Baby & Toddler
Pre-K
Growing Reader
The Best Holiday Gifts for Kids
Ages 0 – 6
by the Brightly Editors
Looking for unique, thoughtful gift ideas for little kids and their families to enjoy time and time again? We’ve got you covered! To make your holiday shopping easier, we’ve selected the most gift-worthy picture books, outlined what makes the stories special, and suggested age ranges to give you a sense of each book’s difficulty level. These are the best presents to give to book-loving boys and girls this Hanukkah and Christmas, and throughout the holiday season in 2018.
If you’re shopping for older kids, check out our 2018 gift guides for Kids Ages 7 – 12 and Teens.
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Baby 101: Zoology for Babies
With this entry in the brand-new, STEM-focused Baby 101 board book series, little readers will learn that “Animals are everywhere!” The colorful, sturdy pages feature illustrations of animals and easy-to-read text about their life cycles and habitats. Even the tiniest of readers will be identifying animals of all shapes, sizes, and species in no time!
(Best for ages 0 – 3) -
Baby Feminists
Get to know some of the most famous and impactful feminists in recent history — including Frida Kahlo, Dr. Mae Jemison, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and Malala Yousafzai — with this adorable lift-the-flap board book. Baby Feminists is a delightful, inspiring read-aloud for both young children and their parents.
(Best for ages 0 – 3) -
Dr. Seuss’s Book of Colors
This super simple, rhyming picture book is perfect for babies and toddlers who are learning their colors. Featuring a number of ever-popular characters like the Cat in the Hat and Fox in Socks, it’s also a great introduction to the wacky world of Dr. Seuss.
(Best for ages 2 – 5) -
Animalphabet
Take your little reader on an adventure through the animal kingdom with Animalphabet. With clever peek-a-boo holes and bright, eye-catching illustrations, it’s the perfect way to introduce your preschooler (or your pre-preschooler) to the alphabet.
(Best for ages 3 – 5) -
Corduroy Takes a Bow
Don Freeman’s Corduroy turned 50 this year — and what better way to celebrate the iconic character than with a new book in the series! In this picture book, written by the one and only Viola Davis and illustrated by Jody Wheeler, Corduroy heads to the theater with Lisa. When he accidentally gets separated from them during the show, he finds himself on a fun adventure exploring the theater.
(Best for ages 3 – 5) -
Play with Art
The good folks at DK are masters of the activity-based children’s book and Play With Art is no different. With multiple simple projects geared toward children, Play With Art is a great way to help your little one explore their creative side.
(Best for ages 3 – 5) -
Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave
Gorgeously illustrated words by renowned lettering artist Jessica Hische encourage little ones to be brave, adventurous, strong, and creative. Tomorrow I’ll Be Brave makes for a lovely bedtime story with a sweet reminder that at the end of the day, you can always try again tomorrow.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
There’s a Dragon In Your Book
This delightful story from Fletcher and Abbott is as playful and imaginative as their previous collaboration, There’s a Monster in Your Book. Your little one will adore trying to save their new favorite book from an adorable dragon’s flammable sneezes.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
Little Critter’s Family Treasury
Mayer’s charming Little Critter series never disappoints, and has captured the hearts of kids and parents alike for over 50 years. Endearingly funny and oh-so-relatable, these seven stories packed into one book all about family will quickly become a household favorite.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
Giraffe Problems
Edward the giraffe has a problem: his enormous, unwieldy, bendy neck. This witty, wise story of learning to love what makes you special is sure to become a contemporary classic.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
All-of-a-Kind Hanukkah
Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie, the beloved sisters of the All-of-a-Kind Family series, return in this charming holiday tale set in 1912 on the Lower East Side of New York City. Old and new fans will delight in the family’s trials and tribulations as they prepare for Hanukkah. All-of-a-Kind Hanukkah is the perfect gift for any night of the holiday.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
Elbow Grease
Little monster truck fans will love revving their engines with Elbow Grease, a little monster truck on a mission to prove he’s capable of big things by racing in a Grand Prix. A sweet story by entertainer John Cena about guts, grit, and trying your best, even if you might fail.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
Polar Bear Wish
In this next magical adventure in the Wish Book series, Anja and her cousin help a baby polar bear reunite with its mother while on their way to a Christmas party. Striking photographs of the two as they sled past icy fjords and shimmering ice castles make this a beautifully crafted book for kids and adults alike.
(Best for ages 3 – 7) -
Carmela Full of Wishes
From the creators of Last Stop on Market Street comes the story of Carmela, who finds a dandelion growing in the sidewalk and contemplates the many wishes she can make with it. When a fall causes her to lose the flower, Carmela’s brother helps her to find hope for her dreams in unexpected places.
(Best for ages 4 – 8) -
The Snowy Nap
Hedgie doesn’t want to hibernate. He wants to join in the winter fun with his friends on the farm. But when a snowstorm begins, he has to go inside. Readers young and old will love curling up with The Snowy Nap and sharing the wonders of winter with Hedgie.
(Best for ages 4 – 8) -
The Epic Adventures of Huggie & Stick
This hilarious buddy-comedy adventure from the author of The Day the Crayons Quit makes for a fantastic read-aloud. The globe-trotting shenanigans of cheerful Stick and the grumpy stuffed bunny Huggie are sure to be a storytime favorite.
(Best for ages 4 – 8) -
Crafty Science
Pull out your arts and crafts box and encourage your child to tackle over 20 simple projects that help them see all the science around them. Kids will find instructions for making their own sundials, invisible ink, bubbles, and even food like popcorn, bread, homegrown tomatoes, and cookies — and they’ll learn some of the scientific concepts behind how they’re crafts work.
(Best for ages 5 – 8)
Looking for gifts for older kids? Check out our 2018 gift guides for Kids Ages 7 – 12 and Teens.