The 2022 MMD gift guide for bookish kids

It’s no surprise adult book lovers enjoy giving bookish gifts to everyone, young and old. Thankfully there’s no shortage of great gift ideas for kids who love to read. This year’s gift guide for young readers is geared towards preschoolers up to older kids and includes gifts my kids have received over the years, gifts I’m planning on giving this year, and gifts I wish I had a reason to give this year.

Take note: there may be no shortage of options this year, but order now to make sure they arrive on your doorstep before you need them. We’ve included lots of independent shops and creators on this list, so watch those shipping deadlines and do them a favor by getting your orders in early. Shopping early goes a long way towards easing the pressure of both supply chain issues and ordinary seasonal stress for small businesses.

I hope you enjoy perusing this guide, and I hope you’ll share your favorite bookish gifts for kids who love to read in comments.

If you want to give books to young readers, we’re thrilled to hear it! We offer a pile of great suggestions in this focused episode of What Should I Read Next: Bookish gifts to delight kids and teens.

This post contains affiliate links. More info here.

Children’s Storybook Hershey Miniature wrapped Candy Bars

Chocolate wrapped up in an assortment of children’s book covers, what could be better?

The Book Was Better tee

We all know the book was better. This tee is darling.

My Reading Adventures Box for Kids

The Snail on the Wall put together a box of bookish goodies, including a copy of My Reading Adventures: A Book Journal for Kids, journal stickers, a tiny book light, and a set of “tumbling books” brass bookmarks. This box will delight all the young readers in your life. Click here for other reading journal box options. (Deadline to order is November 21.)

Italic Bookmarks

Team member Brigid has given Italic Bookmarks as gifts and says they’re always a big hit. The bookmarks offer a tactile experience, which helps improve concentration and focus while reading.

Wordle: The Party Game

If your family loves the digital version of Wordle, you’ll love playing this party game version together. A great option for word nerds.

Bookish Necklaces

Pick up a Dark Academia book necklace or this Book Lover locket, depending on your kid’s vibe.

DIY Graphic Novel

For the storytellers and aspiring artists, Create Your Own Graphic Novel: A Guide for Kids has gone over big with my kids and their friends.

Rechargeable Amber Book Light

Everyone wins with this Rechargeable Amber Book Light! Kids will love using this to read at bedtime; parents will love not having to replace batteries and that it’s blue light-blocking.

Heartstopper tote bag

This Heartstopper tote will be perfect for fans of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series or the Netflix show.

Wood Bookends

“Once upon a time” + “The End” wood bookends would make a great addition to any kid’s bedroom but especially ones who love fairytales.

Boxed set

It’s never too early to start building your child’s library with a wonderful collection. Ivy and Bean’s Treasure Box will go with the new Netflix series many nostalgic teenagers are comfort watching. The Arcturus editions of Anne of Green Gables are especially delightful. Then there’s this Tolkien Boxed Set from Word Cloud Classics, which includes a dictionary, atlas, illustrations, and more. These are just a few of many beautiful children’s box sets.

All the Cool Kids Are Reading tee

One of the best parts of this All the Cool Kids Are Reading tee? The sizes range from baby to adult so you can pick up one for yourself, if you’re so inclined.

Voices of Inspirational Women Sound Book

Featuring Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Jane Goodall, and more, the Voices of Inspirational Women Sound Book brings the recordings and speeches of legendary women alive. It also includes prompts for young readers to think about how they can make a difference in their own community.

The Art of Literary Conversation

Team member Ginger brought this bookish conversation starter to my attention as an option for teens or older kids. It could also be fun for book clubs or classrooms.

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light

Reading lights sure have come a long way since I was a kid making do with a flashlight! The Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light is rechargeable and offers three light modes. Available in multiple colors.

Personal library kit ​​

This continues to be a go-to gift for us—we’ve given dozens as presents over the years. It still ranks as one of my kids’ favorite literary gifts, ever.

Scrabble

How competitive are you when it comes to Scrabble? The beloved crossword game is a hit for a reason.

Long Live the Bookshop pennant

Add decorative cheer to any room with this Long Live the Bookshop pennant from Fabled Bookshop.

Good Night, Little Bookstore

Move over, Goodnight Moon. Make room for Good Night, Little Bookstore (Amazon | Bookshop). The Little Bookstore staff prepares to close shop for the night, making it a soothing pick for bedtime reading.

Just One Board Game

Our friends Mel and Dave gave us Just One Board Game and we all enjoy it. The kids especially love to play with their friends because: mini whiteboards.

P.S. The 2021 MMD gift guide for bookish kids, 15 gift ideas for kids who love to read, 15 bookish gifts for kids who love to read, A very bookish Christmas countdown, and the 2022 MMD gift guide for book lovers.