I am a big fan of kids’ books for gift giving, which is why I’m constantly providing kids’ book ideas (and also, it’s not shocking coming from a librarian, right?)! For the season, I strongly recommend big books for kids as gifts. Think coffee table books, cookbooks, trivia & facts books, or story collections. Don’t forget the family read aloud! No assembly, no batteries and minimal clean up: just timeless pleasure. Gifting big books isn’t often the flashiest but these books usually become longtime family favorites that stay treasures for years to come.
Here are a few book ideas for kids’ gifts to get you started!
To Inspire:
Strong Is the New Pretty and The Heart of A Boy by Kate T. Parker
Beautiful photographs of kids being themselves coupled with their wise insights about what makes them individuals. A great pairing or stand-alone gifts.
Just Ask! by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
Just like flowers in the garden, our world is filled with different people. Celebrate uniqueness and build empathy.
For the foodies:
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs and The Complete Baking Book for Young Chefs by America’s Test Kitchen. Real cooking and baking techniques with amazing instructional photos. Everyone will clamor for these recipes- truly a perfect family gift! We can’t wait to try the Roman Style Foccacia.
Forest Feast for Kids by Erin Gleeson
Drool-worthy recipes and even more stunning photos. Vegetarian recipes that are kid-friendly but diverse and delicious. I absolutely want to be invited to one of their parties.
Trivia Night!
Atlas of Adventures (any anything by Wide Eyed Editions)
Wide-Eyed Editions publishes wimsical coffee table sized books filled with all sorts of fun facts! There are several different books in this series- all equal winners.
Big World of Fun Facts by Lonely Planet
I love Lonely Planet’s travel books and all of their books for kids. This new one- released this November- is packed full with fun facts about this amazing world we live in! I bet you’ll start planning your next family adventure – I mean, who DOESN’T want to ride in a coconut-shaped taxi?!
The Big Book of the Blue by Yuval Zommer
Yuval Zommer writes and illustrates these stunning big books on a variety of topics- ocean, animals, birds, and BUGS! There is one for everyone. I love them all. Bright and bold illustrations filled with wonderful details anyone will soak up.
Eye Candy
New York Melody by Helene Druvert
This one has all of my colleagues captivated. STUNNING black and white cut pages tell a story of the magic of the Big Apple. Pages are fragile so this would not be a great pick for your infants but for a family with older children who love stunning books – this is the book of the year.
Welcome to the Museum: Planetarium (and many more!)
This series is absolutely drool-worthy! I love the Planetarium, my colleague loves Botanicum and my nephew loves Dinosaurium. These are somewhat wordy and not designed for reading every word but the illustrations and detailed information make them fun for revisiting over and over.
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling (Illustrated by Jim Kay).
If you have a Harry Potter fan in your life, these illustrated editions by Jim Kay are a MUST. Every single page of this unabridged edition contains rich illustrations. With everything from a small spider walking through the text to full two-page spreads of Potter-ly magic you will be amazed. Only Books 1-4 are available so far. You could begin your child’s collection!
Book ideas for kids’ gifts are ideas for the whole family
Of course, there are endless more to choose from! You can also get the children in your life the next book in their favorite series or find the latest and greatest title of the year. Ask your local librarians, or visit your local bookshops like G. Williker’s, Riverrun Bookstore, and Waterstreet! Have fun and don’t forget to slow down and enjoy a book with your own family!
