We love books. As you can tell by the picture above, they get a lot of love in our house. I think books make the best gifts, especially when you have no idea what to get someone. I like to write notes inside special books, too, so the recipient can always remember when he/she first received it. I cherish the books I’ve been given over the years with handwritten notes inside.
With the holidays approaching, I thought this post might be helpful as you start your shopping. The majority of the books in this list are ones that our family loves personally, but I also surveyed others to help me compile everything below. There were so many to recommend, it was hard to narrow it down! Many of these books you will have heard of, but some will surely be new to you. I hope I’ve done a good job providing different types of books for all ages and all genders. Please leave other book ideas in the comment section below! We can work together to make this an even better resource going forward for all of us.
To make things as easy as possible for you, I have included images, pricing, and a link for quick locating. From now until 12/31/12 Barnes and Noble looks to be offering free shipping for any order over $25, too. Be sure to keep a lookout online for other offers that may come up–if I see any, I’ll be sure to let you know as well!
I have provided links to all the books below, but please note that sometimes they are hardcover and sometimes they are paperback. Some are listed in sets, and some are listed individually. Please look carefully if you do make any purchases. I don’t want you to think you’ve ordered a paperback book when the link actually took you to a hardcover one or vice versa! :)
For more holiday ideas, be sure to check out another post I recently wrote: 100 photo ideas to inspire your holiday cards where I compiled 100 pictures to help you brainstorm for your upcoming holiday pictures. I hope that post is helpful, too!
Lastly, please keep in mind as you view the book recommendations for kids that not all children read at the same level nor are they emotionally ready to read certain books at the same time. I did my best to categorize the books by age, but some children might be ready to read a book sooner, and others may benefit from waiting until they are older to read the same book.
Happy reading everyone! And Happy Holidays, too! :)
CHRISTMAS
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A Christmas Spider’s Miracle by Trinka Hakes Noble, Sleeping Bear Press | HardcoverThis is a beautiful book based on an old Ukrainian tale. A sweet story about two mothers–a peasant woman and a spider–and what they have in common. They share a magical and unforgettable Christmas Eve night.
Price: $12.90
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss, Random House Children’s Books | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis is a book every family should have! A classic story about the true meaning of Christmas. This is a favorite in our house!
Price: $9.82
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The Elf on the Shelf (Light Skinned – Boy) by Carol V. Aebersold, CCA and B, LLC | HardcoverThis would make a great gift for a family with young children! Kids everywhere love to talk about their elves and their adventures! It’s all the rage among our kids and their friends. This book comes with the elf. (You may want a certain gender or skin color for your elf–this one is the boy with brown hair and light skin. This is the one we happen to have.) The idea is that the elf watches the children all day long, and then he flies back to the North Pole to report to Santa about their behavior. The next morning the elf appears in a new hiding place, and the kids love to find their elf each morning. Oftentimes the elf gets into some crazy predicaments! :) The kids also enjoy naming their elf. Ours is “Tom” and our girls refer to him as if he’s a family member!
Price: $29.95
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Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson, Margaret K. McElderry Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Hardcover, Board BookThis would make a fun Christmas gift. It’s a cute story with great rhyming. Kids and adults will both enjoy this book. (All the “Bear” books by Karma Wilson are great. I mention another one below–“Bear Snores On”)
Price: $9.99
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Llama Llama Holiday Drama by Anna Dewdney, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), HardcoverWe love the Llama Llama books! They have fun rhyming, and the kids think they are hilarious. This would be a gift any young child would love to receive this Christmas!
Price: $14.98
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The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatA treasured holiday classic. This set includes an audio CD and a keepsake ornament.
Price: $10.76
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My Very First Christmas by Lois Rock, Good Books | HardcoverMy daughter received this book with a note inside from her grandparents on her first Christmas. She often asks for these stories to be read to her any time of the year. A nice keepsake book for a baby celebrating his or her first Christmas.
Price: $13.83
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That’s Not My Reindeer: Its Body Is Too Furry by Fiona Watt, EDC Publishing | Board BookThis would be a great gift for a child 6-18 months. They love to feel things, and the different textures on each page would intrigue them. All of the “That’s Not My…” books are loved by us. “That’s Not My Dinosaur” is another favorite for any time of the year.
Price: $8.99
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AGES 0-3: BOARD BOOKS
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Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., Henry Holt and Co.Our all-time favorite book for kids ages 0-3! This book helps kids learn about animals and colors, and it’s fun to read with a strong beat. Every young child will love this book!
Price: $10.61
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From Head to Toe by Eric Carle, HarperCollins Publishers | Paperback, HardcoverThis book is right up there with “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” (above). A fun book for little ones–they get to stomp their foot like an elephant, arch their back like a cat, etc. We love this book!
Price: $7.19
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My First Word Board Book by DK Publishing, DK Publishing, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Board BookFor babies learning words, this book is awesome! We used this book almost every night when our girls were tiny. Our copy is old and worn. They feel such pride when they are able to point out objects and you will be cheering for your child like crazy! Such fun moments.
Price: $5.39
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My First Animal Board Book (My First Board Books) by DK Publishing, DK Publishing, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Board BookAnother favorite baby book. Children love animals and learning about the sounds they make. This is another fun book for the tiniest people in your life! :) All of the “My First” books are great.
Price: $5.39
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Board BookEvery little boy and girl should have this book! A classic story.
Price: $5.75
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Goodnight Moon (Board Book) by Margaret Wise Brown, HarperCollins Publishers | Board BookThis book is another must-have! Love this classic story. Our girls loved to find the tiny mouse on each page. :) This link takes you to the board book, but there is also a hardcover version if you’d like to use this book as more of a keepsake.
Price: $8.09
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Little Quack by Lauren Thompson, Little Simon | Hardcover, Board BookThis has been a favorite among our girls. Helps kids learn to count. There is always a lot of cheering when Little Quack finally finds the courage to take a dip! :)
Price: $7.19
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The Very Busy Spider: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Eric Carle, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | Paperback, Hardcover, Board BookThis is a fun book, complete with flaps to lift (which little ones love!) I must admit that I find spider webs less annoying now after reading this–it makes me think more about how hard that little spider worked!
Price: $5.69
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Things That Go: Lift-the-Flap by DK Publishing, DK Publishing, Inc. | Board BookLittle boys in particular will like this one, complete with flaps to lift!
Price: $6.29
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AGES 0 & UP. HARDCOVER (KEEPSAKES)
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The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, HarperCollins Publishers | HardcoverA classic. It centers around the joy of giving–and not receiving. This would make a perfect gift for Christmas or any time of the year, especially with a handwritten note inside.
Price: $11.64
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Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, Candlewick Press | Hardcover, Audiobook, Board Book, Other FormatThis classic would make a perfect gift for expecting or new parents. Our nursery was even centered around this book with framed pictures of some illustrations. Just a beautiful book about the love between a parent and a child.
Price: $10.61
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Corduroy Book and Bear by Don Freeman, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | HardcoverThis is a story all children will love. This particular book comes with the bear, too. A sweet gift for any child.
Price: $12.89
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If I Could Keep You Little… by Marianne Richmond, Sourcebooks, Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), Hardcover, Board BookWe gave our daughter this book when she turned five with a note tucked inside. She loves to have us read this to her. It touches on how it’s hard for a parent to see their child growing up so quickly. But if your parent could keep you little, they’d miss out on seeing all that is to come. I love this sweet book!
Price: $11.38
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The Little Engine That Could: Reillustrated Edition by Watty Piper, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Board Book, Other FormatWhat a wonderful, classic story for every child to have! With interesting illustrations and an inspiring message to always believe in yourself, this would make a wonderful gift any time of the year.
Price: $14.50
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I Knew You Could!: A Book for All the Stops in Your Life by Craig Dorfman, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | HardcoverA book from “The Little Engine That Could” series, this is my favorite book to give when someone is starting a new adventure. Each of my girls received this from us with a note inside on her first birthday. It would also be great for a child starting kindergarten, or even a sweet graduation keepsake. It encourages you to “slow down today to be happy tomorrow” and trust in yourself throughout life.
Price: $7.49
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Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss, Random House Children’s Books | Hardcover, AudiobookThis is another great gift to give someone starting a new stage in life. Write a heartfelt note inside and you’ve given that person a book to treasure for a lifetime!
Price: $10.58
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Someday by Alison McGhee, Atheneum Books for Young Readers | HardcoverThis book is amazing for a mother to give to her daughter, even as early as her first birthday. It talks about things that will happen “someday” as your mother watches you grow. It ends with, “Someday, a long time from now, your own hair will glow silver in the sun… and you will remember me.” I could cry just thinking about it. I love this book! I plan to give it to each of my girls someday with a handwritten note inside.
Price: $9.99
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My Book about Me by Dr. Seuss, Random House Children’s Books | HardcoverMy brother still has this book that he filled out as a child (I wish I had one!) I give this book often as a gift. It would be great for a child ages 7-10 or so. They get to fill in all kinds of information about themselves–a precious keepsake!
Price: $9.10
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AGES 4-8: MEANINGFUL
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Orange Shoes by Trinka Hakes Noble, Sleeping Bear Press | HardcoverOUR ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!! I get choked up every time I read it, and the girls hang on every word. If you buy one book for your child this year (especially girls ages 4-8), this is the one!!
Price: $12.90
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A Book for Black-Eyed Susan by Judy Young, Sleeping Bear Press | HardcoverA touching story (like “The Orange Shoes” above), this book will melt your heart. I read it with a lump in my throat every time. A wonderful book for children ages 4-9 or so. It’s historical fiction (which I love), so children will get a sense of frontier life as well.
Price: $13.07
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The Children’s Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett, Simon & Schuster | Hardcover, AudiobookThis is an absolutely wonderful book with great lessons. Children ages 4 & up would listen intently to these stories.
Price: $18.46
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The Children’s Book of Heroes by William J. Bennett, Simon & Schuster | Hardcover, AudiobookLike “The Children’s Book of Virtues” (above), this book is awesome with great lessons and stories. Any child ages 4 & up would love it.
Price: $22.42
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Willow by Denise Brennan-Nelson, Sleeping Bear Press | HardcoverThis is a perfect book for a child who loves art. It’s about a little girl who loves to express herself through her art in a unique way. The book emphasizes embracing your creativity.
Price: $13.94
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The Listeners by Gloria Whelan, Sleeping Bear Press | HardcoverThis book describes how young slave children were asked by their parents to sneak up to the main house and listen to their master’s conversations so they knew if family members were to be sold. It ends when the children hear that Abraham Lincoln says they will be free. This is a wonderful book that helps children start to understand that time in history.
Price: $13.66
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Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and the Strawberries by Maj Lindman, Whitman, Albert & Company | Paperback, HardcoverThis book is about three sisters, so any family with three girls would love it just for that! These little girls show great kindness and selflessness by giving instead of receiving. A very sweet message. All of the Flicka, Ricka, Dicka books are kind like this…
Price: $6.50
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BARNES & NOBLE | I’m Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem by Jamie Lee Curtis, HarperCollins Publishers | Hardcover, AudiobookThis is a fun book that encourages children to love themselves for who they are. In today’s day and age where there are never-ending pressures to measure up, I love how this book sends a message to children to simply be happy with themselves and embrace their uniqueness.
Price: $10.61
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BARNES & NOBLE | Franklins School Treasury by Paulette Bourgeois, Kids Can Press, Limited | HardcoverThe Franklin stories are all wonderful. We have all the Treasury books. Each story has a nice message. Any of the Treasury books would make a great gift–this one with stories about school would be perfect for a child starting kindergarten!
Price: $12.37
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Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatWe love this classic! For any family who holds Boston dear to their hearts or otherwise, this is a great book.
Price: $11.86
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You’re All My Favorites with Audio by Sam McBratney, Candlewick Press | PaperbackWritten by the author of “Guess How Much I Love You”, this is a great book for any family about how parents love their children equally. In the story, there are three bears, so I especially love to give this book as a gift when a family has a third baby. The older children love feeling included when their new sibling is getting all the attention, and it’s a great story to remind them that they are loved just as much as the new baby in their family. (*This version also includes a DVD and stickers, mostly because I was having trouble finding the book on its own for some reason!)
Price: $9.29
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AGES 4-8: FUN TO READ AND/OR HUMOROUS
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Bob Books Set #1: Beginning Readers (Bob Books Series) by Scholastic, Inc., Bobby Maslen, John MaslenBOB books are the best for kids learning to read!!! If your child knows the sounds each letter can make, he/she can start trying to read these books! We have all 5 sets. I can’t recommend them enough!! The best learn-to-read books I’ve found. Our girls were so proud when they could read their first book! :)
Price: $15.29
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Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael B. Kaplan, Live Oak Media | HardcoverThis book is hilarious. We absolutely love it. This is our go-to gift when our third daughter (age 5) attends birthday parties.
Price: $26.95
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Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), HardcoverAnother funny book. Love the cadence–this is fun to read. I am very animated when I read (understatement), and my girls love to act out what’s happening in the story. This is another go-to gift that we frequently give.
Price: $14.98
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Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson, Margaret K. McElderry Books | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Board BookThis book has great rhythm–it’s enjoyable to read. When it’s up to me to choose the book, I often pick this one! :) A cute story. All the “Bear” books by Karma Wilson are favorites of ours.
Price: $10.61
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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr., Beach Lane Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Board Book, Other FormatThis is so catchy. Adults and children will both be chanting the words! A fun read.
Price: $7.99
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A Treasury of Curious George by H. A. Rey, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt | NOOK Book (eBook), HardcoverAll children love the adventures of Curious George! This compilation of stories would make a great gift for any little boy or girl.
Price: $10.11
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Who Stole the Cookie from the Cookie Jar? by Margaret Wang, Dalmatian Publishing Group | HardcoverThis book is fun for all young kids under the age of 7 I’d say. The cookies have some texture they enjoy touching, and the story is funny. The words are catchy and before long, your child will probably be saying it along with you!
Price: $7.19
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Maestro Stu Saves the Zoo by Denise Brennah-Nelson, Sleeping Bear Press | HardcoverA new book just out this fall, this story is told completely in idioms. Kids ages 6-8 or so will really love this book about Stu and the animals at the zoo.
Price: $13.69
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Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor, HarperCollins Publishers | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookLittle girls love this book! It’s got great illustrating, and I love that the kids learn “fancy” words, so it improves their vocabulary, too. All of the “Fancy Nancy” books are great, but this one is our favorite.
Price: $13.98
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Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann, HarperCollins Publishers | Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is another book little girls would love. A cute story with fun illustrations. The entire series has great books.
Price: $12.22
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Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig, Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers | Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is a story your children will want you to read again and again. A modern classic.
Price: $14.50
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Cars and Trucks and Things That Go by Richard Scarry, Random House Children’s Books | HardcoverLittle boys in particular love this book with its fun pictures.
Price: $9.36
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AGES 5-11: CHAPTER BOOKS
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Amelia Bedelia: 40th Anniversary Collection: Amelia Bedelia, Amelia Bedelia and the Surprise Shower, Play Ball Amelia Bedelia(I Can Read Books Series) by Peggy Parish, HarperCollins Publishers | Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookKids think these books are absolutely hilarious!! Children ages 4-7 or so will laugh and laugh as Amelia constantly gets things confused. Very entertaining books–and great for kids to start reading to themselves, too, as their skills improve. These books have “chapters”, but they also have pictures. A good first “chapter book” for kids.
Price: $6.73
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Magic Tree House Boxed Set: Books 1 – 4 (Magic Tree House Series) by Mary Pope Osborne, Random House Children’s Books | NOOK Book (eBook), PaperbackThis is an awesome series. Two children go on wild adventures back in time that involve real historical events. Amazing concept. This link takes you to books 1-4 if you want to see how your child likes the books–you can also buy the boxed set of books 1-28. We have the entire series, and our girls love them all! Each book centers around a different period or event in history. Our girls read these at about age 6 or 7–but again, it may depend on your child’s reading level. Kids as young as age 4 would enjoy having these read aloud to them.
Price: $11.67
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The Fenway Foul-up (Ballpark Mysteries Series #1) by David A. Kelly, Random House Children’s Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, HardcoverThis is the first book of a series. Little boys in particular would love these books. Each mystery takes place in a different American ballpark.
Price: $5.39
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Diary of a Wimpy Kid Box of Books 1-3 by Jeff Kinney, Abrams, Harry N., Inc. | HardcoverThese are fun books. Kids (especially boys, in my opinion) love these. My nephews couldn’t put them down. They read them around age 7, but kids from 6-9 or so would really enjoy these books.
Price: $24.28
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Big Nate 1-2 Punch: 2 Big Nate Books in 1 Box! by Lincoln Peirce, HarperCollins Publishers | HardcoverThe boys I know love these books! A great gift for boys ages 6-9 or so.
Price: $10.98
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The Way of the Samurai (Geronimo Stilton Series #49) by Geronimo Stilton, Scholastic, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, HardcoverThis is just one of many Geronimo Stilton books. My girls loved these books around 2nd-3rd grade. They were constantly checking them out at the school library. Fun books for kids ages 6-9 or so.
Price: $6.99
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Judy Blume’s Fudge Box Set by Judy Blume, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | Other FormatThese are timeless books that every kid would love. I would say they are good for ages 8-10 or so (3rd-5th grades). My oldest daughter received this set as a gift when she was 8 and absolutely loved all the books!
Price: $26.95
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James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatMy girls love this book!! They first heard the story when their kindergarten teacher read it aloud to their class. You can’t go wrong with a book by Roald Dahl.
Price: $6.99
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The BFG by Roald Dahl, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Multimedia, Other FormatThis is another favorite among our girls. Aimed more toward children ages 7-11 or so if they read it independently, you could also read this aloud to your child much sooner. They will love it!
Price: $6.78
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Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White, HarperCollins Publishers | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis classic story would make a great gift for any child who is beginning to be more comfortable with reading.
Price: $7.75
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The Maze of Bones (The 39 Clues Series #1) by Rick Riordan, Scholastic, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Hardcover, AudiobookThis is the first book of many in this series. My oldest daughter and her friends (especially the boys) were really into these books around age 9 or so. They all had them in their hands constantly!
Price: $8.39
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Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set, Books 1-7 by J. K. Rowling, Scholastic, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Hardcover, Other FormatHere’s a shocker: kids love the Harry Potter series! Depending on your child’s reading level, he/she could start this series as early as age 7 or 8 (advanced readers), and they are great for any age thereafter. Our oldest daughter couldn’t read these books fast enough, and she honestly didn’t know what to do with herself once she had completed all seven books! Now our second daughter is whipping through them, and she loves the series just as much. Highly recommend these!
Price: $78.23
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Warriors Box Set: Volumes 1 to 6 by Erin Hunter, HarperCollins Publishers | PaperbackIf your child enjoys fantasy, they will love these! A wonderful series for boys and girls. Targeted at ages 9-11 or so.
Price: $21.97
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Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles Series #1) by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is the first of a series written by the same author of The Hunger Games, but I’d say that it’s written more for the younger reader. Our oldest daughter (age 10) read the entire series and absolutely loved it. Many of her friends are reading it now.
Price: $6.78
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The Giver by Lois Lowry, Random House Children’s Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis award-winning book is the first in a series. It’s similar to the Hunger Games in some ways, yet there is no fighting to the death. When a child is 12, they receive their life assignment from the Elders. My oldest daughter really enjoyed the entire series.
Price: $6.78
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Philippa Fisher’s Fairy Godsister (Philippa Fisher Series #1) by Liz Kessler, Candlewick Press | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThe first book in a series targeted for young girls. Great for ages 8-12 or so. My daughters loved this series!
Price: $6.99
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Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, Atheneum Books for Young Readers | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, HardcoverMy niece’s very favorite book and all her friends have loved it, too. She read it around age 10, and then she gave it to my daughter for Christmas. My two oldest (ages 10 and 8) have now read it. They said it’s right up there with Harry Potter!! Highly recommend this moving story…
Price: $6.99
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12 & UP
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The Hunger Games Trilogy Boxed Set by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Other FormatWhile I didn’t think my 9-year-old was quite ready for these, my husband and I couldn’t read them fast enough! I was originally opposed to reading these books because I thought the plot was so disturbing, but when I finally caved, I thoroughly enjoyed the series–especially the first two books. Update: we did let our daughter read the series when she was just shy of 11. She really loved it, and she’s the type who tends to scare easily. Some parts are definitely a bit disturbing, but she seemed to do fine–we kept telling her to stop reading if the story was bothering her. (I wouldn’t let her see the movie, though. I don’t think she can conjure up the images in her own mind the way the stories are portrayed on a movie screen.)
Price: $48.57
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Uglies: Uglies; Pretties; Specials; Extras by Scott Westerfeld, Simon Pulse | PaperbackWhile my own daughters aren’t quite old enough for this set of books, I have heard great things about these. My friends with older girls have highly recommended this series.
Price: $21.97
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The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank, Random House Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, HardcoverNon-fiction. Anne Frank’s diary describes her experiences as a young girl while her family was hiding for two years, fleeing the horrors of Nazi occupation. A wonderful book for any young girl, 12+.
Price: $5.99
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The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares, Random House Children’s Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThe girls I know 12+ have loved this book (and series). It seems to be unanimous among their crowd that this book is worth reading!
Price: $9.99
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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Random House Children’s Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis book set in Germany in World War II will be a favorite for any reader ages 12 and up.
Price: $10.98
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To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Grand Central Publishing | Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis classic is a must-read at some point in your life!
Price: $7.67
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A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, HarperCollins Publishers | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis is the story of what happens after 11-year-old Owen Meany hits a foul ball and kills his friend’s mother in a Little League baseball game. An extraordinary book.
Price: $8.59
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Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Scribner | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatOne of the most popular books of all time. A must-read at some point in your life! I read this in middle school, and I remember reading into the wee hours of the night and then picking the book up again the moment I awoke. An awesome gift for anyone, especially the women in your life!
Price: $16.26
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ADULT FICTION
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The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis book is absolutely incredible. I can’t recommend it enough. One of my favorite books of all time–it made me cry more than once, and it made me think about life so differently. My husband and I both loved this book.
Price: $13.98
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A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatThis book follows Kite Runner (above). It’s hard to decide which one I like more. Both books are awesome. Any avid reader would LOVE both books–great for men and women.
Price: $13.98
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The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (Millennium Trilogy Series #1) by Stieg Larsson, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThe first in the trilogy, these books were all the rage not too long ago. My husband and I both whipped through them. Good reads for a vacation.
Price: $10.98
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Missing Links by Rick Reilly, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis would make the perfect gift for the golf-loving man in your life! My husband says this book is absolutely hysterical. A funny, easy read.
Price: $14.49
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The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy, Random House Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookIt’s been a long time since I’ve read this great book, but I remember it being a favorite! Men and women would both enjoy this book.
Price: $7.99
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The Lords of Discipline by Pat Conroy, Random House Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatWritten by the same author who wrote “Prince of Tides” (above), this is another awesome book. Men and women will both like it.
Price: $11.20
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Angels and Demons by Dan Brown, Pocket Books | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThe sequel to “The DaVinci Code”, this book is even better than the first in my opinion! Guys will love this book, too.
Price: $9.99
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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, HarperCollins Publishers | Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookSorry for the poor image–I could NOT get it to link up for the life of me! But that doesn’t mean I don’t LOVE this book. If someone asked me to name my favorite book of all time off the top of my head, I would choose this one. I read it back in high school, and I remember thinking it was incredible. In fact, I think it’s time I read this one again! :)
Price: $7.67
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The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Penguin Group (USA) | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatSorry for the poor image–I could NOT get this one to link up either–ugh! This book is awesome! I went to bed at 4 am one night because I wanted to finish it. (not smart when you have four kids–I wasn’t my best mommy self the next day, I’m sure!) This is such a great book–love it!
Price: $13.98
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The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly, St. Martin’s Press | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, HardcoverThis is the first of three books. My sister-in-law (an avid reader) says this is quite possibly her favorite book. The entire series is worthwhile.
Price: $13.98
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Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is an amazing book that was all the rage some years back. If you never read it, it’s worth your time!!
Price: $11.07
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People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookWhile I can’t speak of this book personally, my mom and her friends all agree that this is definitely a book worth reading! A favorite for all of them.
Price: $13.98
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Good in Bed by Jennifer Weiner, Washington Square Press | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookI couldn’t get the darn image to come up with this one either–sorry! This is a great “beach read” book. Nothing heavy. I love Jennifer Weiner’s books when I’m in the mood for some “chick lit”… her books are all quick reads.
Price: $13.98
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Beneath a Marble Sky by John Shors, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated | Paperback, HardcoverThis is a book on my own must-read list. My reliable sources tell me this one is awesome.
Price: $10.13
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Red Tent (10th Anniversary Edition) by Anita Diamant, Picador | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis book remains to be one of my all-time favorites. It really takes you back in time.
Price: $10.98
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Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, St. Martin’s Press | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookI have had this book sitting next to my bed for weeks, just waiting for me to dive into it! So many of my friends and family have recommended it as a “must-read”–so it must be good!
Price: $12.98
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ADULT NON-FICTION
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Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand, Random House Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookA story of triumph: Seabiscuit, a rags-to-riches horse, received more news coverage in 1938 than FDR or Hitler. An inspiring read.
Price: $12.98
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Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster by Jon Krakauer, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookI read this book years ago, and I absolutely loved it. A quick read. The author gives his personal account of climbing Mount Everest when a storm blew in.
Price: $12.99
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Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, Little, Brown & Company | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is very intriguing. It really changed the way I view certain things. It looks at how circumstances play a large roll in success.
Price: $10.98
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Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell, Little, Brown & Company | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis book looks at how we make decisions, and why some people are better at it than others. An interesting read. Written by the same author who wrote “Outliers” (above),
Price: $10.98
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Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Simon & Schuster | Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is an incredible book for anyone who loves history. With the movie “Lincoln” recently out, it would make a great gift for a history buff before going to see the movie. My husband (a history major at Harvard) says this is his all-time-favorite history book.
Price: $11.93
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Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson, HarperCollins Publishers | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis book, detailing the hunt for Abraham Lincoln’s killer, reads like a novel. You don’t have to be a history buff to love this book.
Price: $11.98
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The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw, Random House Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, Audiobook, Other FormatTom Brokaw interviews men and women who came of age during the Great Depression and World War II.
Price: $14.98
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Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game by Michael Lewis, Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc. | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookAnother great book, especially for men. Tells the story of how the Oakland Athletics used statistical models to build a winning team.
Price: $10.98
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Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Free Press | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is an amazing book. It will change the way you think about so many things in your life.
Price: $13.98
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Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand, Random House Publishing Group | NOOK Book (eBook), Paperback, Hardcover, AudiobookThis is my mom’s all-time favorite non-fiction book–and she reads more than anyone I know. She says this is amazing–and many others have recommended it as well. It’s the story of a young lieutenant surviving a plane crash and his struggle to stay alive. I need to put this on my own Christmas list this year!
Price: $15.40
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I hope these 100 books have helped you check a few gifts off your list this holiday season! Perhaps this post will serve as a good tool of reference for you all year long as well.
Please feel free to leave the names of other books you love in the comment section below. I’m sure other readers would appreciate even more ideas. Thanks everybody!
Happy Holidays!
CHASING THE CROWN (amazon.com) is an interesting, clean, wholesome book which could be true to life, about a woman who wanted to enter a married woman’s pageant. Woven throughout the book are tips about how to prepare for a pageant. You would read about a wife and mom who is insecure about her weight, and clueless as to how to enter a pageant. The story takes you from the first idea, to the last day of the pageant. Ages from teens to 90 would enjoy this book. A great Christmas gift, read first, give later.
amazon.com
Sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks so much for sharing! :)
Beverly Cleary has a number of clean titles for both boys and girls.
Yes, that’s another great author! My girls have loved her books. Thanks for the reminder!
Alexander and the Terrible,Horrible,No Good Day especially good if you have more than one child…very funny
Great addition! Thanks, Toni!