It is never too early to start thinking ahead to Christmas.
Previewing a fantastic selection of festive gift ideas from “The Friend” ranging from our popular magazines to our novels and annuals, we start with our weekly title.
1. “The People’s Friend” Magazine Subscription
A subscription to our popular weekly magazine is first on today’s gift-tastic list.
Each week inside “The People’s Friend” magazine, look forward to eleven (that’s right, 11!) short stories with every issue.
Stories accompanied by beautiful illustrations, you will also discover exclusive serial instalments that will keep you hooked from week to week.
“Fossils” by Léonie Gregson, winner of our £10,000 New Writers Prize (DC Thomson)
The bread and butter of the “Friend” is romance, one of the most popular genres to look forward to.
Often posing the classic “Will they, won’t they…?” question, romantic stories end in a happy resolution, though not necessarily in a way readers may expect, keeping them entertained from page to page.
Falling in love is only part of the journey many characters undertake within “Friend” stories—romantic stories set in yesteryear are particular reader favourites.
Offering total escapism, historical stories transport readers to unfamiliar places, involve past events, and introduce interesting characters.
Staying clear of shocks and upsets, “The People’s Friend” also includes stories exploring ghostly goings-on and cosy crime, adding plenty of intrigue to our weekly fiction offering.
Readers also enjoy classic family stories and fiction told from a young person’s point of view.
Alongside plenty of fiction, each issue also offers topical lifestyle features, travel inspiration, puzzles and delicious cooking recipes.
For its 155th year, “The People’s Friend” has been revitalised with a fresh new look. There has never been a better time to gift a subscription. We offer UK subscription offers (with free delivery) and subscriptions outside the UK so readers around the world can enjoy “The Friend.”
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2. The Friendship Book 2025
The Friendship Book 2025 (DC Thomson)
The Friendship Book is an uplifting companion, offering a different reflection for each day of the year – most often a short tale, sometimes a poem or a quote, always thought-provoking and uplifting.
It is a wonderful present too, one that will remind them of your good wishes every single day.
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3. “The People’s Friend” Annual 2025
“The People’s Friend” Annual 2025 (DC Thomson)
If you like “The People’s Friend” magazine, you will love our latest annual. It features 25 brand-new short stories that follow the rhythm of the year, with the last two set around Christmas.
The stories are interspersed with poems, beautiful watercolour illustrations and fascinating facts about British trees.
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4. Fiction Pack 2025
Fiction Pack (DC Thomson)
For those who like good fiction, we have created a special bundle containing the latest “The People’s Friend” Annual alongside “My Weekly’s” latest annual.
My Weekly Annual has 23 short stories, as well as celebrity facts, recipes and puzzles – a truly feel-good and entertaining read!
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5. “The People’s Friend” Pocket Novel Subscription
“The People’s Friend” Pocket Novel Subscription (DC Thomson)
Gift two novels per month with a subscription to “The People’s Friend” Pocket Novel.
Published in a larger type and handy pocket-sized format, this is a perfect fiction subscription gift idea for that special someone who always seems busy.
Ideal for packing for day trips or taking a moment with a good cuppa, pocket novels cover a wide range of genres including romance, general, family, cosy crime, mystery and occasionally, spooky tales!
Featuring beautiful cover illustrations, pocket novels make for a great collectable for lovers of great fiction. Expertly chosen pocket novel stories are often set seasonally including Christmas and Easter, exploring different settings and timeframes from novel to novel.
Black Friday offer now available – click here for more info
6. “The People’s Friend” Magic of Christmas
“The People’s Friend” Magic of Christmas (DC Thomson)
This bookazine is packed full of all things festive: interesting facts about Christmas, best pop culture moments, puzzles, craft projects wonderful recipes for sweet and savoury treats, and even tasty tipples.
We have also included 12 heart-warming stories to make the festive season extra relaxing and enjoyable.
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7. “The People’s Friend” Special Magazine Subscription
“The People’s Friend” Special magazine (DC Thomson)
Featuring short stories in every issue, creative crafts, easy-to-follow recipes and brain-teasing puzzles, a subscription to “The People’s Friend” Special is a must-have for any “Friend” reader.
A great companion to the weekly magazine, a subscription to “The People’s Friend” Special gifts more of the high-quality fiction loved by readers of the “Friend” around the world.
