The Story Project

School Secret Santa Ideas – your guide to the best books for teachers!

It’s December and thoughts are turning to the end of the year celebrations. No doubt many of us will be attending staff Christmas get-togethers and some of you may even be taking part in the dreaded secret Santa!

Not so bad when its colleague you know well, but what about those times you pull a name from the Santa hat that works in a different department or Key Stage. Whether its a good friend or a distant colleague, we’ve got the perfect secret Santa gift guide…you guessed it, its books!

A great way to relax over the Christmas holidays, these books make lovely gift ideas for family, friends and colleagues alike!

The Land in Winter by Andrew Miller

Not only has it been short-listed for the Booker Prize 2025, but it is also set in the depths in winter – the perfect book for a cozy afternoon on the sofa during the Christmas holidays. With brilliantly crafted characters this is sure to be a big hit with book fans who love to delve in to the human experience.

The Names by Florence Knapp

A book that has been read by almost our entire team, with an intriguing storyline that explores the consequences of a single decision. This is a powerfully moving book that has a broad appeal, making it a great gift for all types of readers.

The Dead of Winter by Sarah Clegg

Exploring darker and lesser known Christmas traditions, this would make the perfect present for a colleague who is less than enthused about the Christmas cheer!

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reed

A love story with so much depth and emotion, it leaves readers stunned. Set in 1980, against the back drop of the space shuffle programme, this beautiful story mixes romance and space flight – a combination your colleague didn’t know they needed until now!

Katabasis by R F Kuang

Katabasis is one of the best selling books of this year, so buying this is a safe bet for your secret Santa. With a touch of mystery and magic, this epic fantasy novel explores themes of love and hell.

Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton

A book that feels like a warm cup of hot chocolate on a cold day! This beautifully told tale of a young woman who finds a baby hare and nurtures it back to health is perfect for nature fans who want a relaxing read.