The best food and book pairings to gift this Christmas

The holidays call for indulgence – both in flavour and imagination.

This year, skip the predictable gift cards and give something truly memorable: a beautifully wrapped book with a perfectly matched treat. Whether it’s a gripping thriller and a dark roast, or a cosy romance paired with chocolate truffles, these thoughtful duos turn reading time into an experience.

Deliciously good food and book pairings to gift this Christmas

Exit Strategy + a bold espresso blend

The latest Jack Reacher thriller, Exit Strategy, delivers the kind of tight, relentless action fans love. To match that intensity, gift it with a strong espresso blend or a sleek pack of dark roast coffee beans. The caffeine kick mirrors Reacher’s no-nonsense energy, and the ritual of brewing a perfect cup is the calm before the chaos of the next high-stakes chase. Perfect for anyone who likes their stories (and their coffee) strong and uncompromising.

The Impossible Fortune + a box of buttery shortbread

The newest instalment in The Thursday Murder Club series, The Impossible Fortune, is a new mystery filled with wit, warmth and a dash of mischief. Richard Osman’s charming storytelling deserves an equally comforting companion: a tin of buttery shortbread or classic biscuits. As the mystery unfolds, these sweet bikkies will add a touch of indulgence to the experience. It’s the kind of pairing that feels timeless: clever conversation, cosy settings and something delicious on the side.

Everybody Loves Cake + a selection of artisan baking mixes

Alisha Henderson celebrates the joy of baking in Everybody Loves Cake, a vibrant cookbook brimming with creative recipes, tips and inspiration. Pair it with premium baking mixes, quality vanilla or a set of festive sprinkles for a gift that invites a sense of playfulness into the kitchen. It’s perfect for the home baker who loves to experiment, or anyone who believes Christmas is best spent covered in flour.

Alchemised by SenLinYu + a box of luxury chocolates

The biggest dark fantasy debut of 2025, Alchemised, is a rich, romantic story full of magic. Its lush emotional depth pairs beautifully with fine dark chocolates or a gift box of handmade truffles. Both are indulgent, immersive experiences meant to be savoured slowly. This duo is perfect for someone who loves getting lost in beautifully written worlds – and appreciates a little decadence along the way.

Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief + a bag of fancy popcorn

Benjamin Stevenson’s razor-sharp comic thriller Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief is equal parts chaos, charm and cleverness. It’s a smart page-turner that will have readers laughing out loud while piecing together the crime. Match its cinematic energy with a gourmet bag of popcorn – think salted caramel, truffle or chilli lime. It’s the perfect treat for a book that reads like a blockbuster film and tastes just as addictive.

Wild Dark Shore + a gourmet cheese and cracker set

In Wild Dark Shore, bestselling author Charlotte McConaghy returns with another haunting, beautifully crafted novel exploring humanity’s fragile relationship with the natural world. Set against a rugged coastal backdrop, the story brims with tension and awe for the untamed landscape. Pair it with a premium cheese and cracker set – ideally something earthy and complex, like an aged cheddar or brie with fig jam. The savoury richness matches the novel’s depth and texture, making it the ideal companion for readers who love stories as layered and satisfying as their snacks.