Curious people are a joy to buy for, because there is nearly always a subject they would happily know more about. The trick is to give them a chance to learn, think or play, rather than something that merely sits on a shelf.
The ideas below are grouped by type: readers, puzzlers, quiz and game fans, and lifelong learners. Pick the group that sounds most like them, and if you can, check what they own first, since keen readers and puzzlers often have a very specific collection.
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Our three favourites
For the bookworm
For anyone who reads on the bus and in the bath.
For the shelf-proud readerA hardback classic with a decorated cover
A beautifully bound edition of a favourite novel looks lovely and gets read again. Check which classics they already own and choose a title they love.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For reading in bedA clip-on reading light
A small clip-on light means they can read without disturbing a partner. Check that it is rechargeable and that the neck is flexible.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For choosing their ownA bookshop gift card
A gift card for an independent or high-street bookshop lets them pick exactly what they want. Check the expiry date and whether it works online.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the puzzler
For anyone who prefers a challenge to a chat.
For the clue solverA cryptic crossword collection
A book of cryptic crosswords gives weeks of mental exercise. Choose the difficulty level carefully, as cryptic puzzles range from gentle to fiendish.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the fidgety geniusA speed cube
A smooth, fast-turning cube is a better version of the classic puzzle and fits in a pocket. Check it is a standard three-by-three, and add a beginner’s guide if they have never solved one.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For quiet tinkeringA wooden mechanical puzzle
A hand-made puzzle box or interlocking puzzle gives a satisfying challenge that looks good on a desk. Check the difficulty rating, as some are seriously tricky.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the quiz fan
Gifts that make game night competitive.
For the know-it-allA pub-quiz style board game
A trivia game with categories and a scoreboard recreates a pub quiz at home. Check the number of players and the age range, and that the questions are British in tone.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For quick roundsA trivia card game
A small deck of cards works on a train, in a pub or at a family meal. Check the topic and the difficulty level to suit the group.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For strategic mindsA wooden chess set
A weighted chess set with a folding board looks smart and lasts for years. Check the size of the board and the height of the king, and that it comes with a bag or box.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
For the lifelong learner
For people who always have a new subject on the go.
For learning a craftA calligraphy starter kit
A kit with pens, ink and practice sheets lets a beginner try beautiful handwriting. Check that it includes instructions and spare nibs.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the night skyA starter telescope
A beginner’s telescope shows the moon’s craters and the planets on a clear evening. Check the mount is stable, and never use it to look at the sun.
Expect to pay £50–£100 in most UK shops.
For feeding curiosityA science or history magazine subscription
A monthly magazine on science, nature or history delivers new topics all year. Check the length of the subscription and whether it begins straight away.
Expect to pay £25–£50 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Watch the sun
If you give a telescope or binoculars, remind the recipient never to look at the sun through them, as it can cause serious eye damage.
FAQ: questions people ask
What do you buy a clever person who has everything?
Offer them something new to learn: a starter kit, a course, a magazine or a challenging puzzle. Experiences such as a museum trip or a lecture ticket also work well.
What are good gifts for puzzle lovers?
Cryptic crossword books, speed cubes, wooden puzzle boxes and large jigsaws are popular. Check the difficulty level and avoid duplicates if they already own a lot.
What are good cheap gifts for bookworms?
A bookmark, a clip-on reading light, a paperback by a favourite author or a second-hand classic can all be under £10 to £25. Add a note about why you chose it.
Is a board game a good gift for adults?
Yes, as long as you pick one that suits the group. Check the number of players, the playing time and the complexity of the rules.
What gift suits someone who loves learning?
A beginner’s kit for a craft, a telescope, a language book or a magazine subscription all suit lifelong learners. Choose a subject they have mentioned and keep the level gentle.
