Looking for creative gifts for kids that have just begun to read? It’s such a fun and exciting new journey for them. Help them fall in love with books and reading with these creative gift ideas. Your beginning reader will thank you.
Creative Gifts for Kids
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Books for Beginning Readers to Give as Presents
My new reader is devouring all things graphic novels. I mean morning, noon, and night! Here are two box sets that would be a huge hit in many households.
First up…Dav Pilkey is the answer to any reluctant reader’s dreams. Some people dismiss his books as not having much substance, but I’ll argue with anyone on that topic. Getting kids to fall in love with reading is key. And, Pilkey’s books have done that for thousands if not a million kids. Start your new reader on the Dog Man series. Get the Dog Man box set of the first books or grab the newest one, Dog Man: Fetch-22.
If your beginning reader loves Dog Man, then also check out The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. The box set comes with the first five books.
Another good line of books for beginning readers is the Branches and Acorn line from Scholastic. They have lots of picture support, multiple books in each series, and lots of topic choices. The Acorn line is easier than the Branches line. A few of our favorites are Silver Pony Ranch, The Last Firehawk, Time Jumpersin the Branches line and Hello Hedgehogand Poppleton in the Acorn line.
New readers need lots of books to read so a book subscription box is a fun idea. Here are my some book subscription boxes to try for beginning readers.
If the beginning reader in your life has a particular interest such as cars and trucks or dinosaurs, I have lots of specific themed book lists for you too.—>See the Book Lists
Beginning Reader Toys and Games that Make Great Gifts
Beginning readers are also beginning spellers so try the game, Quiddler Jr. Players must form different lengths of words each round. Bonus points are given for the longest words. You add up your score after seven rounds so you also get a little added math practice.
Apples to Apples Jr. is one of my favorite games to play as a family. Two stacks of cards are included. The green set contains descriptive words such as goofy, smelly, and crunchy. The red set contains people, places, things, and events. Each round, players choose the best red card from their hand to compliment the green card word. A judge picks the favorite played card as the winner of the round and the winner gets the red card. The player with the most red cards wins. This game is fun to practice reading and to build vocabulary.
Other Beginning Reader Gift Ideas
Imagine a giant poster to color while listening to an amazing read-aloud. Ruby Reads has three different read-aloud posters that pair with some favorite books. We are currently using the one to go with one of my favorites, The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street.—>Ordering Information Through Ruby Reads
Budding readers are also budding writers and what writer doesn’t love a cool writing tool. How about glitter + scented + gel pen = yes please! Try OOLY, Yummy Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens.
Ummmm….cutest beanie hat ever! I can think of a dozen beginning readers and grown-ups who would love this bookshelf beanie from Out of Print.
And, every new reader needs a booklight for reading under the covers at night. A booklight pairs nicely with a new book.
Gifts for Beginning Reader Families and Caregivers
Give every beginning reader in your life an extra boost with these items aimed at families and caregivers to instill a love of reading at an early age.
Allison McDonald and Amy Mascott share tips and ideas in Raising a Rock-Star Reader: 75 Quick Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Lifelong Love for Reading. Practical advice you can put in place right away.
The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Read by Alice Ozma is the inspiring story of a father and daughter who started a daily ritual of reading together that carried all the way to college.
For more gift guides check out these posts.
Helen says
New Dog Man is coming next week!!