Choosing a book for someone can be tricky, but when you get it right, it can be an incredibly meaningful gift, which they will value for life. I have selected a few of my favourite editions, which have a little added panache, to make an extra-special present this Christmas.

Penguin Drop Caps

This beautiful hardback collection has a different piece of classic literature for every letter of the alphabet, from Austen, through Ishiguro and Steinbeck, to Zafon. They are in a rainbow spectrum of colours, including the outer edge of the pages, and each cover features an illustrated letter by type designer Jessica Hische. My favourite of these is the G on the front of Golding’s Lord of the Flies, ingeniously designed as Piggy’s glasses. They retail at roughly £11 each on Amazon; a bargain, in my opinion (until you inevitably want the whole set, that is). 

Animalium: Collector’s Edition

I stumbled across this book a little while ago and was completely charmed by its intricate, whimsical illustrations of animal life on our planet, from Invertebrates, Fish and Amphibians, to Reptiles, Birds and Mammals. Then I realised there was a special collector’s edition, that came in a big wooden box with 10 art prints, and I had a bookgasm.  

It really is stunning. Currently retailing for around £30 on Amazon, this is the perfect gift for the animal lover in your life. The publishers describe it as the first in their series of virtual museums; I look forward to more!

The Folio Society

There is something for everyone in the folio collection. They publish titles in every category, from literature and cookery, to science and music. Each one is beautifully illustrated by renowned artists, expertly introduced by someone passionate about the book, and comes in a protective slip case. 

It’s impossible to recommend just a few, but the first one I bought was Lord of the Flies, with an introduction by Ian McEwan; I have been hooked on them ever since. These are on the pricier end of the gift spectrum, but plunder second-hand book shops and eBay and you can get them for between £5 and £15, less than half the price on their official website. 

Barnes and Noble Leather-bound Classics

Perhaps the grandest in my selection, these leather-bound books are so luxurious you almost won’t want to read them for fear of damaging their elegant covers and gold rimmed pages. As well as covering the classics, including many big American titles, the series strays from tradition, publishing some great alternative reads including Jurassic Park and Gray’s Anatomy. Prices range from £10 to £25, but if you want to impress someone with a gorgeous edition of their favourite book, they really are quite special, and are definitely worth splashing out on. 

White Pocket Classics

This is a small series of nine hardback books including Alice in Wonderland, Sherlock Holmes and Wuthering Heights. The focus is on creating charming books at affordable prices, which they pull off with aplomb. The quirky, embossed cover design on each one is fantastic and wonderfully tactile. Each title is introduced by the likes of Ian Rankin and Michael Morpurgo. These are the best value for money on my list, with an RRP of £6.99 each, cheaper even than many paperback editions.

Budget Buy: Retro Penguins

If your budget is tight, a bundle of rustic Penguin Classics serves as a brilliant literary gift. Just about every publication imaginable exists in this format, some in the classic orange and white stripe look, and others with the more artistic, illustrated covers. If you want some inspiration, have a flick through 700 Penguins, a compilation of Penguin’s favourite cover designs. Most second hand bookshops sell them at £2-£3, so you can create a personalised, thoughtful collection for your gift recipient. It should keep them going until next Christmas, at least.