If you’ve been around me at all, then you know I value raising readers. I’ve published posts about how to help your children love reading and about how important it is to read to your kids from an early age. It can seem a little stressful sometimes to make sure you are doing all the right things to help your kids learn to love books and reading, but one thing that can make it more fun is gifts! Whether you are still trying to nurture an appreciation for books or your child is already neck deep in readerly delights, I have seventeen suggestions to help you find the perfect gift for your young reader.
This post contains affiliate links. Read more about that here.
Subscriptions
Everyone loves to get mail, and kids are no exception. Give your child the gift a mailbox surprise with one of these three kid-friendly subscriptions. These make such fun gifts because it’s not one and done, you’ll get a new installment of your gift each month for fun that keeps on going!
A fun take on classic, this is a very affordable subscription and is perfect for readers who are still learning to appreciate reading. Full of bright photography and graphics, these magazines will keep your child’s attention and educate while they entertain.
Amazon Prime Book Box for Kids
With four age groups ranging from babies to 12 year olds, the Prime Book Box makes it easy to have age appropriate books delivered right to your door. And you can customize the frequency of delivery, choosing every month, every other month, or every quarter.
10 Best Kids Book Club Subscriptions for Young Readers
CrateJoy has so many great options for kids subscriptions. With a range of prices and target ages, there is a something for everyone.
Bookish Apparel
In the same way that some people wear t-shirts that proclaim their favorite band or a funny line from a classic movie, book related apparel and accessories are definitely a thing – even for kids. These fun, wearable items are great conversation starters, too.
Book Monster Tote for Girls // Book Monster Tote for Boys
I can’t get over how cute these little tote bags are! They are perfect for your little one to take to the library to carry out their book haul.
Even the littlest family member can be a part of the reading crowd with this super cute onesie! I wish I would have had one of these when my girls were little.
Cultivate a bookish sense of fashion early with these adorable shirts. They come multiple colors in sizes 2T and up.
Just One More Chapter Youth T-Shirt
Older readers will appreciate a One More Chapter t-shirt. This style works well for both boys and girls, and could even be worn as a night shirt for those flashlight-under-the-covers readers.
Reading Tools
The right set of tools can make all the difference – even when we’re talking about reading! This list of practical products will give your child everything he or she needs to make reading easier and more enjoyable.
Boasting a 40 hour battery life and adjustable brightness levels, this book light is perfect for before bed readers, or reading in a dark car or airplane.
Digital Bookmark and Reading Timer
Ever wished for a better way to track your child’s reading time? Introducing the Mark-My-Time bookmark and reading timer. It comes in lots of fun colors and is a great way to help kids see how much or how quickly they are reading while marking their place.
Bookmarks Coloring Book: 120 Bookmarks to Color
Kids will love personalizing their own bookmarks with this fun coloring book. In fact, I can think of a few adults who would love this gift too.
I love these cute but subtle animal bookmarks. I think bookmarks make great stocking stuffers, and this is a thirty piece set, so you can divide them among several stockings, including your own!
If your young reader would like to keep track of what they’ve read or would like to read, consider giving them a book journal. They’ll love looking back at it and remembering their childhood favorites in the years to come.
Games
Extend your child’s love of reading off the page with a game based on their favorite books or characters. Getting the whole family involved is fun way to connect with your kids about what they like, and games are great for quality family time.
Cat in the Hat I Can Do That Game
This is such a cute game that my family loves. From the smallest to the tallest, this is a silly game that everyone can enjoy. The description says it’s for ages 4+ but my three old can play it with no issues.
Older kids will love this new twist on an old classic. Clue was one of my favorite games as a kid and I love the look of this Harry Potter version for middle grade and older fans of the Harry Potter Series.
Lord of the Rings: Journey to Mordor
Another game for older readers, this dice game lets you take the place of the hobbits as you try to make it to Mordor through all the dangers and deceptions of Middle Earth. Bonus suggestion: Serious LOTR fans with a higher price point will love Lord of the Rings Trivial Pursuit.
Matching games are another family favorite around here. This game is for younger readers in the picture book phase who would benefit from memory games.
Pete the Cat & The Missing Cupcakes Game
Is there any kid in America between the ages of 3 and 6 who doesn’t love Pete the Cat? We have personally read The Missing Cupcakes more than once, and I can guarantee that my girls would love this game.
Hopefully these suggestions help you find the perfect gift for your young reader, no matter their age. I truly believe that all leaders are readers, but I also believe that reading is much more effective when it’s fun – and gifts are definitely fun! In fact, kids are not the only ones who love gifts, so if you have an adult reader in your life, take a peek at my gift guide for grown ups, 8 Gift Ideas for Book Lovers.
Do you have any other suggestions for gifts that encourage childhood reading? Let me know in the comments!
My kids LOVE the National Geographic magazine subscription! I definitely second that one 🙂
That’s great to hear! I think I would have loved getting that as a kid.
Seriously, all my 8-year-old wants for Christmas is books! So this is perfect, thanks 🙂
You’re welcome!
Is it bad that I kind of what the Lord of the Rings game for myself? LOL! I love all these ideas, I would have been so happy to get these as a young reader.
No judgement here, I think it looks pretty fun myself! I would have liked receiving any of these as well 🙂
We love the Highlights magazine. It is hard to believe it is still around. I love to buy books for people at Christmas time. I’m a firm believe a book can take you anywhere in the world and much cheaper. 🙂
Amen, sister! Books make great gifts.
Awesome gift ideas for young readers! Love it!
Thanks!