Best Holiday Books & Gifts for Kids in 2026

From unique, thoughtful gift ideas for every kid and teen reader on your shopping list to festive reads that light up the season, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the holidays.

Find what you’re looking for:
Gift Guides by Age | Best Books of the Year | More Gift Ideas | Holiday Books | Holiday Activities

Gift Guides by Age

Gifts for Kids Ages 0 – 2

The best books to gift to babies and toddlers offer plenty of opportunities to learn, play, and connect.

Gifts for Kids Ages 3 – 5

Shop books that ignite your littles’ imagination, make them laugh, or teach them something new.

Gifts for Kids Ages 6 – 8

These hands-on activity books, funny tales, cookbooks, and more are sure to bring joy to emerging readers.

Gifts for Kids Ages 9 – 12

Explore novels for tweens to get lost in, activity books to keep them busy, and real-life stories to inspire.

Gifts for Teens and YA Readers

Find gifts to delight every teen reader on your list, from the casual page-turner to the voracious book lover.

The Best Books of the Year

What a year for books! Revisit some of the stories that made us laugh, think, wonder, and immediately recommend.

The Best Picture Books of 2026

If your family is looking for a new read as the year draws to a close, here are some of our favorite picture books of 2026.

The Best Middle Grade & Chapter Books of 2026

There were so many wonderful books for young readers published in 2026. Here are the years’ most notable chapter and middle grade books.

The Best YA Books of 2026

Find fast-paced, heartfelt, and thrilling reads you’re sure to love in this list of the year’s best young adult books.

More Gifting

'Tis the Season for Christmas Activity Books

Filled with puzzles, coloring pages, and festive games, these Christmas-themed activity books make great stocking stuffers.

Brand-New Children’s Books To Read This Christmas

Fresh-as-the-fallen-snow, these brand-new Christmas stories for kids are the perfect way to enjoy the holiday season as a family.

The Best Boxed Book Sets for Children and Teens

The best thing about gifting book sets? After finishing the first book, they’ll already have the next on hand!

Bestselling Picture Books That Make Great Gifts

Perfect for cuddling up together over a shared story, these book gifts just keep on giving!

Cookbooks for Budding Chefs

Have a kid who likes to help out in the kitchen? Gift them a cookbook of their own!

Stocking Stuffers for Kids and Teens

From book-related apparel and accessories to adorable mini books, kids are sure to love these special little gifts.

Hidden Fun! The Best Seek-and-Find Books for Kids

Great for long afternoons at home or car rides, these super fun seek-and-find books are sure to keep kids occupied and engaged.

Dare to Doodle With Drawing Books

Artistic kids are sure to love these unique doodling books full of inspiration for unbridled creativity.

Boredom-Busting Activity Books

From picture puzzles to sticker activities, these fantastic activity books offer hours of entertainment.

Holiday Reading

Timeless Christmas Stories for Kids and Families

These Christmas books have stood the test of time and are just as popular today as when they were published.

Delightful Children’s Books to Celebrate Hanukkah This Year

Whether it’s your first Hanukkah or your 50th, we hope these books shed a new light on your holiday.

Giftable Picture Books for Kwanzaa

Like Kwanzaa itself, the books on this list celebrate values such as family and togetherness.

kids-books-celebrate-diverse-holidays-traditions

Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays and traditions available to explore.

Festive Fun and Family Activities

Printable Gift Tags for the Holidays

Print out these adorable holiday gift tags for some fun holiday crafting with your little one!

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Printables & Activities

Get your kiddos in the holiday spirit — and keep them happily occupied — with these fun holiday printables and activities!

How to Create Your Own Book Advent Calendar

Book advent calendars serve as a special countdown to Christmas, one that brings the family together over a shared story.

8 Clever Ways to Celebrate the Holidays With Books

If you’re looking for more ways to incorporate books into your holiday celebrations, here are a few fun, festive, and super adorable DIY ideas.

Brightly Storytime Read-Aloud Videos

Season’s Readings:
The Best Holiday Books & Gifts for Kids in 2026

by Brightly Editors

Gift Guides by Age