Reading Guide ·
The Ultimate Book Gift Guide for 2026: 25 Bestsellers for Everyone on Your Christmas List
Because the best gifts come with a good story.
Shopping for a reader should be easy. In theory.
In reality, there's the mother-in-law who belongs to three book clubs, the dad who reads everything from historical nonfiction to science fiction, and the teenager whose TBR pile is becoming a genuine safety hazard.
We've got you.
This year, Matchbook is making holiday shopping a little easier with 25 bestselling books from 2025 and 2026. Whether you're shopping for a devoted fantasy fan, a hopeless romantic, or a little bookworm discovering the magic of stories, there's something here worth wrapping.
And for the readers who already have everything? We have a little something extra.
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For the Readers Who Wear Their Love of Books
For Your Book Club-Loving Mother-in-Law
For the woman who loves complicated characters, family secrets, and having very strong opinions about a fictional person's decisions.
01
The Calamity Club
Kathryn Stockett · 2026
From the bestselling author of The Help comes a sweeping novel set during the Great Depression, following women determined to improve their circumstances in a world that hasn't made it easy.
Full of resilience, friendship, and unforgettable characters, this is exactly the kind of story that gets passed around a book club.
Why she'll love it: Historical fiction, strong female characters, and plenty to discuss long after the final chapter.
02
My Friends
Fredrik Backman · 2025
From the beloved author of A Man Called Ove comes a moving story about friendship, art, and the extraordinary impact people can have on one another.
It's funny, heartbreaking, and deeply human — all the things Backman does best.
Why she'll love it: An emotional, character-driven story about the friendships that shape our lives.
03
Broken Country
Clare Leslie Hall · 2025
A sweeping story of love, loss, and impossible choices, set against the English countryside. When a woman is confronted by someone from her past, the carefully constructed life she's built begins to unravel.
Why she'll love it: Family secrets, complicated relationships, and the kind of ending that demands a conversation.
For the Dad Who Loves a Page-Turner
For the man who says he doesn't need anything for Christmas, then disappears into a book for the entire afternoon.
Whether he's fascinated by history, partial to an action-packed thriller, or happiest exploring another galaxy, these three bestsellers have him covered.
01
Chain Reaction
Lee Child and Andrew Child · 2026
For the thriller lover.
Jack Reacher returns in another action-packed adventure involving a covert mission, a suspicious death, and a mystery that only Reacher can untangle.
It's fast-paced, gripping, and full of the suspense that has made this series a favourite of thriller readers everywhere.
Why he'll love it: Relentless action, clever twists, and a hero who always finds himself in the middle of trouble.
02
The Fate of the Day
Rick Atkinson · 2025
For the history buff.
In the second volume of his acclaimed American Revolution trilogy, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson brings the struggle for American independence vividly to life.
Meticulously researched and richly detailed, it's an absorbing account of the people, battles, and decisions that shaped history.
Why he'll love it: An immersive look at real historical events, told with the momentum of a great story.
Reading note: This is volume two in a nonfiction history trilogy.
03
Operation Bounce House
Matt Dinniman · 2026
For the science fiction fan.
From the author of Dungeon Crawler Carl comes a wildly entertaining science fiction adventure in which a man must defend his planet against an invasion controlled remotely by gamers from Earth.
Equal parts action, dark humour, and intergalactic chaos.
Why he'll love it: Inventive science fiction with enormous stakes and a healthy dose of absurdity.
For the Reader Who Loves Epic Fantasy
For the person who would drop everything if a mysterious wizard appeared at their door and offered them a quest.
Dragons, ancient magic, complicated kingdoms, and worlds that feel impossibly real. These bestselling fantasy novels are ready to transport readers somewhere extraordinary.
01
The Devils
Joe Abercrombie · 2025
A band of unlikely and decidedly questionable heroes is assembled for a dangerous mission in this darkly funny fantasy adventure.
Filled with razor-sharp dialogue, unpredictable characters, and spectacularly messy moral dilemmas, it's classic Abercrombie.
Why they'll love it: Rich world-building, morally complicated heroes, and an adventure that refuses to play by the rules.
02
The Strength of the Few
James Islington · 2025
The bestselling continuation of The Hierarchy series delivers intricate political intrigue, extraordinary magic, and a sprawling fantasy world filled with secrets.
Why they'll love it: Epic stakes, elaborate world-building, and a story that rewards readers who love solving mysteries.
Reading note: This is the second book in the series. Start with The Will of the Many if they're new to James Islington.
03
Alchemised
SenLinYu · 2025
In a dark world devastated by war, a woman with fragmented memories must confront a terrifying new reality.
Combining magic, political intrigue, psychological tension, and an emotionally intense story, Alchemised became one of the year's biggest fantasy releases.
Why they'll love it: Dark fantasy, intricate storytelling, and an immersive world that lingers long after the ending.
Reading note: This is a particularly dark adult fantasy and best suited to readers who enjoy heavier themes.
For the Reader Who Loves a Little Magic With Their Romance
For the reader who likes high stakes, slow burns, powerful heroines, and fictional love interests with a questionable number of red flags.
These bestselling romantasy picks deliver magic, danger, and the kind of romantic tension that makes putting the book down nearly impossible.
01
Dire Bound
Sable Sorensen · 2026
In a brutal world of deadly trials, magical bonds, and dangerous alliances, one woman must fight for survival while navigating a relationship with someone she isn't sure she can trust.
Expect enemies-to-lovers tension, powerful magic, and plenty of emotional turmoil.
Why they'll love it: All the romantasy essentials, from fierce heroines to slow-burn romance.
02
The Knight and the Moth + The Knave and the Moon
Rachel Gillig · 2025–2026
A two-book gothic romantasy gift pairing.
Some stories are simply too good to gift one book at a time.
In The Knight and the Moth, a young prophetess finds herself on an impossible quest alongside a mysterious knight whose future she cannot foresee.
Atmospheric, romantic, and filled with the kind of haunting imagery that stays with you, the story transports readers into a world of ancient magic, secrets, and unexpected longing.
The adventure continues in The Knave and the Moon, the second and concluding instalment of Rachel Gillig's Stonewater Kingdom duology.
With darker mysteries, heightened stakes, and an unforgettable romance, these two bestselling novels make an especially lovely gift when paired together.
Why they'll love them: Gothic atmosphere, mysterious magic, slow-burn romance, and a complete two-book fantasy adventure.
Gift tip: Wrap both books together for a ready-made romantasy binge.
03
A Court of Splintered Harmony
Sarah J. Maas · 2026
Return to the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses in this highly anticipated continuation of Sarah J. Maas's bestselling fantasy romance series.
For readers already deeply invested in Prythian and its unforgettable characters, this is the kind of gift that needs very little explanation.
Why they'll love it: More time in one of romantasy's most beloved fictional worlds.
Reading note: Best for existing ACOTAR readers. Newcomers should begin with A Court of Thorns and Roses.
For the Littlest Bookworm (Ages 0–3)
For the tiny reader who believes every book is an interactive experience. Including the ones that aren't.
01
100 First Words
Ms. Rachel · 2025
Bright pictures, familiar objects, and simple words make this bestselling board book a fun way for little ones to build vocabulary and learn through play.
Why they'll love it: Familiar faces, engaging illustrations, and plenty of opportunities to point, name, and discover.
02
Potty Time with Bean
Ms. Rachel · 2025
A cheerful introduction to an important toddler milestone, featuring familiar characters and encouraging language.
Why they'll love it: A reassuring, playful approach to learning a new skill.
03
Hide and Seek with Herbie
Mr. Aron and Ms. Rachel · 2025
An interactive board book that invites little readers to explore, discover, and participate in the story.
Why they'll love it: Hands-on fun and a familiar world designed for curious little minds.
For the Little Dreamer (Ages 4–7)
For the kid whose imagination is bigger than their bedroom and whose bedtime always needs one more story.
01
Little Blue Truck and Racer Red
Alice Schertle · 2025
Everyone's favourite little blue truck returns for another adventure, this time with a speedy new character.
Why they'll love it: Lovable characters, colourful illustrations, and an uplifting story about friendship.
02
The Humble Pie
Jory John and Pete Oswald · 2025
From the creators of the bestselling Food Group series comes another funny, thoughtful picture book about finding your confidence and learning to appreciate what makes you special.
Why they'll love it: Silly characters, meaningful lessons, and illustrations that are just as entertaining as the story.
03
Bluey's Night Before Christmas
Lauren Holowaty · 2025
Celebrate the holidays with Bluey and her family in this festive story inspired by a beloved Christmas classic.
Why they'll love it: Familiar characters, Christmas excitement, and a story that's perfect for reading together.
For the Kid Who Reads Past Bedtime (Ages 8–12)
For the reader who says “just one more chapter” and somehow means another hundred pages.
01
Partypooper
Jeff Kinney · 2025
Greg Heffley returns in the twentieth Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, bringing his usual combination of awkward situations, questionable decisions, and laugh-out-loud moments.
Why they'll love it: The humour and relatable chaos that have made this series a favourite with young readers.
02
Big Jim Believes
Dav Pilkey · 2025
The fourteenth Dog Man adventure combines outrageous humour, action, and heartfelt moments in the graphic-novel format kids can't get enough of.
Why they'll love it: Hilarious illustrations, familiar characters, and an adventure that makes reading feel effortless.
03
The Cartoonists Club
Raina Telgemeier · 2025
A group of young artists comes together to create comics, discover their voices, and learn what it means to collaborate.
Why they'll love it: A celebration of creativity, friendship, and the joy of making something entirely your own.
For the Teen Who Always Wants Another Book (Ages 13–17)
For the teenager whose bookshelf is overflowing, whose reading goals are ambitious, and whose holiday wish list is somehow still entirely books.
01
Sunrise on the Reaping
Suzanne Collins · 2025
Return to Panem in this gripping Hunger Games prequel exploring Haymitch Abernathy's experience in the fiftieth Hunger Games.
Why they'll love it: High-stakes action, powerful themes, and a deeper look into one of YA fiction's most recognizable worlds.
02
Fearless
Lauren Roberts · 2025
The Powerless trilogy reaches its dramatic conclusion in a story filled with dangerous choices, political intrigue, and romantic tension.
Why they'll love it: Fantasy romance, shocking twists, and a conclusion to a hugely popular series.
Reading note: This is the third book. Start with Powerless for readers who are new to the series.
03
Wings of Starlight
Allison Saft · 2025
This romantic fantasy explores the world of Disney Fairies through a magical story of love, destiny, and impossible choices.
Why they'll love it: Enchanting world-building, heartfelt romance, and a nostalgic connection to beloved fairy stories.
Still Not Sure What to Get Them?
We get it. Buying books for someone who reads a lot can feel a little intimidating.
What if they've already read it? What if they don't like the genre? What if they have a very specific opinion about third-act breakups?
That's where Matchbook comes in.
Tell us a little about the books they already love, and we'll help you discover recommendations that feel made just for them.
Because finding the perfect book shouldn't be the hardest part of holiday shopping.
Happy gifting, and happy reading.
With love, Matchbook.