CHRISTMAS is less than a week away and the panic of what to buy loved-ones is setting in – but have no fear, Knutsford Waterstones has come to the rescue.

Lead bookseller Anna Fleming has taken the headache out of Christmas shopping and compiled a short guide of the best Christmas gifts available from the King Street store.

Anna said: “At Waterstones in Knutsford we know how difficult some people can be to buy for – we’ve got all these ideas and plenty more, so come on down and ask a staff member to recommend you the perfect gift.”

For Children

• Once Upon an Alphabet by Oliver Jeffers

This is an absolutely beautiful book of very short stories about each letter of the alphabet. Oliver Jeffers is a wonderful illustrator and author, and it’s no surprise this is the only Children’s book shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year.

For ages 0-5

• Animal Kingdom by Millie Marotta

A fantastic, intricate colouring book with pictures of animals and habitats to colour.

This book needs to be seen to be believed.

It will take hours to complete each one – might keep them quiet on Boxing Day.

For any age 8+

• Design Your Own Umbrella

Contains a white umbrella, some stencils and some waterproof paint. Let your creativity go wild with this one – don’t let the inevitable rainy weather get you down.

For any age 5+

 

For Adults

• Cat Selfies

Pictures of cats that have photographed themselves, with funny captions. Also available in Dog. It’s causing hilarity among booksellers.

• The Guest Cat by Takashi Hiraide

A moving and beautiful novel about the life of a Japanese couple and the cat that changes everything. An overseas bestseller that has had some wonderful reviews.

• Leaving Berlin by Joseph Kanon

An intelligent spy thriller set in Berlin in 1949. Intriguing, masterful and vivid, this book has wide appeal amongst readers.

• Maps: Their Untold Stories

Map treasures from the national archives. Seven centuries of magnificent and intriguing maps and the stories behind their creation. Beautiful and informative. Buy them a magnifying prism tripod too, so they can see it in wonderful detail.

• Colour Changing Umbrella

This black umbrella has white raindrops scattered about on it – until it rains, when the drops change colour. The more it rains, the brighter the drops. A great present for pretty much anyone who goes outside.

• Camera Lens Mug

A mug shaped like a camera lens – perfect for that photograph