If you know a child who loves to read, you probably also know that buying gifts for him or her is not as simple as picking up a new book. He may not like the book you choose for him, or she may have her heart set on a different title. It’s sometimes easier to hit the mark with book-related gifts. These items can often be worn, displayed on a wall, or used as part of every day life.
Here is a list of five ideas to thrill the book-lover on your gift list.
Posters, T-Shirts and More
At Litographs you can find posters, t-shirts and totes that feature every word from a variety of popular books arranged around an image familiar to readers. For instance, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz design includes a cyclone-like spiral along with a house and flying monkeys. Designs are available for about 20 classic kids’ stories.
Boxed Sets
Kids love to read the same stories over and over again. So if you know of a series they like, you can look for a boxed set they can cherish for years to come. Boxed sets are often available for readers of all ages and interests. Some to look for include: a Dr. Seuss collection, Junie B. Jones, Captain Underpants, The Little House books, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, or The Hunger Games.
Storytelling Games
Don’t tell reluctant readers, but making up stories is actually a way to boost reading and writing skills. Look for Rory’s Story Cubes, which lets you roll the word-sided dice and make up a tale from the words that roll out. Or pick up The Storymatic Kids, which is a box of 360 thick cards easy for small hands to hold. Choose one or more and create a story or draw a picture inspired by the words you see.
Book Lights
Book lights are especially helpful for kids who share a room with a sibling or during travel, when the whole family may be sleeping in one hotel room. Try a hands-free version like the MyLight Hug Light Buddies, which are stuffed animals that contain LED lights in moveable limbs. Choose from a bear, cat, dog, panda or other animals at showertek.com.
Literary Mugs
The Unemployed Philosophers Guild offers mugs to celebrate favorite writers, like Shakespeare, Mark Twain, or Jane Austen, or characters such as Sherlock Holmes or the Cheshire Cat. You can find a mug that gives tribute to banned book titles, Shakespearean insults, and many more.