9 Gift Ideas for Kids Who Love to Read (That are Not Books)

What should you get the book-loving child in your life? The default answer is, of course, books! Books make amazing gifts and for specific book recommendations check out just about any post on this site! This post is a good place to start, and this one has great recommendations for the younger crowd. But sometimes a book is not quite the present you’re going for. Here are some amazing gift ideas for kids who love to read, that are not books.

1. Book Box Subscriptions

children's book club literati — *Image courtesy of Literati.com*

Book box subscriptions are the gift that keeps on giving. Subscription boxes have recently become very popular. Makeup, clothes, wine, steaks, you name it and there is likely a subscription service for it. A fun addition to this trend is the book subscription box. A box of books is curated for you the reader and mailed monthly for you to delight in new books.

One of the most popular subscription services is Amazon Book Box. They are a children’s book subscription service that will deliver every one, two, or three months. Literati Book Club is another popular service for both adults and kids. The kid’s version delivers five books a month hand-picked by experts. These are the two most popular, but there are a ton of other children’s book boxes out there. Cratejoy’s list of the 21 Best Monthly Book Clubs for Kids is a good place to start.

2. Magazine Subscriptions

babybug children's magazine subscription

Magazine subscriptions are another gift that brings delight month to month.

When Ava was little her M’ma got her a subscription to Babybug magazine. Created by Cricket Media, Babybug has little stories, poems, and activities, and is packaged in a small and sturdy format for little hands. Ava was so excited every month that she received her “mail,” and reading Babybug that night for bedtime was a special treat. Babybug is aimed toward children ages 6 months to 3 years. Cricket Media has a handful of other magazines for different age groups and interests as well.

3. Journal or Diary

If someone loves to read or be read to, they might like exploring other literary areas such as writing. A beautiful journal or diary is a wonderful gift for a new writer. I always loved the diaries with the tiny key that locks when I was younger. Smaller kids will enjoy a picture-focused journal that focuses on writing and drawing prompts and activities.

4. Bookmarks

Bookmarks are the classic gift for a booklover, perfect for smaller presents or stocking stuffers. A beautifully made bookmark can become a treasured keepsake. I love these flower bookmarks from Etsy seller ArtisticRehab. You can also personalize the bookmark with a monogram or name, or perhaps a favorite book.

5. Bookplates

Bookplates are stickers or a stamp that you put inside the cover of a book to name the book as your own. Bookplates for a child’s book collection are a great way to instill pride of ownership. I got ‘lion in the library’ themed bookplates when I was little and was so excited to fill in my name in my best cursive writing and carefully stick to my favorite books.

For an extra special touch, you can personalize the bookplates or have a stamp custom made with the child’s name. Etsy has a ton of great options for personalized bookplate stamps or stickers. And who says bookplates are just for kids? They would be a great gift for the book-loving adult in your life too (or just for you!)

6. Book Sets

Book sets are a great addition to any little reader’s library. Not only are they beautiful and are a great visual display for a bookcase or shelf, but they provide multiple books to read. This book set from Juniper Books features kids classics like Black Beauty and Peter Pan.

7. Bookish Dishware

A children’s dish set, cup, or mug with a favorite literary character can be a fun gift for all ages. For younger babies and toddlers, a Winnie the Pooh or Peter Rabbit dish set is always fun. Ava has a Minnie Mouse cup that she uses every night with dinner.

For older kids a Tervis cup or mug for hot chocolate with a bookish design could be just the thing.

8. Puzzles

A picture puzzle of bestselling book covers is fun to pick out all the books you’ve read. A scene of an old bookstore with shelves full of treasures is also a good gift for the book lover. The puzzle above is ‘Midnight at the Library.’ Imagine if all the children’s books came alive!

9. StoryBook Tote Bag

I like to bring a bag when we go to the library to hold all the books. A cute idea is to get a kid-sized tote bag for your child to load up on books at the library. Etsy has a good selection of book-themed bags. You also can’t go wrong with a L.L. Bean tote: they will last a lifetime and have different color and monogram options. A personalized book bag can make a trip to the library feel very special!

And, if all else fails, buy them a book! You can’t go wrong with a book for a kid who loves to read.