A Gift Guide for Pairing Toys with Books // Third Edition
One of my most favorite Christmas books is called Just Right For Christmas. It is the story about how a piece of cloth, so "soft and red and Christmasy," was used by each gifter in a way that perfectly suited their personal skills as well as the one in which they were gifting. This is what I love about giving gifts at Christmas. I love the creativity in being intentional just for that person, and I most especially love the creativity that follows after the gift is received. For I think the best gifts are ones that provide enjoyment at many levels.
I take so much pleasure in creating gift ideas for myself and for others. But I also feel a small tug of guilt in the process. The world is filled with enough pressure and influence for consumption; I don’t want to add to that.
Instead, it is my hope and wish for you this Christmas season that instead of feeling the guilt of consumption, that you find the joy in gifting imagination and love of learning. Instead of seeing the burden of adding more stuff to your home, I hope you discover the power in play and creativity. Rather than feeling anxiety over hunting for the perfect gift, you feel inspired to find the gift that is just right for them. Gifting should be fun. I had fun creating these gift ideas. And I hope they inspire a little playful fun in you, too.
If you are new to Raise and Shine, you can find some great holiday content all in one place on this Raise and Shine Christmas Collective. But I have SO much more to share! Today, I’ll start off with my most FAVORITE way of gifting—the book and toy pairing. I believe firmly there is no such thing as too many books. Books are so fun to gift. But they are even more fun when paired with a small activity to extend the play and learning. Here are some of my favorite books paired with gifts that won't take up clutter on your shelves. And if you are feeling extra crafty, some are even handmade.
Super Hero Books and Capes
There is a superhero inside of us all! A favorite dress up in our house are these super hero capes that Santa brought. They are easy to make if you have basic sewing skills. But there are also easy options on Amazon to personalize a cape for your little superhero. I also love the messages of strength and power these books bring to our children, reminders that strength comes in many different forms.
Moon Books and Flashlight
I love giving flashlights as gifts. And when I saw this moon torch my sister brought home to her space loving kid, I knew it would be a perfect book pairing with some of my favorite moon and space books. Imagine reading a book about the moon with your very own moon shining on the wall next to you. Magical.
If You Decide to Go to the Moon
The Astronaut who Painted the Moon (PS I have also paired this one with a paint set and/or watercolor paper!)
Tree Fort Books and Fort Building Kit
Every kid loves building indoor forts. They provide endless imagination. This is also perfect for the kids stuck inside for the winter. I have a couple of nephews who may be receiving this for Christmas (sure hope the five year old and the two year old don’t read this blog!) These are also some of my most FAVORITE books of the whole year. I could read them over and over and over again.
DIY Fort Kit - This one is a bit more advanced with PVC pipes for constructing.
Fort in a Bag - I love this one. Attaching little tabs and then including rope and clamps.
Wooden Clamps - Perfect for adding to your fort building kit. Simplify the kit but just adding a large sheet.
Everything You Need for a Treehouse
Search and Find Books and Magnifying Glass
Search and Find books are very popular in our house, particularly on road trips. They are great for little ones who aren’t yet readers but want to stay engaged in a book. Amplify the fun by adding a magnifying glass. Magnifying glass is a fun thing to have not just in book reading but perfect for aspiring detectives and scientists alike.
The Bear’s Song - This is a series of picture books with a sweet story but also delightfully interesting pictures too find something new each time.
Look for Ladybug in Plant City
Castles: Magnified - This comes with its own magnifying glass. But my guess is its pretty flimsy.
Cookbooks and Kid Sized Cooking Tools
My family was a bit shocked to see knives on my three year old’s wish list last Christmas list. But I assured them it was no joke. Through trial, and lots and lots of error, I discovered this strong willed busy child of mine does best with a job. If you have a cooking curious child like this, you might enjoy some of our favorite Cook in a Book series. They are even great for little hands not ready for the kitchen. I also have my eye on the America’s Test Kitchen cookbook for kids when mine are a bit older.
Small Whisk - The perfect size for little hands
Pizza: An Interactive Recipe Book
Pancakes: An Interactive Recipe Book
Tacos: An Interactive Recipe Book
The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs