A leading publisher has issued an early warning to those who are shopping for books this Christmas, as Europe faces a serious continent-wide shortage of paper.

They're an easy present for someone you're not sure of in the office secret Santa, or for the auntie that's obsessed with crime fiction after firing through the latest Netflix series.

But this Christmas, the hunt for books could be harder than anticipated as there is a shortage of paper for publishers across Europe.

Vertebrate Publishing, based in Sheffield in England and Cork in Ireland, tweeted out about their issues on Saturday evening.

They said: "It now looks that Europe has essentially run out of paper to print books on. Spent yesterday speaking to our factories and the story is the same throughout the continent. No paper now until the new year. Ebooks aren’t the answer to the paper shortage. Panic buying presents from Amazon isn’t either. But shopping local or direct with indie publishers is one way to keep good books alive."

Irish writer Jane O'Rourke responded with a plea to the public, saying: "Now more than ever, please do your Christmas shopping in proper bookshops where the booksellers will find you a book just as good as the one you wanted to buy for Auntie Mary. No paper ≠ no books."

While many replied with horror to the situation, one woman couldn't help but joke: "Will this be the thing that forces me to read through my stack of unread books?"

Irish shoppers are being warned to get their Christmas shopping finished early this year as supply issues are likely to leave some disappointed.

According to reports, delays have affected most industries, with things like bikes, cars, clothing, food, toys, and even paint in short supply.

Many toy stores across Ireland have Christmas sales coming up over the coming weeks when it’s likely stocks will be ravaged.

Smyths Toys Superstore issued a warning to parents last week due to the global issues concerning the availability of shipping containers.

The toy shop released a statement advising parents and guardians to start their Christmas shop early this year to avoid disappointment.