21 Gifts for Kids Who Love (or Hate!) to Read
By Kathleen Harris
If your kids always have their heads in a book, gift-wrapping new releases or sets from their favorite authors (like Amelia Bedelia or The Bad Guys) is a no brainer. But if you’re looking for more fun ideas to foster their love of all things literary, look no further than these gifts that will have them begging for “5 more minutes” of reading.
However, not all kids have the same, shall we say, “affinity” for reading. For the children who require gentle nagging to pick up a book, these delightful, bookish gift ideas—from reading nooks to cool gadgets—will inspire them to turn the page.
Here are 21 gift ideas for every budding bookworm, no matter what age.
A Book Book Lamp
Is it a book or a light? Or both?! Add bookish charm to their nightstand with these lamps designed to replicate classic literary characters. Light shines through Sherlock Holmes’s infamous mug or the rose from Beauty and the Beast.
To buy: $70, mochithings.com
A Cushy Reading Chair
Your kid won’t want to get out of this comfy, adorable (and Goldilocks-approved) Sherpa bear chair. Perfect for a bedroom corner or your DIY reading nook.
To buy: $169, potterybarnkids.com
Where’s Waldo? Upgrade
They may see their name in print one day; until then, entertain them with a personalized adventure book. A custom illustrated persona (you choose the hair, clothes, skin, and more) will be hidden on every page of the book. Plus, you’ll get to choose a secret message they need to uncover.
To buy: $43, UncommonGoods.com
Exclusive promo code: Use BOOKS to receive 15 percent off
Library Stamp
If your kids love to share their favorite books, but hate when they don’t come back to the shelves, create a personalized stamp so there’s never any doubt. Choose from a wide variety of colors and designs.
To buy: $19, zazzle.com
Literary Insults Wall Art
Your tween may be well versed in the art of the burn, but this poster will give them some new, literary-inspired material. The insults span the centuries (“You have delighted us long enough,” writes Jane Austen) in this snarky chart of writer versus writer put-downs.
To buy: $25, uncommongoods.com
Exclusive promo code: Use BOOKS to receive 15 percent off
Pajama Party Pair
It’s a perfect pair: cute PJs and a classic bedtime story. Choose your kid’s favorite book, like Uni the Unicorn, Madeline, How to Steal a Grandpa, and Richard Scarry.
To buy: $59, bloomingdales.com
DIY Miniature Library Model
This intricately detailed model of a bookstore is perfect for older kids who love to craft (and have a lot of patience). It even features a hanging light that actually switches on!
To buy: $37, fatbraintoys.com
Dragons Love T-Shirts
Dragons Love Tacos, but they love T-shirts, too. Out of Print has the cutest T-shirts for book-loving kids, whether they’re more into Babysitters Club or Dog Man, Elmo or Knuffle Bunny.
To buy: $22, outofprint.com
The Endless Beach Read Setup
There’s nothing like lounging outside in the sunshine with your favorite book. Bottle up that feeling for your kids: Set them up with this Double Chaise Lounge with a three-sided canopy. A pair of cup holders complete the beach-read vibe.
To buy: $135, kidkraft.com
First Audiobook Player
Let your kids escape into stories with the Yoto Player, an audio platform for kids. Choose from a library of content cards for younger readers, like Hotel Flamingo and Robin Hood: A Musical Adventure.
To buy: $80, amazon.com
Start a Book Challenge
For kids who need some motivation to crack their next book, or just love a challenge, this scratch-off poster will lead them on a literary journey from James and the Giant Peach to The Hunger Games.
To buy: $22, amazon.com
Harry Potter Puzzle
Help your budding wizard re-create Hogwarts with this vibrant, detailed puzzle that depicts the iconic moving staircases. It also includes an excerpt of the book, Harry Potter: Exploring Hogwarts, complete with an illustrated tour of the grounds.
To buy: $24, amazon.com
Silly Socks
Let your hungry caterpillar or lil’ brown bear step into the world of Eric Carle with these adorable character socks from Bombas (a cult fave).
To buy: starts at $19, bombas.com
Exclusive promo code: Use BOOKS to receive 20 percent off first purchase
Bookshelf Board Game
SORRY!, anyone? Designed to look like a hardcover book, this classic game will fit among the rest of the titles on your kid's bookshelf. Other faves include: Monopoly, Clue, and Chutes & Ladders.
To buy: $40, amazon.com
Ergonomic Reading Light
No more heavy lights that fall off their book—or only shine enough to illuminate one page. This LED, around-the-neck reading light is bendable, bright, and long lasting.
To buy: $20, amazon.com
Reading Nook
Create a dream reading space for your little bookworm. Start with this chic white tent, add in throw pillows, a comfy rug and you won’t be able to get your reader out of their hideaway.
To buy: $70, amazon.com
Craft & Read
The story of Katherine Johnson, the NASA pioneer who helped guide Apollo 13 home, will inspire your kids to create their own out-of-this-world mobile. The solar system project includes watercolors and a kit to create a light-up sun in the center.
To buy: $40, kiwico.com
Exclusive promo code: Visit www.kiwico.com/MDHT to receive your first month free
Personalized Bookmarks
A fun bookmark is the perfect stocking-stuffer. Create one with your kid's favorite style, character, or animal (like lurking alligators and 3D legs); or try the one that caught our eye: a beautiful take on the dog-eared page! These hand-embroidered book corners come in four colors with a custom letter.
To buy: $10, amazon.com
Comic Book Kit
Is your kid the next Dav Pilkey or Raina Telgemeier? This box has everything a graphic-novel-loving kid needs: two books printed with blank cells, stencil templates for type bubbles, rubber stamps, and more.
To buy: $20, maisonette.com
Book Notes
Add your child’s name to beautifully illustrated personalized stationery, whether they want to say thanks or jot down a mini book report.
To buy: 25 cards, $38, minted.com
Librarian for the Day
If the library is your child’s home away from home, reach out to your local librarian and ask if your child can volunteer for a day! Create a themed gift to prepare them for the big day like a cute personalized library tote and inspiration from Curious George himself.
To buy: $14, zazzle.com