15 Holiday Gift Ideas for
Book-Loving 3- to 5-Year-Olds
by Janssen Bradshaw
The preschool years are some of my favorite holidays with children. They’re old enough to be enthusiastic and excited, but still young enough to find everything completely magical and be awed by every gift, big or small. Those years of being wholeheartedly delighted by a lollipop in your stocking don’t last forever.
As my own children grow, I’ve been surprised by how clearly they can identify the things they received as gifts, even years earlier. They’ll comment on a tiny stuffed dog and how it was a gift from their older sister on their first Christmas. Or every time we read a certain book they say, “This is the book Grandma gave me for my birthday!” I love that those strong associations are formed with certain gifts, and I especially love when they’re made with books.
Our gift ideas for 3- to 5-year-olds are books we hope will be loved for years to come, bringing up memories of those early holidays and the family and friends who gifted them. And because we love a good book-related gift around here, we’ve added fun items from our friends at Out of Print too.
Looking for Brightly’s 2018 Gift Guide?
Check out our list of The Best Holiday Gifts for Kids Ages 0 – 6!
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For children who crave adventure and magic:
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Journey
Available from:I can’t think of any book published in the last few years that is better than Journey. This wordless book follows a little girl and her adventure with a magical crayon that lets her enter an enchanted world full of danger and excitement. I have read this book hundreds of times with my children and every time we find something new!
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Uni the Unicorn
Available from:Uni is a regular unicorn but one thing sets her apart from her friends — she believes with all her heart that little girls are real. This is the sweetest and most magical story of friendship and this board book edition is perfect for the littlest unicorn lovers. For a second helping of magic, check out the sequel.
Listen to a clip from the charming audiobook:
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We’re Going on a Bear Hunt: Snow Globe Edition
This is the classic adventure story for little readers in my mind — what could be more exciting than going out with your family to find a bear? This edition has a snow globe built right in for an extra dose of seasonal delight.
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La Princesa and the Pea
Available from:This high-energy bilingual retelling of la princesa, her prince, his mother, and the pesky little guisante is as beautiful as it is delightful. With clever rhymes that will enchant both little ones and those reading to them, soft, vibrant illustrations (evocative of illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal’s native Peru), and Spanish words playfully peppered throughout, expect requests for repeat readings.
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The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Tote Bag
The ultimate magical adventure is a trip to the library or bookstore, and this Wizard of Oz tote is perfect for bringing all your treasures home with you.
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For the child who knows the name of every animal in the zoo:
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“The Spider and the Fly” T-Shirt
What little child doesn’t want some spooky bugs on their shirts? Based on the classic poem, this is the perfect way to add a little literary life to your child’s wardrobe!
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Jan Brett’s Animal Treasury
No one does animals like Jan Brett. I never get tired of her beautifully detailed illustrations and her memorable stories about the adventures (and scrapes!) her animal characters get up to.
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For the child who wants to make the world a better place:
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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World
Available from:For every little child — boy or girl — who wants to change the world, this timely celebration of women who won’t take no for an answer is the perfect choice. With thirteen stories about American women who pushed through adversity, Chelsea Clinton’s book is for everyone.
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Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth
Available from:Oliver Jeffers never disappoints, with books that are absorbing for children and equally appealing for adults. This one, written for his son, looks at the Earth from many different views — outer space to the communities around us — and encourages everyone to be kinder and more tolerant.
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We’re All Wonders
Available from:This picture book version of the wildly popular novel is ideal for the younger crowd and a sweet way to introduce the wonderful differences all around us and how to be kind to everyone.
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Wonder Pouch
I never met a child who didn’t love a little place of their own to collect things — from rocks and leaves to pencils and beads. This Wonder-inspired pouch is perfect!
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For the child who loves a book that makes you both giggle:
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This Book Will Not Be Fun
I’m pretty sure I’ve read this one 237 times over the last few months — my 3-year-old is completely obsessed with this little mouse narrator who announces that this book will be very boring. But despite his best efforts, fun things keep happening, from a word-eating whale to a zero-gravity dance party.
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It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk
You think you know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, but Jack is a little tired of being bossed around by the narrator. He doesn’t want to sell his cow and he really doesn’t want to be a thief!
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An Elephant & Piggie Biggie!
Available from:When I was a school librarian, I always knew I could get a plethora of giggles any time I pulled out an Elephant & Piggie book. They’re perfect read-alouds and just get funnier every time you read them! This special collection celebrates 10 years of Elephant & Piggie stories, bundling up five favorites.
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Elephant & Piggie Read T-Shirt
Celebrate Elephant, Piggie, and, most importantly, reading with this fun and playful tee.
For more great holiday gift ideas, head on over to Out of Print!