I was sent book samples for my holiday gift guide. All opinions are my own.

Several years ago I came across the ‘four gift’ concept online. The idea is to get kids four gifts, one thing they need, one thing to wear, one thing to read and one thing they just want. It can be used to do a more minimalist and low-cost holiday. Or I have seen people use those four gifts to go BIG. For example, the ‘need’ gift might be a new car seat, and the ‘want’ gift might be a tablet or computer.

I haven’t used the four gift theory myself, but it did make me think more about giving kids something to read as a gift. I hadn’t often given books as gifts before, but I wanted to start. I love the idea of subtly sending kids the message that books are gifts! With my nieces and nephews, I try to get them a toy and a book per child. This year, some of my ‘something to read’ gifts are coming from Candlewick Press. Here are three that I’m excited to give this Christmas.

Alphabet Street is aimed at kids ages 2-5. It’s a board book but it is physically bigger than a lot of board books. It has rhyming text throughout as well as lift-the-flaps to explore. It folds out (Sort of like an accordion?) so once you are done reading it front to back, you can read it in reverse as well! Of course, it has a big focus on the letters of the alphabet to help toddlers and preschoolers learn their letters. I plan to give this one to my nephew who just turned 4 this week as he will be starting preschool next year and is at a great age to learn his letters.

The Little Snow Plow Wishes For Snow is aimed at kids ages 3-7. The Little Plow preceded this book and was a #1 New York Times bestseller so this is a great gift for kids who liked the original. This book is all about The Little Plow waiting on and wishing for the first magical snow of the season. Kids who live in snowy areas often anticipate the first snow much the same way and will relate to the feeling!

Where’s Waldo? Double Trouble At The Museum is a book I was excited o come across. I loved Where’s Waldo? books as a child. I can’t wait to give this to my niece to pass on the love! This book is for ages 5-9. I love interactive books like this as they can really help kids who may struggle with more word-heavy books associate positive experiences with books. They also can get their problem-solving skills going when they try to hunt down Waldo on each page.

Emily

Hi there! I am Emily Evert, the owner of Emily Reviews. I am 28 and live in a small town in Michigan with my boyfriend Ryan and our two pugs. I have a large family and I adore my nieces and nephews. I love reading memoirs, and learning about child development and psychology. I love watching The Game of Thrones, Teen Mom, Sister Wives and Veep. I like listening to Jason Isbell, John Prine, and other alt-country or Americana music. I created Emily Reviews as a creative outlet to share my life and the products that I love with others.

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