1. Book Themed Tablet or iPad Case: Does your child have a favorite book? Do they have an iPad or tablet they use? Why not combine the two with a book themed case like this Harry Potter themed iPad case.
2. Book Themed Clothing: Graphic tees with fun sayings are always a hit with my family. They can be funny and even be a sort of inside joke. Help your child show off their fashion sense and begin discussions about their favorite books with book themed clothing like this Diary of a Wimpy Kid Cheese Touch Tee.
3. Book Art and Posters: In my past experience, one of the most popular items at the Scholastic Book Fair has been the posters. What kid doesn't like posters? They allow the child to show off their personality and take part in decorating their own room. Add some art to your child's room with book themed posters and artwork. You can even introduce your child to a classic novel and take time to make their own book art using kits like this.
4. Book Marks: Need a simple, practical stocking stuffer? How about some fun artsy book marks? Or book marks with quotes and artwork from a favorite book or movie? You can make it an even better gift by pairing the bookmark with a few new books they've been dying to read. These Harry Potter book marks are beautiful and would pair well with a new boxed set of Harry Potter books! And what boy would not love this Dead Mark book mark?
5. Book Shelf or Book Ends: Is your child a book collector like I am? At some point that kiddo will need a place to store all of their wonderful book friends! If your child does not have a book shelf in their room, this may be something you want to consider. I have these book shelves similar to these for my personal collection, and they work well. No room for a book shelf? Perhaps there is a little bit of room on the top of their dresser to store some books. Fun book ends like these can help keep those books standing.
6. Library Book Tote: Maybe your child goes through books so fast a trip to the public library every week is a necessity. That's a great thing! Help your child to carry their library books with a fun library book tote! And while you are visiting the Monticello Public Library, be sure to have your child mark down their visit on our library visit contest poster!
7. Book Light or Lamp: Is your child one of those readers that will hide under the covers with a good book long after you've told them to go to bed? I remember going up to bed when my mom told me to and sneaking back downstairs a short time later to continue reading the intriguing books that I couldn't put down! Help your child to read after dark with a nice book light or bedside lamp. Sometimes it's OK to be an enabler. ;)
8. Reading Blanket and Pillow: My mother was always an avid reader and collected books, so growing up we had a little library in our home. We had lots of children's books, adult books, and even a couple sets of encyclopedias. In this formal living room turned library we had one arm chair and a love seat. Maybe you have a room like this in your home, or just a special place where your child likes to curl up to read. Why not make this space even more cozy with a special reading blanket or pillow?
9. Reading Journal and Themed Pen Sets: Help your child to keep track of their reading with a reading journal. Your child can write reviews of the books they have read, write down questions they have as they read, and keep track of their favorite parts. Our 3-5 grade students can share the reviews they have written in our online library catalog for other students to read. Keep the writing fun and exciting by using a fun journal and even a themed pen set!
10. Books or an eReader Filled with eBooks: Nothing encourages reading more than books that your child enjoys. Some children are happier with a print book and some are more motivated by an electronic library of books on an eReader. It may seem counter intuitive to buy your child a Lego Ninjago book over a classic like Frog and Toad, but the most important thing to consider when purchasing a book for your child is whether they will read it or not. We need to encourage our children to read whatever they enjoy and as they read more and more, we can steer them towards classics and higher quality literature. Some of the most popular book series currently are the Piggie and Gerald books (Grade K-1), I Survived books (Grades 1-3), and Harry Potter (Grade 3-5). Students are also crazy about Pigeon books, Lego books, and World Record books. If you have little ones at home you should check out the board books offered by Usborne as they are wonderful for learning and very high quality binding.
Bonus: Monticello Public Library Card! If your child does not have a library card yet, now is the time! A library card opens up a world of possibilities for your child. Not only can your child check out library books with a library card, but they can check out eBooks for their eReaders. The library offers audiobooks (on CD or digital), videos, and magazines. A library card gives your child access to online databases for help with homework and research. The public library also offers various programs for all ages throughout the year. Give your child the ultimate gift! (And the real bonus is that it's free!)
Some ideas borrowed from: http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/gifts-readers/more
