Moleskine notebooks have a legendary history as they’ve been the favoured note and sketch books for the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Henri Matisse, Picasso and many more.

Early Moleskines were simple black, rectangular notebooks with plain, squared or lined pages. The endleaves were held by an elastic band, and had inside pocket for loose sheets and a binding in soft, flexible moleskine which gives it it’s name. This trusty, pocket-size traveling companion has guarded notes, stories, thoughts and impressions before they’ve turned into the pages of beloved books or paintings.

Today, the Moleskine range is varied and offers a wide choice including:

• notebooks
• reporter notebooks
• day-to-view diaries
• week-to-view diaries
• month-to-view diaries
• address books

Various colours are now available along with a good choice of sizes so you’ll easily find a Moleskine that fits into a pocket, handbag or briefcase. Look out for soft cover versions if that’s what you’re after.

Ideal for any member of the family and a really lovely, iconic gift for someone you love to note their thoughts, to-do’s and ideas.

Available to order from Waterstones and the (cheaper) amazon, both with free p&p options.

Aren’t these Morph bookends great! Morph is pushing and his cheeky old mate Chas is just taking it easy!

Sold as a pair in a nice presentation box these two chaps would look great on any shelf or work surface like a kitchen worktop.

It’s amazing just how popular these plasticine pals continue to be. I mentioned a while back about the ace make-your-own Morph model …well, that was a big seller last Christmas. And I’ll be mentioned another Morph gift very soon that’ll be a great stocking filler this Christmas.

Anyways, these bookends are available to buy today from Totally Funky.

Why not surprise a child or a grown-up with a great Christmas Annual! Most of the 2011 annuals are now out and you’ll probably be surprised at just how many titles there are to choose from. Titles range from classic children’s titles like Rupert The Bear and Match to more modern day hits such as Dr Who and Hannah Montana. I can remember receiving a Rupert annual as a Christmas present when I was young and a couple of years we bought the current edition for our own children!

Let’s take a look at some of popular annuals to give you some ideas:

Match 2011

What footy mad fan wouldn’t have a smile on their face after receiving the MATCH 2011 annual?

Packed with stats, posters, puzzles and cartoons plus photos of some of the best known faces in the Premiership!

MATCH also takes a look back at the best moments of World Cup 2010 (there won’t be much about England then!), and reveals players’ funniest moments in football and the weirdest secrets ever!

It’s the football annual that everyone wants to read and every player wants to be in!

Beano Annual

An all-time classic book ! The 2011 Beano annual will prove to be a hit with grown-up kids who’ll recall all their favourite characters.

What with Dennis The Menace and his loyal sidekick Gnasher, The Bash Street Kids and Minnie The Minx this annual will remind grown-up boys of their long-lost childhood!

A great fun gift for under a fiver!

Top Gear Annual

Top Gear isn’t just a TV show anymore!

We’ve already mentioned Top Gear posters and books about old cars and yep, there’s even a TopGear annual too.

It’s an official publication from BBC Books and is aimed at younger fans of the massive hit TV show. Packed with photos of cool cars, fun car facts and lots of activities to do, it’s a great gift for younger petrol-heads in your family.

Dads will fancy a read of it too!

Jackie Annual

Something for the ladies? Sure, how about this fun Jackie annual that’ll bring back many fond memories for your auntie Jackie, your sister, mum, wife …you name it.

Jackie was one of best selling annuals in the 70′s and featured popstars of the day including heart throbs such as David Cassidy, Donny Osmond and The Bay City Rollers (ask your mum!). It had tips on boys, make-up and other girlie stuff that teenage girls just loved. This annual would make a great gift for any female, whether they were teenagers in the 70′s or not!

Stockists

All the usual crowd stock the latest 2010 annuals that you can buy online today. Try the likes of:

• amazon
• BBC Shop
• Play
• Waterstones

How about you …what was your favourite Christmas annual? Leave a comment and let us know!

This book is full of photos of old cars that your dad, uncles and grandad will fondly remember. The Top Gear My Dad Had One Of Those book is just one of thousands of titles available from the BBC shop.

Pictured is just one of the old family cars featured – a Ford Cortina estate mmm nice!

Visit the BBC shop to read more about the book and view their whoppingly massive collection of other BBC show merchandise.