Perfect Christmas Gifts for Kids: Book Edition 📚🎄
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Time to read 7 min
As the festive season approaches, there's no better gift to give a child than the magic of books. Whether you have a little one just starting their reading journey or a young bookworm with a voracious appetite for stories, we've curated a list of enchanting books that make perfect Christmas gifts.
In this article, we'll explore a selection of delightful reads tailored to different age groups, ensuring there's something for every young reader on your gift list. From heart-warming classics to modern tales filled with humour and wonder, these books will capture children's imaginations, transport them to far-off lands and teach them the true spirit of the season.
So, without further ado, let's dive into our list of perfect Christmas gifts for kids!
1. A Christmas Adventure (The Burpee Bears) by Joe Wicks 🐻
Age: 3+
Get ready for an active and cheering story from the Burpee Bears with A Christmas Adventure, courtesy of #1 bestselling author Joe Wicks. This picture book captures the bliss of family fun during the Christmas season. As the little bears eagerly await Granny Bear's visit, they engage in various activities like building snow bears, making snow angels and ice skating together.
However, when Christmas Day arrives with a snowstorm that prevents Granny Bear from reaching them, the Burpee Bears take matters into their own paws. With their trusty sledge, they embark on a mission to bring Christmas to Granny's house. Packed with exercises and festive recipes, this book is the perfect gift for families looking to add some active amusement to their holiday. Get ready to share the Christmas festivities with the Burpee Bears!
2. How the Grinch Lost Christmas by Dr. Seuss 🎄
Age: 5+
The holiday season wouldn't be complete without the mischievous Grinch, and in How the Grinch Lost Christmas, he's back with a touching twist. In this sequel to the timeless classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch has experienced a change of heart. He's grown to love Christmas, but when he sees a poster for Whoville's Christmas tree competition, he's inspired to take his festive spirit to new heights.
With boundless enthusiasm, he sets out to create the grandest Christmas tree the Whos have ever seen. However, when things don't go as planned, the Grinch faces a dilemma: will he return to his grinchy ways, or will a special Who remind him of the true meaning of Christmas? This tale is a perfect addition to any child's reading list, emphasising the joy of giving, sharing and the importance of cherished traditions.
An extract:
“The cave on Mt. Crumpit was home to the Grinch,
Who sprung from his cave just enough - plus one inch -
To stare down at Who-ville from high up above it.
Tomorrow was Christmas! And speaking thereof it…
“My heart,” grinned the Grinch, “has GROWN to quite love it!”
The Grinch had been patiently waiting all year
To celebrate Christmas and bring the Whos cheer,
And to show every Who he was different now…
“I've changed!" thought the Grinch.
“And I'll prove it! But HOW?”'
3. Virtually Christmas by David Baddiel 🎁
Ages: 8-12
In Virtually Christmas, David Baddiel takes us on a futuristic Christmas adventure that's perfect for kids and tweens. In a world where technology has hijacked Christmas, replacing the warmth of human connection with robots and 3D holograms, young Etta and her friend Monty stumble upon a clue that could change everything.
As Winterzone attempts to control Christmas with Santavatars and ZoneDrones, these two brave kids embark on a race against time to restore the true meaning of Christmas. Their mission: Find the real Santa Claus! This humorous and heart-warming story reminds us all of the beauty of togetherness and tradition. Share in the laughter and cheer as Etta and Monty fight to save Christmas from the clutches of modern technology.
An extract:
“It should’ve been amazing, Santa himself appearing in Etta Baxter’s living room.
‘Ho ho ho!’ he said, in his booming Santa voice. ‘How are you, Etta?’
That was amazing, right? Santa knowing her name? But for some reason, Etta – an eleven-year-old girl with glasses and dark hair, who was currently staring at Santa with fairly bored eyes – didn’t seem that amazed. Her little brother Jonas, who was three and a half: he was. He’d been shouting: ‘Santa! Santa! Santa! Santa!’ non-stop since Santa appeared.
‘Have you been a good girl this year?’ Santa continued. ‘Your mum says you have. And I know you’ve been a great owner for Weech!’
Weech was Etta’s kitten, so called because of the tiny high-pitched noise he made that wasn’t quite a meow. That too – Santa knowing something so detailed about Etta’s life – should’ve been amazing. But Etta’s eyes didn’t brighten. And Etta’s eyes were normally very bright indeed.
‘Santa! Santa! Santa!’ said Jonas.
‘Ho ho ho, Jonas,’ said Santa. ‘I’ll come to you in a minute. But meanwhile … Etta. I know exactly what you want for Christmas this year. A new sparkly collar for Weech! One with green and red jewels all round it!’
‘You do want that, don’t you, E?’ said Etta’s mum, whose name was Bonny. Bonny was crouching down next to Etta. She was pulling that face that grown-ups make when they want you to be pleased about something, but are not sure if you in fact are. You know the face.
Etta nodded. But it wasn’t a very enthusiastic nod.
‘And I will make sure you get it!’ said Santa.
‘Wow, Santa!’ said her mum. ‘Thank you!’
‘Santa! Santa!’ This wasn’t Etta. It was Jonas. You probably knew that by now.
‘No problem for me or my elves!’ said Santa.
Etta continued just to stare coldly at Santa. This was getting a bit awkward.
‘Etta … isn’t it amazing that Santa has come to see us and that he knows exactly what you want for Christmas?’ said Bonny, her voice becoming a bit pleading. ‘Don’t you want to thank him … at least?’
‘OK,’ said Etta, speaking at last. Her voice was deadpan. ‘I’ll tell you what …’ she carried on, much in the same tone, ‘I’ll give Santa a hug.’
‘Um …’ said her mum.
‘Santa! Santa!’
‘Come on, Santa,’ said Etta, opening her arms.
‘I’m not sure that’s … allowed …?’ said Bonny.
‘Ho ho ho!’ said Santa, but without moving towards her.
‘What are you laughing at?’ said Etta. ‘I’m not suggesting a funny hug.’
‘Well …’ said Santa. ‘It’s kind of my catchphrase. Ho ho ho. I say it all the time.’
‘But it is still you laughing, right?’
‘Um … yes … I guess.’
‘So why do it at something that isn’t funny?’
Santa frowned. He turned to Bonny for help. She shrugged. He looked to Jonas.
‘Santa!’ shouted Jonas.
‘Ho ho … ho?’
‘Right,’ said Etta. ‘Anyway. About that hug …’ She opened her arms again and moved towards Santa. Santa looked worried. Etta reached where he was standing, by the fireplace. She put her arms round him, and then … put her arms through him. Like he was a ghost. Like he wasn’t, in fact, there."
4. Letters from Father Christmas by J.R.R. Tolkien 🎅
All ages
An eternal classic, Letters from Father Christmas offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of J.R.R. Tolkien's imagination. Published to celebrate the first-ever 'letter from Father Christmas' penned in 1920, this oversized edition is a visual feast for Tolkien fans of all ages.
Each December, Tolkien's children received envelopes postmarked from the North Pole, containing letters adorned with spidery handwriting and stunning illustrations. These letters were from none other than Father Christmas himself, who shared captivating tales of life at the North Pole, including mishap-prone reindeer, clumsy polar bears, and wars with mischievous goblins.
This newly revised edition showcases high-quality digital reproductions of Tolkien's letters and artwork. Explore the whimsical world of Father Christmas, where creativity knows no bounds and magic fills every page.
An extract:
“North Pole
Christmas Eve: 1923
My dear John,
It is very cold today and my hand is very shaky—I am nineteen hundred and twenty four, no! seven! years old on Christmas Day,—lots older than your great-grandfather, so I can’t stop the pen wobbling, but I hear that you are getting so good at reading that I expect you will be able to read my letter.
I send you lots of love (and lots for Michael too) and Lotts Bricks too (which are called that because there are lots more for you to have next year if you let me know in good time). I think they are prettier and stronger and tidier than Picabrix. So I hope you will like them.
Now I must go; it is a lovely fine night and I have got hundreds of miles to go before morning—there is such a lot to do.
A cold kiss from
Father Nicholas Christmas"
This holiday season, enchant your children with these glorious books that capture the true spirit of Christmas. From the Grinch's thrilling transformation to the Burpee Bears' snowy adventure and the quest to save Christmas from automation, these stories are brimming with wonder, joy and the importance of family.
These books will kindle a love of Christmas in your little ones' hearts, reminding them of the sparkle that this season brings. Share the gift of stories and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.