Best Gifts for Preschoolers That Build Literacy Skills

Looking for the best gifts for preschoolers for the holidays or a birthday? Below are my favorite preschool gifts that will also build early literacy skills.

Best Gifts for Preschoolers

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Books for Preschoolers to Give as Presents

Book box sets can be treasured for years.  Preschoolers love to learn about the world and love lifting flaps to find hidden little treasures inside books.  So, try the Peek Inside Box Set by Usborne.  If you don’t want to get the box set, you could get individual titles too.  The Farm was a favorite in our house.

Looking for a recent release that the kids probably don’t have yet?  Get Bruce’s Big Storm by Ryan Higgins.

And, if you need more new release ideas, I have a whole list for you.  See my favorite books of 2019 HERE.

A subscription is a fun way to keep the giving going all year long.  You can try a magazine subscription geared towards preschoolers or a book subscription box.

A favorite preschool magazine subscription is National Geographic for Little Kids.  It’s full of animals and learning around the world.

And, one of my favorite book subscription boxes for preschoolers is KidArtLit. My family has enjoyed several KidArtLit boxes. I’m an avid book buyer, but I’ve never gotten a book I already had with KidArtLit. That is because KidArtLit works hard to find high quality and beautiful new releases to add to their kits.

Plus, you don’t just get a hardcover book. You get process art activities that compliment the book. Everything you need is right in the box.  There are plenty of supplies for two kids with the Deluxe boxes. —>Click Here to Order KidArtLit 

If the preschoolers in your life has a particular interest such as dinosaurs or interactive stories, I have lots of specific themed book lists for you too.—>See the Preschool Book Lists Here

Preschool Toys and Games that Make Great Gifts

Puzzles are great for building visual discrimination and developing spatial awareness.  And, giving a book-themed puzzle is a fun way to revisit loved stories. Try If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Puzzle: Mouse’s Backyard to a preschooler in your life.  Even better, pair it with a box set of the books.

We have played so many different games with these ABC cookies from Learning Resources.  The kit comes with different card activities.  But, we also use them with a good old fashioned cookie sheet and spatula.  The kids love to pretend to cook the cookies.

Build focus, concentration, and letter matching with Match It! Memory – Alphabet – Capital and Lowercase Letter Matching Game from the Learning Journey.

Other Preschool Gift Ideas

Playdough is a great tool for any preschooler.  Manipulating the dough strengthens muscles in the hands needed for holding and manipulating writing tools.  Pair the tool with a book and now you’ve opened up story retelling opportunities.  My friend Merideth from Homegrown Friends creates wonderfully scented playdough kits the kids will love.

Kick up bedtime reading with a pair of Pete the Cat themed PJs.  Of course, reading a fun Pete the Cat book such as Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes is optional but highly suggested.

For kids who love to sing, they can now sing along to book-inspired songs with Emily Arrow’s cd- Storytime Singalong Vol 1, or Vol 2 or Vol 3.

Want preschoolers to start learning proper writing grip?  Try crayon rocks.  They work like a charm and make a perfect stocking stuffer. You could even pair them with a drawing pad.

Gifts for Preschool Families and Caregivers

Give every preschooler in your life an extra boost with these items aimed at families and caregivers to instill a love of reading at an early age.

Drive home the point that reading aloud to our kids throughout their childhood really matters with the book, The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction by Meghan Cox Gurdon.

Jennifer takes a look at writing from an occupational therapist viewpoint. She offers advice and support for every stage of writer (Scribblers, Spellers, Storytellers and Scholars). The Write Start: A Guide to Nurturing Writing at Every Stage, from Scribbling to Forming Letters and Writing Stories includes 52 playful activities with adaptations for each stage of writer. This is a book that will provide useful strategies for all ages.

For more gift guides check out these posts.

Best Gifts for Toddlers

Best Book Subscription Boxes