10 Literary Gift Ideas for Christmas

As Christmas approaches, the shops are filling up, the festive bustle is in full swing, and the letters to Father Christmas have long been written, sealed, and sent. And yet—you have no idea. Not the slightest clue. For Albert, perhaps a shirt? Aunt Jeannette already gave him one last year (and, truth be told, he wasn’t particularly fond of the violet shade). For Gudule, a waffle iron? She gave up sugar several months ago and now swears only by chickpeas and sourdough bread.

No need to panic! At Hôtels Littéraires, we spend the entire year thinking about what might delight our guests. And now we are ready to unveil a few of our secrets to help you fill your loved ones’ shoes with thoughtful gifts.

Here, just for you, are nine literary gift ideas, inspired by the Société des Hôtels Littéraires for 2025.

 

1. A hardcover edition of a classic

Reading a book is wonderful, but reading it in a beautiful edition is even better. A sturdy hardback cover, sewn binding, a collector’s edition… A hardcover book is a promise: a book that endures, that can be passed on, that travels through generations. Add a personalised dedication — “to my dear Albert, who prefers reading to being a fashion victim.” And if you want to be certain your gift hits the mark, choose an edition printed on a symbolic date and accompany it with an artisanal bookmark or a personalised ex-libris.
A guaranteed success for curious minds and book lovers alike!

 

2. A poetic T-shirt

For literature lovers, wearing their passion on a T-shirt is a discreet yet undeniable joy. A quote from Rimbaud, Hugo, or a witty line from Sagan, screen-printed on organic cotton — who could resist? Emerging brands such as Dices or Zigzag Island offer beautiful collections inspired by Marguerite Duras, Marcel Proust, or Arthur Rimbaud.

You can take it a step further by commissioning a customised design featuring your loved one’s favourite quote, or an illustration of an iconic character, a library, or an old manuscript.

A poetic and committed gift, perfect for uniting style with literature.

 

3. A night at the theatre

At Christmas, a gift need not be an object — it can also be a moment. A night at the theatre is an elegant alternative to traditional presents, especially for Parisians who have an abundance of options. The only difficulty: choosing! Here is the Société des Hôtels Littéraires’ selection for the upcoming months in Paris:

• Art, by Yasmina Reza, at Théâtre Montparnasse until 7 March 2026: a classic exploring friendship and how it evolves over time.

• The Lion King, at Théâtre Mogador until 28 June 2026: a grand musical adaptation of the Disney classic, still running on Broadway since 1997.

• Edmond, at Théâtre du Palais Royal until 3 May 2026: a multi-award-winning play celebrating Edmond Rostand and the creation of Cyrano de Bergerac.

• Les Fourberies de Scapin, at the Comédie-Française until 14 January: a brilliantly revisited classic performed by an unmatched troupe.

• Les Gros patinent bien, at La Pépinière until 29 March 2026: a wild comedy that leaves little room for witty lines but guarantees an uproarious evening.

An ideal gift to share — after all, no one goes to the theatre alone!

 

4. A Moleskine notebook to record one’s reading

Avid readers love to document their discoveries: favourite quotes, impressions, recommendations, reading lists… Offering a Moleskine notebook means encouraging reading, reflection, and the pleasure of keeping track. Let’s admit it: with screens everywhere, our memories have become real sieves. The Moleskine notebook is the perfect antidote, all the more so as there are dedicated reading journals — and many others for all kinds of passions. No more blank stares when Tante Gudule asks you for a book recommendation you read months ago.

An intelligent, refined gift that will faithfully accompany its owner along all their literary adventures.

In the Hôtels Littéraires boutiques, you will find the exclusive Moleskine designed for the group, illustrated by our watercolour artist Jean Aubertin.

 

5. A Gallimard tote bag

Disposable bags are out — long live the tote bag! But not just any tote: the iconic Gallimard tote, instantly recognisable with its famous white cover bordered in red or green. Practical, sturdy, and stylish, it follows readers everywhere: to the library, the bookshop, the market, or the beach. You can even slip a short-story collection or a box of tea or coffee inside to create a full “reading kit.” The Gallimard Boutique also offers a wealth of gift ideas for Christmas 2025.

A delightful, responsible gift to mix and match without moderation.

 

6. An audiobook subscription

Audiobooks have soared in popularity: they accompany joggers, drivers, knitters, or anyone who struggles to find time to sit down with a book. Instead of offering a single book, why not offer an entire library? An audiobook subscription (Audible, Kobo, etc.) opens access to a vast catalogue: novels, essays, crime fiction, poetry — something for everyone. Apps now offer curated selections around themes like inspiring women, rediscovered classics, or award-winning new releases.
A modern, accessible, and remarkably useful gift.

 

7. A literary book box

Offering a literary book box — such as those created by Kube — is more than a gift: it is an invitation to discovery and delight. Each box includes carefully selected books built around a theme (novels, classics, contemporary literature, cosy reading, and more), along with small extras: treats, elegant stationery, well-being accessories… A concept that charms both seasoned readers and the simply curious. Some boxes can also be given as gift cards, allowing the recipient to receive a monthly or quarterly selection tailored to their tastes — a gift that truly lasts. The literary box brings together surprise, the pleasure of reading, and comfort — a refined present suited to nearly every type of reader.

Why choose a book box for Christmas?

• It combines literary discovery with elegance — a gift that stands out.

• It appeals to both passionate readers and newcomers, opening the door to new horizons.

• With subscription or gift-card options, it becomes a lasting gift — a renewed pleasure, month after month.

 

8. A session in a literary spa

Blending relaxation with cultural escape: this is the promise fulfilled by the literary spas of the Société des Hôtels Littéraires in Paris and Nancy — rare, intimate places where one can unwind in an original, carefully crafted atmosphere. Gone are impersonal spas! Discover the Japanese-inspired Suichuka Spa at Hôtel Littéraire Le Swann, or Le Rouge et le Noir Spa at Hôtel Littéraire Stendhal in Nancy — two private, secluded spaces perfect for an exquisite break.

A surprising gift, far more enchanting than Aunt Gudule’s shirt!
On the hotels’ websites, you can easily offer this exceptional moment online.

 

9. Breakfast in a literary hotel

What if the perfect gift were simply a moment shared? For smaller budgets, breakfast in a literary hotel is a charming, unexpected idea: an immersion in a refined world inspired by legendary authors. All our hotels — in Paris, Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand, and Nancy — source most of their products locally from environmentally conscious producers. Imagine a gourmet interlude surrounded by manuscripts, first editions, and works of art. The Hôtels Littéraires are also small museums: between two tartines, you can discover authors’ manuscripts, rare pieces, or correspondence from Proust, Rimbaud, George Sand, and more. At Hôtel Littéraire Le Swann, you can currently enjoy an exclusive exhibition based on Jacques Letertre’s collections dedicated to George Sand.

Breakfast can be reserved by phone at each hotel.
Be sure to mention in your card that the joy of the moment lies in its slowness, its shared pleasure — and the inspiration born in a hotel unlike any other.

 

10. A literary getaway

The ultimate gift for book lovers: a full stay in one of our Literary Hotels in Paris, Rouen, Clermont-Ferrand, or Nancy. A stay under the sign of the belles-lettres — there is no better way to make Christmas 2025 unforgettable.
You may pair it with local events such as Saint Nicholas’ Day in Nancy or the Christmas Market in Rouen.
You can even choose the destination according to the author who inspired each hotel. For someone who has read Madame Bovary ten times, discovering Rouen through the world of Flaubert is nothing short of revelatory.

So then — do you remember that initial moment of panic at the start of this article? We hope that now your loved ones’ shoes will overflow with gifts — and literary ones at that! Whether you choose a hardcover edition destined to be passed down through generations, a Gallimard tote bag that will turn heads at the library, or a full literary stay, the essence remains the same: offering a piece of culture, a moment of escape, something to savour.
Because ultimately, the best literary gift is the one that tells a story — yours, your loved one’s, and the one you will write together.
Merry Literary Christmas 2025!

 

Bonus: A few tips for choosing the perfect literary gift

• Keep in mind the recipient’s tastes, favourite authors, or other passions: a literary gift is never generic when it is chosen with them in mind.

• Favour local businesses: independent bookshops, creators, and artisans work hand in hand to bring you the best.

• Always slip in a handwritten note, a quote, or a shared memory: that is where the magic of a truly meaningful gift lies.