22 Holiday Gift Ideas for
Baby & Toddler Bookworms
by Janssen Bradshaw
Is there anything more exciting than that first holiday celebration with your baby? There’s something magical about wrapping those tiny little gifts that you’ll remember forever.
And then that second holiday with your toddler is just as good as they start to absorb some of the excitement of the season, even if they’re not quite old enough to know what all the fuss is about.
I’m inclined to think, of course, that the best gifts are books and we’ve gathered up some wonderful suggestions for your baby and toddler that they’ll love long after the decorations are packed away.
And because we love all things book-related, we’ve added a few fun suggestions from Out of Print — they make the most delightful book-inspired products that are perfect for pairing with a book.
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 everyone who loves a classic:
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Madeline
Available from:Talk about a book that has stood the test of time. There’s no better way to stroll the streets of Paris from your armchair than with Madeline and her classmates in two straight lines.
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Madeline Bodysuit
For all the Francophiles out there or anyone who loves cute little Madeline, this is a necessity.
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Corduroy
Available from:When it comes to classics, there’s no toy more classic than a teddy bear, and Corduroy is the best of the best. I love this sweet story of a little girl who can overlook a minor flaw in a toy on the shelf, plus Corduroy’s nighttime adventures are so fun!
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Corduroy Bodysuit
As a grown-up, I’m not as interested in snuggling a little stuffed bear, but I’m DEFINITELY interested in snuggling a little baby sporting a stuffed bear bodysuit. Plus, the red color is so festive!
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Where the Wild Things Are
I love adding classics to my baby’s book collection (or someone else’s book collection!) and there are few books more universally beloved than Where the Wild Things Are. For 50 years, this Caldecott winner has entranced children and adults alike, and there’s just nothing quite like it. Even now, hundreds of readings later, that line “And Max, the king of all wild things, was lonely and wanted to be where someone loved him best of all” gets me every time.
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Where the Wild Things Are Bodysuit
For your little one who is loved best of all, this is the perfect wardrobe addition. Add tights or leggings for cooler days or wear it alone in the summer!
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For those baby giggles we all live for:
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I Will Take a Nap!
Available from:There might be a toddler somewhere who doesn’t love Elephant and Piggie, but in all my years of being a librarian, book blogger, and parent, I’ve never met one. Every book in the series is a winner, but I have a special fondness for this one. Plus, what parent doesn’t want a nap?
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Elephant & Piggie Tote Bag
My toddlers adore having a bag of their own to put their library books in or to fill with rocks in the backyard. A tote bag is ready for any adventure and when your favorite characters are on the front, well, that’s just a special bonus.
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My First Songs
I don’t have a great singing voice (even that description might be a flattering exaggeration), but I love singing to my babies as I put them to bed or while we’re playing on the floor or driving in the car, and nursery rhymes are the perfect place to start. This collection features the beloved characters from Sesame Street and is an ideal book for teaching your child the classics.
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Books Turn Muggles into Wizards T-Shirt
A toddler might be a little young to introduce to the wonders of Hogwarts, but it’s never too early to start teaching them about how magical books are. And that “Lumos” is a very useful spell for middle-of-the-night feedings.
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For the parent and child who love something clever and unique:
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Baby Loves Quantum Physics!
Available from:I have a special place in my heart for grown-up topics adapted for the tiniest readers, whether it’s a classic like Jane Eyre turned into a board book or this series with science for the littlest child. This series includes Thermodynamics, Quarks, Gravity, Aerospace Engineering, and Coding, and basically I just want the whole set. They’re so fun to look at, but also completely accurate from a scientific standpoint.
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Tiny Town
This little tiny town book is a shaped board book and full of tiny little details to look at and little windows to look through from one scene to the next. And it looks so darn cute on your bookshelf.
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Adventures with Barefoot Critters
Available from:Newly available this year in board book format, and simplified for the youngest readers, Teagan White’s sweet and charming romp through the alphabet with a host of animal friends is one you and your toddler will love. With detailed illustrations and clever uses of each letter, there’s plenty to look at and learn from.
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Let’s Find Momo!
My children are obsessed with seek-and-find books and I swear we’ve read pretty much every one that’s available in print, so I was delighted to discover this new one where Momo the border collie hides in each page. Plus, there are plenty of other objects hidden in every photo. This is the perfect book for interacting with your children, keeping them occupied on a plane or car ride, or settling down with together before bedtime.
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For the animal lover who never met a dog, bug, or kitten they didn’t love:
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The Very Eric Carle Treasury
Available from:A treasury is a perfect holiday gift — it gives the recipient several books in one, plus it really helps a new reader get to know an author, which is so valuable. There’s nothing like going into a library or bookstore and recognizing a book you know to make you feel like a reader from the very beginning.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar Socks
Nobody likes a baby with cold toes, and these Hungry Caterpillar socks are the perfect way to keep them cozied up! Add these to The Very Eric Carle Treasury for the perfect recipe for a snuggly afternoon.
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Bunny Roo, I Love You
Available from:When it comes to new classics for tiny babies, this is a list-topper for me. I received it as a gift just after my third baby was born, and I instantly fell in love with the beautiful storyline and darling illustrations. It hits that perfect note of loving without being saccharine, and I recommend it all the time.
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Clifford the Big Red Dog
I love a series for little children because it means you can read a wide variety of books but with a character they already know and love. And what child doesn’t love Clifford?
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Clifford the Big Red Dog Socks
A giant dog to sit on your feet might be warmer, but if you don’t have that luxury, this set of toddler socks is a close second!
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For the baby who is always on the move:
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My Blue Railway Book Box
Available from:All Aboard! For the vehicle lovers in your house, there’s nothing better than Thomas the Train — he’s a classic for a reason! This set of four board books is perfect for any little reader who knows the name of every one of Thomas’s friends. Add a train or two and you’re set.
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Curious George Bodysuit
Is there anyone more active than Curious George? I can’t think of anyone! This sweet yellow bodysuit is perfect for the baby who is just as active as that curious little monkey.
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Yoga Bunny
Does your toddler want to go go go all the time? Try out this brilliant book of baby yoga poses to help settle them down while letting them move their body.
For more great holiday gift ideas, head on over to Out of Print!