The Sneaky Snags of Gifting Kids Books
Are you ready to embark on the perilous journey of gifting books to kids? Brace yourself, because while it may seem like a wholesome idea, there are pitfalls lurking around every corner.
First each child reads at a different lexile level and unless you know what it is, you risk getting them a book that is too hard or too simple for their comfort level.
Second, like adults, kids have things they are and are not interested in. They can get turned off by a book’s cover or title, or they could simplyl hae no interest in the book’s topic or genre. After years of trying to match kids with books, I can honestly say it is pretty hard to guess what reading material will “click” even when you know the kids pretty well. A book gift you aren’t interested in can feel less like a present and more lie a chore.
Instead, here are some ideas for how to give the gift of reading while avoiding common pitfalls of being overly prescriptive:
Give a bookstore gift card with a personalized note listing books you loved as a kid that they should check out too.
Give a nonfiction book of short pieces or facts that kids can enjoy in small curious bites at a time, like the Ripley’s Believe it or Not series.
Gift credits to an online audiobook store and some cool headphones to accompany it.
Give a popular book along with the movie (ex. Harry Potter) as a way to support engagement and comprehension.
Set up a book exchange where your child’s close friends each give a book they are done with and would recommend.
Go forth gifting fairies and gift your child into reading delight!