A Novel Christmas Idea

Gift giving can feel like putting together a puzzle sometimes, and that’s because so much is different about so many things. Many of our favorite “personal experience” gifts are not possible right now because this year’s celebrations are going to be mixed up and tossed around. Let me introduce you to, Aimee. She is bookish, clever, and shares her love of reading and family in a warm, welcoming way on her Instagram account, @keepabookout. We have put a few gift giving puzzle pieces together for you.

I can’t wait for you to meet her. Enjoy!

Aimee

If you are like me, you love to gift “experiences” instead of physical gifts. This year, my go-to gift is a themed book present–such a “novel” Christmas idea, right? Each gift includes a book and a few other goodies that connect to the story.

Ten ideas for the littles you love

1. Construction Site Mission: Demolition!

Does it get any better than trucks and demolition for your favorite construction worker? They will love gearing up and playing with trucks as you read, Construction Site Mission: Demolition! to them. It’s a rhyming tale of a team of trucks who work together to get the job done.

2. What We’ll Build: Plans for Our Together Future

What We’ll Build: Plans For Our Together Future, is a sweet book about the relationships you build with those you love and with the world around you. Combine this gorgeous book with a classic wooden block set.

3. Drawn Together

Is there a budding artist on your list? A kit of art supplies and a wonderful book will get their creative wheels turning. Drawn Together is about a grandfather and grandson who can’t communicate because of a language barrier. When they discover that they both love to draw, they find a different way of bonding and sharing their love. Art Supplies

4. Mary Wears What She Wants

Inspiring kids to think for themselves is a gift. Mary Wears What She Wants is the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a young girl who boldly wears pants when it is unheard of. Pair this book with a fabulous new outfit that screams, “I know what I like!” It will bring a smile to your recipient’s face.

5. Bunheads

Do you have a tiny dancer in your life? They will love twirling around the room in their new dance gear while you read Bunheads. It’s the newest book from prima ballerina, Misty Copeland. Inspired to work hard, your dancer will dream of pirouettes and pliés. Leotard and slippers.

6. Counting the Stars

Counting the Stars tells the true story of Katherine Johnson, a famous NASA mathematician. She used trajectories and complex equations to chart the space program. This book is a perfect match for a working telescope, and reminds them to work hard, accomplish their goals, and reach for the stars.

7. ABC Books

There are so many ABC books available and that can make it difficult to. Select one that reminds you of your favorite toddler. Pair it with a wooden alphabet puzzle. It’s a classic gift that helps them learn and have fun. Here a few of our favorite alphabet books. (The last two words have a link in each one!)

8. You Matter

This gift is one that will take a little extra time. Christian Robinson’s, You Matter, is a remarkable book that reaffirms each person’s place in the world. Pair this book with a framed picture of your favorite memory with the child. Include a handwritten letter to let them know just how much they mean to you.

Another idea is to customize a photo book from Chatbooks. (Use the link for $10 off of your first Chatbooks purchase!)

9. Extra Yarn

Extra Yarn is a story about a little girl who spreads joy by giving to others. Annabelle has a magic box of yarn that allows her to give and give. A greedy archduke steals the box but later discovers that the magic doesn’t work for him. Spark some creative joy with this wondrous book and a yarn project or two.

10. Antsy Ansel: Ansel Adams, A Life in Nature

Taking pictures is fun and provides a creative outlet that allows kids to discover the world in a new way. A toy camera for the littlest of friends or a real camera for the older crowd is perfect. Either would be the perfect match for this wonderful picture book biography of one of our country’s most well known photographers: Ansel Adams.

Throw in a day trip to a local national park and you are making memories that will last forever.