Season’s Readings:
Gift Guides, Holiday Stories,
and More!

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.

In This Article
Gift Guides by Age | Best Books of the Year | More Gifting Ideas | Holiday Reading | Festive Fun and Family 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.

 

• Best of the Year



The Best Picture Books of 2025

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 2024.



The Best Middle Grade & Chapter Books of 2025

There were so many wonderful books for young readers published in 2024. Here are the years’ most notable chapter and middle grade books.



The Best YA Books of 2025

Find 19 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!



Giftable Picture Books for Kwanzaa:

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



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.



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



Brightly Storytime: How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

No holiday season is complete without a reading of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Follow along as Ms. Linda reads this Christmas classic.



Brightly Storytime: Llama Llama Holiday Drama

We’re gearing up for the holidays with a special reading of Llama Llama Holiday Drama, a sweet picture book about remembering what truly matters amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season.



Brightly Storytime: The Christmas Puppy

Pour a cup of cocoa, cozy up by the tree, and have your little one read along with The Christmas Puppy.



Brightly Storytime: There’s an Elf in Your Book

We’re gearing up for Christmas with a reading of There’s an Elf in Your Book, a hands-on picture book that’s full of holiday fun.