Children’s book gift guide
A book is a present that lasts. Here are tried-and-tested gift ideas for every age, plus Christmas favourites and tips for making them special.
A good book is one of the best gifts you can give a child. It costs little, it lasts for years and it can be shared again and again. The trick is choosing the right one, and that begins with knowing your child’s age and interests.
If in doubt, aim for a well-loved classic, a new book by a favourite author, or something that connects to a hobby or interest the child already has.
Gift ideas by age
Newborns to age 2
Baby showers, christenings and first birthdays
Choose sturdy board books. Good gifts include Guess How Much I Love You, Little Owl Lost, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Dear Zoo. A set of three or four books makes a thoughtful present. See books for babies and toddlers.
Ages 3 to 5
Birthdays and treats
Rhyming picture books are a hit. Try The Gruffalo, Lost and Found, Owl Babies or The Day the Crayons Quit. Pick something fun to read aloud. See books for preschoolers.
Ages 6 to 8
First chapter books
Series are ideal gifts, as a child who loves the first book will want the next. Try The Magic Faraway Tree, Fantastic Mr Fox, Dog Man or The Legend of Spud Murphy. See books for early readers.
Ages 9 to 12
Adventure and fantasy
Try Artemis Fowl, Skulduggery Pleasant, Holes or Wonder. For history lovers, Under the Hawthorn Tree is a good pick. See books for ages 9 to 12.
Christmas books for children
Christmas stories are a wonderful tradition, and many families keep a special shelf that comes out each December.
- The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. A wordless picture book about a boy and a snowman who comes to life.
- Stick Man by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. A stick who just wants to get home to his family tree for Christmas.
- The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski, illustrated by P. J. Lynch. A moving tale of a woodcarver and the family who help him. Lynch is an Irish illustrator.
- The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg. A magical train ride to the North Pole.
- The Jolly Christmas Postman by Janet and Allan Ahlberg. Fun letters and tiny gifts hidden inside envelopes in the pages.
Make a book gift even more special
- Write a message inside the cover. Even a short note, with the date, turns a book into a keepsake.
- Choose a book that connects. A book about trains for a train-lover, or an Irish folktale for a child who loves history, shows you have paid attention.
- Add a bookmark. A homemade one costs almost nothing.
- Give a series start. Starting with book one gives them something to look forward to.
- Check what they have. Ask a parent so you do not duplicate.
Gifts that go further
If you want to give more than a single book, think about a library tote bag, a cosy reading cushion, a book token or a small bookshelf for their room. Many local bookshops and libraries offer gift cards or memberships.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good book to give a one-year-old?
A sturdy board book with bold pictures and a simple rhythm, such as Guess How Much I Love You or Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?.
What books do eight-year-olds like?
Funny series, animal stories and graphic novels tend to be popular, such as Dog Man, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Magic Faraway Tree.
What is a good book for a child who does not like reading?
Try something short and funny, a graphic novel or a book about their favourite hobby. See how to help a reluctant reader.
Should I buy new or second-hand books?
Both work. Second-hand books are great value and often in excellent condition, but for a special occasion, a new, signed or specially chosen book makes a lasting impression.