Here’s a round-up of bookish gifts for every bookworm kid, tween, and teen on your list this year. (And maybe a few for the adults as well.) If you’re reading this in 2021, we’ve all heard supply chain and shipping may be issues this year, so make sure you shop early.
This list includes my favorite books published this year, bookish apparel, book-related craft kits, and even a writing course! You’re sure to find books or bookish gifts for every bookworm on your list.
Books for every kid on your list
Read-aloud: Little Pilgrim’s Progress by Helen Taylor envisioned and illustrated by Joe Sutphin–This new, gift-worthy edition of Taylor’s classic captures the story with fresh eyes for a new generation. (Click the look-inside feature on Amazon to see just how beautifully Sutphin’s illustrations capture the story.) Plus this gift even more with bookmarks or prints of the art from Sutphin’s Etsy shop.
Picture book: Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison illustrated by Brianne Farley–I haven’t found many picture books that I just love this year. But this book made me laugh and cry. It’s a joy to read and share with kids! You can read my full review HERE.
Chapter book: Jack vs the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang by Amanda Cleary Eastep–This fun new series set in the 90’s follows the Tree Street Kids on adventures just the right size for chapter book aged kids. While many other chapter books are a bit of a snooze, Eastep’s writing is compelling and engaging. I think your kids will love these books.
Middle-grade: A Place to Hang the Moon by Kate Albus–This book is all around wonderful. I’ll be giving it a full review in a couple weeks, but trust me. You’ll want to own this one. It’s rare to find a new book with a classic feel, but this one has it. I have a full review coming soon, but this book is a treasure. For more middle-grade book ideas, check out my Beyond Narnia booklist.
Graphic novel: Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert–I’m not usually a huge graphic novel fan (though my kids love them). But this one was enthusiastically recommended by Sarah MacKenzie as well as all my children, so I gave it a read. Lightfall is beautiful and compelling.
Young Adult: The Sinking City by Christine Cohen–This is the only book on my list I haven’t read yet, but only because it’s not out at the time of this post. My teens and I loved The Winter King, and I’m expecting this one to be just as good. (I may have to sneak read it before wrapping it for my daughter).
Crafty gifts for Bookworms
Wax Seal–This was a Christmas request from my sixteen-year-old this year. There are so many fun seals, I had trouble deciding! And you might just buy an extra and slip it into your own stocking.
Literary Yarns: Crochet Projects Inspired by Classic Books–-This one is sure to be a winner with your crafty kids. don’t forget the yarn!
Book Binding Kit–True bookworms are often inspired to make their own books (or journals). Can you keep a secret? My daughter is getting this one for Christmas.
Bookish gifts to use and wear
A Fine Quotation–This Etsy seller makes some of my favorite literary stickers, but she’s also got bookmarks, t-shirts, mugs, and more. These stickers make great stocking stuffers!
Out of Print–If you haven’t yet discovered this book-themed t-shirts, I highly recommend. My kids have loved receiving these as gifts and are always sad to out grow them. We’ve had everything from Madeline to Little Women to The Odyssey. (And grab one for yourself while you’re there. By the way, the women’s relaxed fit are my favorite.)
For the aspiring young author
The Green Writer course by S.D. Smith–I know this one doesn’t exactly fit under the tree, but it’s something your kids can use again and again on their writing journey. Plus, it may be one of the few gifts you can still order last minute! This is a great course for kids or beginner writers of any age.
Typewriter–There’s just something special about typing on a manual typewriter. Plus, you can’t get distracted by the internet. Getting kids writing without screen time sounds like a win-win to me!
Book plus dress up
Here’s a fun idea. Whatever picture book you choose for your kids, include some dress-up gear to encourage imaginative play. Here’s an idea of what that might look like for my picture book, Library’s Most Wanted.
Book + one or more of the following: bandana, sheriff’s star, fake mustache, cowboy hat.
