The Best Gifts for Kids Who Love to Read (Not Books)

Posted on December 13, 2023 by resourcefulman

I don’t care if they read Captain Underpants or unofficial Minecraft fanfiction – I’m just glad my boys love books. I want them to maintain their interest, so I’m always looking for gifts that will encourage their interest in the written word. If you, too, want to nurture a young reader, here are a few things that might help just in time for the holidays.

Night light-book-lantern

My boys got book nightlights last year because they love to read at night, but my youngest son was too rough with his and broke it a week after receiving it. The durability of this light, as well as the soft sunset mode, make it an attractive replacement for the one it ruined.

Moonlite Storytime Mini Projector

Add a visual element to your bedtime stories with these videos that project words and images using your smartphone’s flashlight, allowing you and your kids to read together. There’s even an app that adds sound effects. This package includes four stories based on Pixar films, but you can also choose tried-and-true classics like Goodnight Moon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar .

Mo Willems Book tote bag

Walking from the local library to the car is an exercise in dexterity, as I usually carry a variety of books of varying shapes and sizes that my sons have checked out. I don’t have to worry about that with this gorgeous tote bag featuring three of my favorite characters created by writer and illustrator Mo Willems, sure to make its owner a cool parent in any social situation.

Dog man plush

If you know anyone under the age of 9, you no doubt know that author Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series of graphic novels, a spin-off of his Captain Underpants books, is a favorite of young readers. (Rumor has it that there’s even a movie in the works.) Now your kids can bring the adventures of half dog, half human cop to life with this adorable plush.

Board game Pete the Cat: The Missing Cupcakes

Your preschoolers don’t have to be readers to play this board game based on one of the many books by Kimberly and James Dean featuring the blue cat. Players will have to sing, pick up items, and perform actions to find the delightful deserts stolen by Grumpy Toad. The game is different every time, making it the perfect addition to a family game night.

StoryCaptain Subscription Service

Don’t know what to read to your little bookworm? Let StoryCaptain help you find your child’s new favorite story. Each month, you’ll receive two to three parent- and teacher-created picture books, a study guide, and other fun gifts on a topic appropriate for your child’s age, filling their shelf with an eclectic library of stories.

Rainbow Scratch Bookmarks

Engage both sides of your child’s brain with this set of bookmarks they can create themselves. All they have to do is use the wooden feather to reveal the colors of the rainbow underneath and design it however they want. Adult readers can use these as party favors for their book club’s holiday party.

wonderful

We all get lost in a story from time to time, but when you open a Wonderbly book, you have to find yourself. This is a personalized Where’s Waldo book with your child’s name on the cover and their avatar being the missing character. Let the search begin!

Subscribe to Highlights magazine

Kids won’t have to wait until their next pediatrician visit to read Highlights . Each issue features incredible articles about the world around us, as well as cool craft ideas, puzzles, and coloring pages that will keep you busy for hours.

T-shirt “Reading Rainbow”

Perhaps the way to get our kids interested in reading is to share what brought us to books. Many parents have found their love of reading through the beloved PBS show hosted by LeVar Burton, so getting this shirt for yourself can also foster a love of reading in your child. Just tell yourself this when you add an item to your cart.

Reading socks

When your kids put on these socks , you’ll hear it loud and clear: They’re reading, so now’s not the time to do chores.

Book page holder

This item is one of those simple yet handy items that you wish you had when you first opened your copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe . For that portion of readers who like to read with one hand, you rest it on your thumb and the book remains wide open. This is also useful for parents when they want to show children illustrations while reading or when older children are trying to follow the lines in book chapters.

Reading a magazine

Your little reader can keep track of the books he’s read, create his own wish list, jot down his favorite literary quotes, review what he’s read, or keep track of his library loans with this colorful journal. There are also publications for teenagers and parents.

Reading pillow

No one wants to read if it gives them neck pain. This comfortable, padded wedge bed will give your young reader the support he needs wherever he chooses to crack open the latest Wings of Fire book, whether on the couch or on the living room floor. It also comes in a variety of colors and designs, so your child is sure to find something that suits them.