Special Editions That Would Make Great Gifts // Bookmas Day 4
Just as I couldn’t imagine a Bookmas without subscription boxes, I can’t envision it without a Special Editions gift guide. I’ve curated a selection of four distinct types of special editions. Numerous publishers and booksellers have their own unique approach to special editions, encompassing a wide range of genres, authors, and collections.
Wordsworth Box Sets
Wordsworth has many collections, such as the pictured Jane Austen set on the left, which is from the Wordsworth Box Sets collection.
Each box set comes beautifully packaged in a matt-laminated slipcase with metallic foiling to match the book covers. This collection creates sets based on a classic author or authors, like the Bronte Sisters and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock works.
I think these not only make great gifts but are also practically pretty. By this, I mean they are still readable.
I’ve found that some special editions can be heavy to hold or a little stiff when opening pages to read, which could create creases or cause pages to become loose from the binding.
However, I didn’t encounter this issue when I bought a set as a gift earlier this year. Now, when I think of book sets as gifts, these editions are some of the first I consider.
Puffin Clothbound Classics
Puffin Clothbound books have surged in popularity over the last few years.
These hardback books, adorned with cloth covers and striking foiled artwork on the front and back, feature a few illustrations sprinkled throughout.
While they share similarities with other brands like Wordsworth, Puffin Clothbound books offer distinct advantages: larger print fonts, sturdier hardback covers, and the inclusion of captivating illustrations.
It’s no wonder that Puffin Clothbound books have become a favourite for both children and adults.
They feature a fantastic range of titles, from beloved children’s classics like Charlotte’s Web (pictured) to timeless literary works.
I personally own a Puffin Clothbound edition of A Christmas Carol, and even though I purchased it for myself, I can’t help but imagine the joy of receiving such a beautiful book as a gift.
Subscription Boxes
I previously mentioned Illumicrate and FairyLoot, along with other subscription boxes, on Bookmas Day 3.
However, what many people may not realise is that these box subscription companies also produce special editions available for purchase outside of the subscriptions.
And the books are of the same stunning quality, making them excellent to gift.
Offering exclusive artwork covers, sprayed edges, foiling, author’s letters, or even signed editions.
They even offer something unique, a chance to buy book sets.
So, if you come across a special edition set , such as the Dial A For Aunties (pictured on the left), it’s important to act quickly. These books can be highly sought after, and sometimes book subscribers will have first chance to purchase them.
Waterstones Special Editions
If you are looking for more recent releases, or even wanting to pre-order a special edition book as a gift. Don’t skip looking on the Waterstones website.
Over the past two years, their number of special editions has increased, and most of the time there is no difference or little difference in the price.
For example, a fourth book was released in the insanely popular Caravel series by Stephanie Garber. Priced at £16.99 RRP, it was the same price as the original hardback.
Except this edition came in a different colour scheme, with foiling under the dust jacket and exclusive end papers.
It sold out very quickly.
The only thing no note is that Waterstones doesn’t have a formula to special editions like other brands do. Sometimes they only have one unique feature, like sprayed edges or being signed. But it is worth looking. If you are already paying £20.00 for a new release, why not get the exclusive one?
And there my four choices when buying a special edition you could gift for Christmas. Are you someone who collects special editions?
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As always, thanks for reading…