Unexpected readings—from fashion to pet-tecture—the ultimate gift ideas to impress (or make them smile), curated by your fav school librarian
Here’s a fun fact: spend your days surrounded by students, and you’re bound to overhear some of the most disruptive, fascinating, and oddly specific conversations about the worlds of fashion and avant-garde design. Case in point: just the other day, I found myself nodding along to a spirited debate on whether a handbag can double as an art installation. (Spoiler: the answer is yes, but only if it’s impractical enough.)
It’s in this bubbling cauldron of creativity that the idea for this list of pocket-sized coffee table books emerged. These titles are more than just compact reads; they’re an instant crash course in style, design, and a dash of whimsy. Perfect Christmas gift ideas for those who revel in fashion publications and design volumes, these books are the most stylish reads to gift this holiday season.
Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a manual on Pet-tecture (yes, that’s architecture for pets) alongside biographies of iconic fashion houses and the design bibles of the 20th century. After all, if your cat isn’t living in a bespoke mini-mansion, can you really call yourself a true cat lover?
But I digress. These readings are the ultimate reminder that the best Christmas gifts for book lovers combine a personal touch with an endless source of inspiration. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the list.
Little Books of Fashion: Discover the Unofficial, Unauthorised Stories Behind Iconic Fashion Houses
The “Little Books of Fashion” pocket-sized collection features more than twenty designer biographies, spotlighting major fashion designers who exemplify elegance and haute couture in fewer than 160 pages.
Published by Welbeck, the “Little Book of Fendi. The Story of the Iconic Fashion House - Unofficial and Unauthorized” by Laia Farran Graves is one of the standout volumes in this series. It takes us on a journey through one of Italy’s oldest fashion dynasties—starting with the Fendi sisters and their early days in the fur industry during the Dolce Vita era. It then explores the contributions of Karl Lagerfeld, Kim Jones, Silvia Venturini Fendi and beyond, showcasing the global empire that remains as deeply embedded in popular culture as ever. A sophisticated yet simple gift for your style-loving friends, this book, along with others in the series—featuring brands like Hermès and Tom Ford—makes a perfect choice for those who appreciate fashion books on their coffee tables.
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Now, let’s talk practicality: these little books are ideal for students living the fashion dream in apartments where space is more of a suggestion than a reality. With piles of half-finished designs and the occasional takeaway box (who are we kidding?), these tiny treasures can fit in without taking up valuable real estate. They elevate their space with just enough sophistication to make you look like a gift-giving genius, all while keeping your wallet intact. In the world of student life, square footage may be scarce, but your gift-giving reputation doesn’t have to be. Each “Little Book of... The Story of the Iconic Fashion House – Unofficial and Unauthorized” is the perfect thoughtful gesture to show you care about someone – and their perfectly curated tiny home.
Little Books of City Style: A Pocket-Sized Journey Through Fashion Capitals Without the Jetlag
The “Little Books of City Style” collection is your passport to a pop and colourful tour of the world’s fashion capitals—Paris, Milan, London, New York, Tokyo, and even Seoul. These pocket-sized gems, published by Welbeck, take you through each city’s fashion history, its top designers, and all those little details that make these places the epicentres of culture. It’s like visiting the world’s most iconic cities without ever having to leave your sofa—ideal for anyone still recovering from their last attempt to navigate the Paris métro.
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So, what’s your vibe? If the Big Apple is your thing, the “Little Book of New York Style: The Fashion History of the Iconic City” has got you covered. Whether you’re into Carrie Bradshaw’s love affair with overpriced shoes or Grace Jones’s more avant-garde take on fashion, this book will give you that energy. If you’re more of a Londoner, don’t miss out on the title dedicated to the creative chaos of Mary Quant, Vivienne Westwood, and the endless parade of styles—from the punks of King’s Road to the New Romantics of Soho. For those dreaming of a Parisian wardrobe that somehow combines effortless chic with an air of intellectual superiority, there’s a perfect read waiting for you, too. Think everything from the timeless luxury of Chanel to the cool sophistication of Saint Laurent—all in one book. And then there’s Tokyo, where fashion gets wild, showcasing the youthful maximalism of Harajuku alongside the sleek elegance of Ginza. With the “Little Book of Tokyo Style,” you’ll be flipping through pages filled with Sweet Lolitas, goths, punks, and other subcultures that make Japan’s capital a city of countless styles.
The “Little Books of City Style” are some of the best coffee table books to gift this holiday season. They’re compact and educational—everything you want in a Christmas gift idea for someone who’s into fashion. Also, if you’re struggling to find the right gift for the person who insists they know the latest trends before they even hit the runway, this is your perfect solution. Not only will you come across as the most fashionable gift-giver around, but you’ll also avoid the awkward moment when you realise you’ve bought the same thing as five other people. In the end, the “Little Books of City Style” are the gift that says, “I get you” —without breaking the bank.
Design of the 20th Century: The Ultimate Portable Guide for the Design-Obsessed
What do you get for that friend who’s always after portable product design inspiration—something they can easily take from their coffee table to their favourite café while sipping on a matcha latte? Look no further than Design of the 20th Century by Taschen. This compact guide is perfect for those who appreciate design books but don’t want to wade through endless pages of design history.
Sometimes, less really is more—Design of the 20th Century presents an A-Z selection of designers, primarily from Europe and North America, capturing 100 years of product design evolution in a concise, accessible format.
Spanning everything from furniture to graphics, Design of the 20th Century is one of the top coffee table books for design enthusiasts during the Christmas season. As it brilliantly states, “Aesthetics entered into everyday life with often staggering results.” From organic forms to geometric precision, from Art Deco to Pop and High-Tech, this book features iconic figures in modern design, such as Harry Bertoia, De Stijl, Dieter Rams, Philippe Starck, Charles and Ray Eames, and many more. By gifting it, you’ll instantly come across as both a connoisseur and a solid friend who knows how to pick the perfect present.
Pet-tecture: Where Design Meets the Purr-fect Lifestyle
For those who think designer products should also cater to their four-legged friends—and, honestly, why wouldn’t they?—“Pet-tecture: Design for Pets” by Tom Wainwright is the design book you didn’t know you needed. Published by Phaidon, this delightfully offbeat collection showcases over 200 examples of contemporary architecture for animals. Yes, you read that right—these are homes, play areas, and furniture crafted for pets by some of the most innovative architects and designers out there.
As Wainwright notes, this book serves as is a reminder of “how lucky we are as humans to live alongside the diverse domesticated creatures we call family.” And let’s face it: for our pets, we’d do just about anything. In fact, your cat might have a better-designed tree than you have a wardrobe, and your dog’s kennel could very well be the most stylish piece of architecture on the block.
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From concrete doghouses and 3D-printed aquariums to luxury chicken coops and scratching posts that look like modern art, Pet-tecture: Design for Pets is the best coffee table book for pet lovers with an eye for design. And yes, it’s perfect for gifting—imagine the delight on your friend’s face when they realise you’ve given them a Christmas gift that’s equal parts thoughtful and wonderfully unexpected.
Honestly, this book made me want to buy multiple copies, if only to inspire my pet-owning friends to rethink their tastefully dull dog beds and boring birdcages. Trust me, they’ll never look at a cat scratching post the same way again—and neither will you.
So, why not be the friend who not only understands their aesthetic but also elevates their pet’s living environment? It’s a win-win, especially for the pets!
Why Pocket-Sized Books Are the Perfect Christmas Gift
When it comes to Christmas gift ideas, these pocket-sized coffee table books pack a punch far beyond their compact frames. Whether you’re hunting for a fashion book Christmas gift idea, a chic design coffee table book, or even a quirky design catalogue for the pet-obsessed, these little treasures are big on inspiration without weighing you down.
Perfectly designed to slip into a stocking or enhance a coffee table, these books are as stylish as they are thoughtful—ideal for friends, family, or just for yourself. They’re proof that the best coffee table gift books for the holidays don’t have to be oversized to make an impact. Think of them as tiny masterpieces that deliver maximum charm with minimal effort.
So, which will you choose this year? A pocket-sized coffee table book for Christmas that celebrates design, fashion, or the art of pampering pets? For the best Christmas gifts for book lovers, look no further—these titles are your one-stop shop for effortless holiday magic.
Silvia De Vecchi
Librarian, London