OK readers, you know the drill with this one. For the ultimate Christmas (or birthday, or any occasion for that matter) gift, a gift that will surprise and delight and make the recipient think that you’re the most thoughtful person they know, you need two ingredients.

1. A book with a striking cover
2. Quality chocolate with photo-worthy packaging

That’s it. Two things. But it’s very, very important that you get the right things. An airport novel with a bar of Galaxy will not suffice. We’re talking an entirely different gift language here; considered literary material paired with the sort of choc you’d expect to see in one of those posh little delis that you immediately have to back out of because the parma ham can only be bought by the whole leg, complete with board and knife, and you realise your pot of olives is going to cost twelve quid.

I’ve been doing this Christmas present “books ‘n choc” feature for a few years now and you can browse past posts here; the rules are very simple but surprisingly difficult to follow if you’re time-poor. Which is why I spend hours and hours picking out the best books, the nicest covers and the most Instagram-worthy chocolate so that you can click and buy in a few seconds.

Sounds too good to be true? Here’s the best bit: some book and chocolate combos can come in at around a tenner. That’s ten pounds to look like you’re a cultural trailblazer, a coveted tastemaker and above all, an absolute sorcerer of the gifting world.

(Full disclaimer: my friend Tee chose some of these books because she reads more voraciously than me and always has so many good, considered suggestions. Thank you Tee.)

Obviously you can mix and match any of the books and chocolates you like, but you have to admit that the following pairings look very pretty. Click the links for more info on the books, if I had to do a synopsis on each one I’d be here until…well, Christmas.

Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason, £11.50 online here*

Marc de Champagne Truffles from Willies Cacao, £4.50 online here*

Delectable duo: one of the best books I’ve read this year with some surprisingly affordable truffles in a cool little box.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, £15.59 online here*

Dark Sea Salt Truffles from Charbonnel et Walker, £15 online here*

A book that’s on my to-read list but happens to have the most striking cover, paired with Charbonnel & Walker’s finest.

Mr Loverman by Bernadine Evaristo, £7.37 online here*

HiP Oat Milk Chocolate, £3.95 online here*

I loved Girl, Woman, Other and so snapped up Mr Loverman when I was last in town. The graphic, colourful cover goes brilliantly with HiP’s Oat Milk chocolate.

Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart, £11.05 online here* (or £5 for the paperback version, which also has a good cover if you’re keeping costs down!)

Willie’s Cacao Orange & Almond, £2.49 online here*

Shuggie isn’t the most joy-raising of reads, but it’s an absolute masterpiece and a great gift for any serious reader. Willie’s Cacao offers up a festive flash of colour, just to lighten the mood…

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, £14.99 online here*

Dark Sea Salt Truffles by Charbonnel & Walker, £15 online here* as before

I’m still attempting to wade into Hamnet; it made my sister cry a lot and so I’ve been uncharacteristically nervous. However it’s a solid option as a gift – it’s had rave reviews – even though it came out last year. Looks great with the truffles, too.

Paul by Daisy Lafarge, £10.94 online here*

Le Chocolat de Francais, La Bouche Chocolat, £6.95 online here*

This is a Tee recommendation and the chocolate is from Liberty. Can we all please stand back and appraise the absolute glory and joy of this particular book-n-choc duo? I don’t want to blow my own trumpet here but visually, I think I have actually outdone myself. It’s almost art.

Long Division by Kiese Laymon, £8.99 online here*

Coco Chocalatier, £4.95 online here*

Kiese Laymon’s Long Division is next on my reading list and the cover art is perfect for this Ultimate Gift quest. This duo comes in at less than £15 and would be a bright little package to find under the tree.

A Modern Way To Live, by Matt Gibberd. £17.99 online here*

Love Cocoa Salted Caramel Milk Bar, £4.50 online here*

A foray into non-fiction now. A new book from The Modern House (estate agents and style leaders extraordinaire) and a gorgeous slab of salted caramel chocolate. For the cool cats and the interiors aficionados.

How To Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price, £5.87 online here*

Montezuma Giant Chocolate Buttons, £3.39 online here*

This is very non-hipster with its primary colours but I couldn’t resist – the shades are almost identical! What a match! The book is very topical and the buttons are very moreish and the whole package comes in at just over £9.

Diddly Squat by Jeremy Clarkson, £7.37 online here*

Tony’s Chocolonely Sea Salt Milk Caramel, £3 online here*

OK, I deliberated over including Jeremy’s book but I have to say that I loved the farm series and so, apparently, did nearly the whole country. So here’s the book and a bright, unapologetic slab of chunky milk choc, which just seemed appropriate.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo, £9.75 online here*

Hip Oat Milk Choc £3.95 online here*

I still haven’t read this Marie Kondo book, which is probably why my office is such a shit tip, but it makes for a lovely present along with some neat oat milk confectionary to eat whilst you’re reading…

Scary Smart by Mo Gawdat, £12.99 online here*

Tony Chocolonely, £3 online here* as before

I’m almost afraid to read Scary Smart, so it’s a good job I’m giving it as a present to one of my nearest and dearest. They will enjoy it greatly – it’s quite the eye-opener, I’ve heard – and I don’t think the Tony’s Chocolonely will be sniffed at either.

The Son by Philip Meyer, £7.79 online here* in paperback

Love Cocoa Salted Caramel Milk Bar, £4.50 online here*

It’s quite heavy-going, this book, a story of tragedy and conflict set in the early years of the newly-formed Texas. It’s incredibly violent but everyone (admittedly all men, go figure) I’ve bought it for or recommended it to has loved it.

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich, £7.99 online here*

Wllie’s Cacao Orange £2.49 online here*

I haven’t read a Louise Erdrich novel in years and am really looking forward to this one – I’ve gone for a “flames” theme here to match the chocolate box to the book cover. That’s just how I roll.

No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood, £10.77 online here*

Charbonnel & Walker Dark Truffles, £15 online here*

If in doubt, trawl through the latest Booker shortlist. That’s what I’ve done here and what a corker of a cover to have found alongside a brilliant book! I love it when a plan comes together. Looks mighty smart with the box of truffles – a pricier gift, perhaps, but one that will be vastly appreciated. And what sort of toiletries set tat would you otherwise be giving them, that would come in at £25?

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams, £7.25 online here*

Tony Chocolonely, £3 online here* as before

One of my must-reads of last year, Queenie is at once heartbreaking and one of the funniest books I’ve finished in ages. I’ve gone bold and bright with my colours in this match and I’m not displeased with the result. It’s also another “pairing for a tenner” – a great, considered Christmas present for those on a tighter budget.

Fing by David Walliams, £4.50 online here*

Wonka Bars £7.95 for 6 online here*

And so we move to the kids’ offerings. I only have one thing to say to you here and that is Wonka Bars. You could slide one of these Wonka bars into a parcel with pretty much any kids’ book and it would make the whole thing magical. Who wouldn’t want a Wonka Bar?

They also make brilliant stocking fillers without books, if you’re that way inclined – and with each bar coming in at around £1.30 it’s a touch of wonder that won’t break the bank.

Further up the page, behold the Wonka Bar with David Walliams’ Fing; below see it in action with The BFG. Ideally I’d have had a copy of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but mine is from the eighties and the cover has fallen off from overuse and it didn’t photograph particularly well…

The BFG by Roald Dahl, £6.99 online here*

Wonka Bars, £7.95 for 6 online here*

So that’s fun and friendly covered, but for those wanting something pretty you can’t beat the Penguin Clothbound Classics – they tend to be around £10 to £15 each and look really special. (You can find a selection online here* but Google to see all of the choices – the Alice one below is here* and £10.99.)

The cloth covers with individual patterns make each book feel like an absolute treat – it’s kind of dull to gift a classic, because most people have drudged through them at school and would rather forget, but give a clothbound classic? Yes please.

Right, I’ve absolutely bloody exhausted myself. I don’t think I’ve ever put so many photos into a post before or looked up so many book prices online! So you’ll excuse me if I take a books-n-choc break until next year. Oh:

I forgot the wrapping. This Clairefontaine Kraft paper is absolutely brilliant and exactly the right width for wrapping books! I think it looks really understated and chic and they do a few different designs. You can find it online here* – it’s my discovery of the season! Each roll is 5 metres long and costs just under three quid. Not as cheap as actual brown paper, but it’s easier to handle and looks far nicer.

Now I’m really, really going! Leave your own book and choc suggestions in the comments below!

The post The Ultimate Books and Chocolate Gift: 2021 Version appeared first on Ruth Crilly.

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Welcome to Taking Stock, a space where we can take a deep breath and try to figure out what the COVID-19 economy really means for our finances. Every month, personal finance expert Paco de Leon will answer your most difficult, emotionally charged questions about money. This year has forced many of us to reprioritize our finances, and there’s no clear road map for getting through the pandemic yet — but Taking Stock is here to help us figure it out together.

This month, we’re discussing if and when it’s worth it to voluntarily spend more on rent — and how much is too much? What’s the most you’ve ever spent on rent? How much of a financial burden was it? Tell us your experience here to be featured in an upcoming Refinery29 story.

Dear Paco,

I’m not sure if I want you to encourage me or talk me out of this. But my question is: Is it always a terrible, awful, stupid idea to spend more than half my paycheck on rent? I’ve heard the advice that you should try to spend under a third of your paycheck on rent. Let’s face it, rent is expensive. I’ve been living with roommates for all of my life, and I want to finally take the plunge and live alone, but it would really stretch my budget. Everyone around me seems to be saying that this is totally unwise, and that I’ll regret it. But is it always so terrible to be rent-burdened? Can I somehow justify this to myself?

Dear rent-or-roommate-burdened,

From a purely financial perspective, spending more than half your paycheck on rent is not recommended. I can only think of a couple of circumstances where that ratio wouldn’t put you in a financially precarious situation. One of those circumstances is living with someone who pays for your other essentials in exchange for you forking over the equivalent of half your paycheck for rent. Another circumstance where it may be justifiable is if it was for a temporary, finite, short-term period. 

I understand, however, that many folks in America simply do not have a choice — their income relative to the cost of rent forces them between a rock and a hard place. One of the most significant issues modern society faces is affordable housing. I’m constantly baffled that we haven’t solved a problem as fundamental as shelter for all humans. But, sure, let’s use our brain trust to build the metaverse instead. 

Whenever you’re faced with a financial decision, there will always be factors outside of your control. The cost of rent and the supply of rentals available are not things we can personally control. My advice, then, is to try to find your agency in every situation and focus on what you can control. 

You mentioned the advice you’ve heard about spending under a third of your paycheck on rent. While this is a bit more reasonable than half of your paycheck, it doesn’t necessarily apply to every person’s situation. Let’s unpack the “one-third” rule of thumb, also known as the 30% rule.

Without knowing your entire financial picture, it’s hard to definitively say whether or not you can afford to pay more than a third of your income towards rent. For example, if you have inherited wealth, you have no debt, and your prospects for future earnings look bright, then it might not be all that risky to be rent-burdened. But if you have hefty student loan balances, high-interest credit card debt, and your earning potential is less likely to increase significantly, then being rent-burdened would undoubtedly make your financial situation precarious. 

This highlights one problem with the 30% rule: It doesn’t take into account your financial situation outside of your income and the cost of rent. And it doesn’t reflect current financial norms like student loans. The rule has its roots in a 1969 amendment to public housing requirements called the Brooke Amendment. The benchmark comes from average rent, and not affordability. It might continue to be popular today because of its use as a benchmark for lenders to determine affordability for home buyers.

So if the 30% rule is outdated, what should you do? 

If you like using benchmarks and guidelines, the 50/30/20 monthly budget may be a useful alternative. This method breaks down your monthly expenses as follows: 50% of your monthly take-home (after-tax) pay goes toward housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other essentials. 30% gets spent on non-essential wants like entertainment and dining out. And the remaining 20% of your monthly take-home pay is allocated towards saving, investing, and/or paying down debt. 

If you don’t want to use the 50/30/20 budget, I suggest putting together a budget or a spending plan of some kind, so you can lay out how to allocate your monthly expenses with the potential rent increase. 

Consider financial fragility 

Guidelines are helpful benchmarks that make us feel like we’re making sound financial decisions, but when we go outside of the recommendation, it might make us feel shitty. So it’s also wise to keep in mind the things we can’t easily quantify, like feeling financially fragile.

Financial fragility is vulnerability to a financial shock. Shocks happen all the time, without warning, and they come in all shapes and sizes. When a shock occurs to someone in a financially fragile state, that person will lack options and is vulnerable to financial stress and uncertainty. For example, getting laid off would put one in danger of not being able to afford their basic living expenses. If an unexpected expense like traveling to visit a sick relative pops up, not having the money means a higher chance of sliding into debt. If you’re already financially fragile, any little bumps create more pressure and stress. Fragile things, when under pressure and stress, break instead of bending.

Some folks are financially fragile because their circumstances are not something they can overcome. This is unfortunate. Sometimes folks make financial decisions (with imperfect information) that contribute to the risk of being financially fragile. This is also unfortunate. Please reflect on your decision with this in mind. Will living alone put you in a financially fragile state? And if so, would that tradeoff be worth it to you? Do you think you’d be exchanging one stressor — roommates — for another? Please consider the second- and third-order consequences of your decision.

While there isn’t a nice, clean formula to help you understand whether or not you’re financially fragile, there are some things you can do that will help prepare you for inevitable financial shocks.

An emergency fund, for instance, is one of the best ways to hedge against unpredictability, random unexpected expenses, and short-term layoffs. The textbook definition of an emergency fund is having three to six months’ worth of expenses saved in cash. Since the shock of the pandemic, some financial experts have revised this recommendation to a year. But you know what feels right for you and your risk tolerance.

Also try to avoid taking on high-interest debt like it’s cheugy and out of style. This is, of course, easier said than done, and only useful if you haven’t already taken on debt. If you have a lot of debt, you’ll need to develop a game plan to attack it. Treat debt like a trashcan fire in your bedroom. Move swiftly but calmly and snuff that shit out.

Finally, invest your money. Investing is a way to protect you against inflation. As we’re seeing at this very moment, prices are going up. When you invest your money, it grows, and in theory, you’ll be able to keep up with rising prices and then some.

“Practice” paying more 

Before you move out on your own, here is something you can do to get used to the pinch of paying more while also working against financial fragility: Take the extra rent you would be paying and start saving or investing it, or both. You’re forcing yourself to work with less money each month, but you’ll also be putting it to good use. Over a few months (or many months), this exercise will show you what it would be like to have to pay more. If you’re constantly dipping into your savings, it probably means you need more time, more income, or both before you move. But if you can manage the pinch and you’re feeling far from financial fragility, it might be time to take the plunge. 

Your favorite finance friend,

Paco 

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If you were to search “festive attire,” you’re all but guaranteed to be served with an onslaught of retina-searing looks: dresses festooned with glitter, sequins, or some other type of light-refracting, tinsel-like material, all styled with equally sparkly accoutrements. The consensus is this: When it comes to the holidays, any form of sartorial restraint is out, and all-out maximalism is in. 

And after two years of hitting pause on joyful get-togethers or general merriment, it’s in our every right to make this season our time to shine — figuratively speaking, that is. Because when everyone has the exact same thought, what was a glittery, special-occasion outfit all of a sudden feels rather...lackluster. To defy expectations and flip the definition of “holiday dressing” on its head, we partnered with Lucky Brand to bring you five unconventional holiday looks (with nary a single sequin in sight) that spotlights teddy coats, enveloping coatigans (a clever portmanteau of coat and cardigan), and cute cardigan sets. Click through to take a look. 

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If you’ve found yourself shivering and saying out loud, “Wow, when did it get so cold?” it’s probably time to coat yourself to proper warmth. While, unfortunately, many women’s winter jackets tend to veer towards the unshapely (and sometimes downright unsightly), you can still make do with the style details that make bundling up a tad more fashionable. We’re talking about wool outers with men’s-inspired lapels, muppet-level faux furs, floor-skimming puffers, and other cute coat trends that warrant a street-style moment. Below, take a gander at the best winter jackets for women that will keep you bundled up and toasty, but in the chicest way possible. 

Power Puff

Don’t shy away from volume — the puffer jacket is here to stay. This year, you can find a variety of options including ones stuffed with ethically-sourced down or synthetic fluff, versions that are cropped or over-the-butt, and in fitted or supremely oversized silhouettes.

Wrapped In Wool 

The men’s-inspired wool coat — with the lapels, button closures, mostly neutral color palettes, and that sweet mid-length — is such a mainstay classic that it shouldn’t even be categorized as a “trend.” But, look closely and you’ll see that this year’s wool-ish coats also have refreshed design details like romance sleeves and higher necklines.

Strictly Sherpa

We all know that sherpa has been around for a long time, but seemingly out of nowhere, it’s everywhere this season. Perhaps it’s because the sherpa coat is a more substantial version of the fleece jacket (also one of this year’s must-have trends). Or, maybe it’s because the sherpa coat is a more laid-back version of the teddy coat. Either way, this is a winter jacket you’ll want to consider for cozy-seeking days.

Down To Duvet

There’s nothing more satisfying than throwing on what is essentially a wearable sleeping bag. And, this year, floor-length puffers are proving to be chicer than previous years’ iterations with more tent-like oversized-ness that is still lightweight but pack in extra-strength down power.

Muppet Mayhem

Faux fur coats are far more playful than they’ve ever been. Not at all concerned about looking like actual fur, these fuzzy overcoats in super bright hues and non-realistic textures could effectively double as muppet-y costumes. How’s that for a statement piece?

Super Slick

It’s the winter jacket with attitude. The coat that refuses bulk. The trench for entering the Matrix. If voluminous outers aren’t your thing, perhaps the sleek and streamlined faux leather trench will be. Just add a pair of shades for serving extra sass.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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It’s easy to convince yourself that gift shopping means searching high and low (and in every corner of) the internet for *the* perfect gift for everyone on your list. But you don’t have to enter your billing address at 15 different websites to get everyone on your list something unique. A one-stop-shop experience that’s anything but generic may sound too good to be true, but there’s a veritable goldmine of unique presents — and at every price point — hiding in plain sight: Amazon!

While the destination for monthly deliveries of TP and dog food may not strike you as the spot for holiday gift shopping, we’re here to change that. The online shopping giant has amazing options for virtually every hard-to-shop-for giftee, and best of all: You can get free, fast Prime shipping to send it straight to your recipient’s doorstep. (Plus, after the year we’ve had, we’re very much in support of making your holiday shopping as easy and convenient as possible.)

From Coach handbags to glam eyeshadow palettes, chic wireless charging pads and must-have kitchen status appliances, keep reading for your ultimate guide to the most coveted gifts on Amazon.

Best Amazon Fashion Gifts

From in-house labels you won’t find anywhere else to all your favorite designer brands, you can shop myriad clothing and accessories to delight any fashionista. Plus, your recipients can keep it cozy in cold-weather faves like fuzzy UGG slippers and metallic puffers. (Also, a ribbed beanie is the world’s best stocking stuffer — just saying.)

Shop more fashion gifts

Best Amazon Beauty Gifts

Give the gift of glow this holiday season with a slew of glittery beauty gift options from brands like Haus Laboratories, OPI, and many more. (Plus, treat the dudes on your list with grooming sets from Jack Black and The Art Of Shaving.)

Shop more beauty gifts

Best Amazon Home Gifts

Home gifts don’t have to just be boring. These presents are both practical and chic and will help anyone upgrade their decor game — and get seriously cozy for the winter months ahead. There’s even a pet bed that will make the most style-conscious pet owner as happy as their fur baby.

Shop more home gifts

Best Amazon Tech Gifts

Lightbulbs you can dim (and turn off!) with a tap of your phone or voice control, charging pads in chic pebbled leather, e-readers that feel anything but — there’s no shortage of surprisingly sleek tech gifts on Amazon. Make 2022 the year you upgrade your (or someone else’s) life with gadgets that make your day-to-day that much more seamless.

Shop more tech gifts

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission. 

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