite, but is a bit hampered by being at a girls school, and not the type to be going to parties etc!

Does she like Lego? The Lego Book Nooks are fabulous.

I also have a 17 year old bookish Geek.

Mine is surgically attached to her Spark Company Hoodie that says "Hold on Let me Overthink This". They also have some with Austen quotes.

If she likes ancient Greeks I'm assuming she already knows Natalie Haynes. What about a musical in London as a gift? Hades Town is absolutely wonderful and steeped in Greek myth. We went last year for dd's birthday.

You can get really sweet book purses which would make a good stocking filler purse

Or just roll with it and give her a hefty book token with a promise of a shopping trip together when you feel better. Go for lunch, coffee and cake, books and some lovely time together.

I was like this at 17 ( still am).
My favourite presents were book tokens ... .
The sheer joy of walking into a bookshop with lots of book tokens is never to be underestimated!
Was my idea of heaven.