The Best Gifts for Kids Who Love to Read
By Kathleen Harris
There’s nothing better than shopping for a budding bookworm, whether you’re scouring the shelves for their next great find or finding accessories to amp up their reading time. Check out these 11 ideas for our favorite gifts for bookish kids.
For Kids Who Love to Read Themselves to Sleep
Book lights make a great gift, but if you’re looking for more illumination, try an adorable squishy gummy bear light that shines bright with a squeeze of the belly. It’s rechargeable (no plug!) so your kid can curl up with it under the covers.
To buy: Uncommon Goods, $40
For Kids Who Love to Snuggle While They Read
Slumberkins was created by two moms (an educator and a therapist) who developed a line of cuddly creatures paired with a book about emotional development and life skills. Giving your kid lessons about gratitude and growth, and a new stuffy? That’s a win-win.
To buy: Amazon, $52
For Kids Who Wear Their Love of Books on Their. . .Feet
Chucks are making a comeback, and these custom Converse high tops will delight any book-loving teen. Choose colors, designs, and more for the ultimate bookish fashion statement.
To buy: Etsy, $95
For Kids Who Adore Bookish School Supplies
Honor their favorite book series, from The Babysitters Club to The Hunger Games, with these witty, embossed pencils. Math homework will never be more inspiring.
To buy: Longhand Pencils, $18-$22
For Kids Who Love an Organized Bookshelf
Even if they’ve read every book in the series, a beautifully packaged book box still makes an amazing addition to any shelf (and will inspire your kid to re-read!). From the complete Summer I Turned Pretty three-book collection to the City Spies series, and Jason Reynold’s Track Series, there’s a book box for every type of young reader.
To buy: Amazon, starting at $20
For Kids Who Are Aspiring Authors
This giant roll gives kids just what they need to create their own stories! Lined writing paper, space for a cool illustration, plus a safe cutting edge to rip off each masterpiece and send it to print (or to hang on the fridge).
To buy: Lake Shore Learning, $59
For Kids Who Like a Comfy Bed
Just one more pillow….just one more chapter. This custom pillow (you can choose your own colors) is the perfect addition to any book lover’s bed.
To buy: Etsy, $40
For Kids Who Like to Get Mail
Magazine subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving. And yes, they still exist! Kazoo is an award-winning magazine packed with stories, puzzles, and more for girls ages 5 to 12; Cricket publishes fiction and classic literature for readers 9 to 14.
To buy: Kazoo, $50/year; Cricket, $34/year
For Kids Who Love Art
Inspired by the Richard Scarry classic, I Am A Bunny, these temporary tattoos feature the most adorable bunnies, frogs, and toadstools. How to choose? Luckily, your child can try them all!
To buy: Tattly, $11
For Kids Who Are Potterheads
Now Harry Potter fans can have their very own Golden Snitch right on their bedside table! This amazing clock may not fly, but will definitely help transport kids to slumberland.
To buy: PB Teen, $49
For Kids Who Love Holiday Movies, Too
One of the most surprising movies about book publishing is also a holiday classic! Elf insiders already know about this shirt, but here’s a refresher for everyone else: there’s a scene in the fan favorite where a nun begs Buddy’s publishing exec father to not repossess books from their orphanage. “But the children love the books!” she says.
To buy: Zoe Creative, $20
If you’re looking for more, check out last year’s gift guide for bookish kids!