Looking for gifts for your young readers? You’ve come to the right place for bookish gifts for kids. We’ve got dozens of gift ideas for the bookworms in your life.
This gift guide is divided into 2 sections:
- Gifts for young readers (to nurture and enrich their reading life)
- Gift ideas for the read-aloud shelf (things for kids to do during read-alouds/audio books)
Looking for Christmas reading recommendations? Those are here:
(Some links in this post are affiliate links. More on that here.)
Gifts for Young Readers:
(some links are affiliate links)
Book lights are especially handy for kids who share a bedroom. These Mighty Bright LED Book Lights are our current favorite.I mean, we don’t actually expect them to go to sleep when we send them to bed, do we? ;)
Do I need to tell you that I have a pair of these socks for myself? You’ll find a whole store full of gear based on Eric Carle’s work right here.
Forget the kids– I bet you want one of these for yourself, don’t you? :)
My kids love these stories set to music by the London Philharmonic. Maestro Classics are perfect for ages 4-12. We have the whole collection and listen to them frequently!
Coupon: Get 25% off a single CD/mp3 or the 12-set collection with the coupon code RAR2020.
Bookplates
Help your kids make books their own with these darling bookplates.
Stocking stuffer alert! Once you and your kids start using these to mark your favorite passages in books, you’ll never go back. Reusable and absolutely one of my favorite things in the universe. Recommended for ages 8+.
Bookmarks from Carrot Top Paper Shop
Jenny Williams has a lovely assortment of bookmarks and other gifts featuring our favorite literary heroines, like Anne of Green Gables, Jane Eyre, Jo March, Scout Finch, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and others.
Out of Print Tees & Sweatshirts
I own an embarrassing number of these shirts. If you’ve ever seen in me in person, chances are good you’ve seen me sporting one! Find something for everyone in your family here.
A customized alternative to bookplates, these lovely stamps can feature anyone’s name.
If you have an aspiring author on your hands, these Story Cubes make for an excellent, creativity-boosting gift!
So many published authors have told me they love this game! Our family loves it too. A picture is worth a thousand words in this creative game.
Melissa Sweet is one of my favorite picture book illustrators. These cards are created by her, as well, and they’re another way to spark your child’s imagination and storytelling genius.
Literary Games
Matching games are favorites for kids under 7. Here are a couple of literary versions for your own blossoming bookworms.
I absolutely love these gorgeous posters based on books. There are dozens and dozens to choose from in all different sizes. I’ve got the Corduroy one behind my desk at home. They’re elegant enough for the main part of your house, and perfect for your child’s bedroom or the schoolroom, as well. They also have shirts and other gifts.
A fabulous stocking stuffer for your young bookworm, choose from dozens of styels of these magnetic bookmarks. What’s your child’s thing? Cupcakes? Paris? Unicorns? Owls? Sloths? Skulls? Cats? Robots? There are i-clip magnetic bookmarks for that.
35 Boxed Book sets for kids of all ages
Boxed sets make for lovely gifts– find 35 fabulous boxed book sets for anyone on your list, from toddlers to teens.
Picture book Treasuries
Treasuries are an affordable way to introduce young readers to the best work of a wonderful author and/or illustrator. Some favorite picture book treasuries are listed here.
Ideas for the read-aloud shelf
Here’s a list of stocking stuffers and gift ideas that you can pull out when it’s read-aloud (or audio book) time, so that your kids will listen longer and better.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how many kids listen better when their hands are busy, listen to this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival podcast.
There’s no end to these sticker books, so poke around until you find one on a topic that interests your child. The stickers are reusable, so these can be pulled out time and again.
- Zoo
- Building Sites
- Airport
- Dolly Dressing Ponies
- Dolly Dressing Puppies
- …. the list goes on (and on!)
Watercolor Paints & Jumbo Pictures
My kids love watercoloring on Melissa & Doug Jumbo Coloring Pads. Toss a set of watercolor paints into your child’s stocking, and add a jumbo coloring pad to keep them busy during your next read-aloud.
Scratch art of any kind is pretty fun, and there are tons of theme options. Ideal for ages 4-12. There are many different themes to choose from.
My older kids and teens love this stuff. Thinking Putty keeps their hands occupied while they listen to me read aloud for quite a long time!
My 8-and-ups have really enjoyed these challenging and engaging paint-by-sticker projects. There are several themes to choose from.
These design studio kits have filled many read-aloud hours at our home. Kids who enjoy coloring, drawing, and design will especially like them.
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