Even if the kid or teen you're buying for doesn't love to read, here are 25 fabulous books that make great gifts!
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Books make great gifts! Even though electronics have really taken a front seat in the gift-giving arena, there's nothing like opening that colorful wrapping to see an exciting new story waiting to be read!
The reality is, some kids just don't adore reading. Sad, but true and I grew up with two brothers who would rather do anything other than sit down and read a book!
I was the big reader, devouring every page in my path and even smuggling my Nancy Drew mysteries outside with me when my mother shooed us to get out of the house for some 'sunshine and fresh air!'
If you do have a kid who loves the written page and are looking for some great books to gift, check out our 50+ Best Books That Make Great Gifts for Kids Ages 7-12!
I used to climb my favorite tree with a Nancy Drew book tucked wherever it would stay put, settle into the crook of the tree and get ready to solve some crime with Nancy, Bess and George until dinnertime!
Even though my brothers were both excellent students (my mother left them no choice in the matter!), sitting down and reading for fun was not on their to-do lists-- ever!
However, with that being the case, there were still books that both boys not only tolerated but enjoyed getting lost in. Comic books were at the top of that list!
They not only sat and read comic books, they would break out some pencils and paper and imitate the art in them, talk about them, trade/negotiate/bribe with one another and friends in order to add to their comic book collection- you get my drift!
This was before graphic novels were a thing and I have no doubt they would have taken to them as well had they been available.
Over the years, they did discover other things they enjoyed reading in addition to comic books.
They also enjoyed car magazines, the Guinness World Records and thumbing through the encyclopedias that my mom had insisted we have on our bookshelves - definitely a thing of the time period!
So, the lesson here, is, that a book really does exist for every interest! Sometimes, you just have to dig a little deeper to find it!
If you're looking for some ideas for gifts for the non-reading kid or teen that's on your gift-giving list, here are some terrific options!
25+ Books That Make Great Gifts for
Kids and Teens Who Don't Like to Read!
1. Paint by Sticker Kids
We love these sticker books by Workman Publishing and they come in a variety of themes! They're entertaining for young kids to adults!
The first one we purchased was the Travel Poster sticker book and have had a lot of fun using the stickers to fill in and 'paint' the images!
Posting the final product as art on the wall adds some fun decor to your space!
We love the Mermaids and Magic version of this fabulous activity book!
Check out these Outer Space, Dogs, Under the Sea and Unicorn options just to name a few!
2. Photicular Books
These books are so cool! Fans of animals and nature will really enjoy the lenticular images that 'move' as the reader turns the pages!
The pages are sturdy and are filled with great info and these awesome photicular books are guaranteed to hold your reader's attention!
We have the Polar photicular book (penguins are our personal faves!).
In additional to Polar, check out the Dinosaur, Safari, Outback, Ocean, Jungle and Wild! These photicular books make perfect gifts for nature and animal lovers!
3. How to Draw
When I was putting together this post, I revisited books for drawing and bumped into this one.
It reminded me so much of the style of drawing that both of my brothers were into back when they were learning to draw.
There are so many great 'How To' books on the market and learning to draw requires little in the way of materials and expense.
So, a good how to draw book is the perfect choice for the artist that you are looking to buy for!
Pair this How to Draw Cool Stuff book with a sketchbook and pencils or markers for a great gift set!
This How To Draw Anime Part 1 has a lot of fans, great reviews and other follow-up books!
20 Ways to Draw a Dress is just one of the many fabulous books in the '20 Ways to Draw' series that makes learning to draw fun and easy!
We have a copy on our bookshelf and it was a big hit with Cenz when it showed up under our Christmas tree!
Written by a mom, artist and teacher, The 5 Minute Workbook gives fast and easy steps to learn how to draw in a fun way!
4. Graphic Novels
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
For kids who still enjoy a great story and enjoy illustrations as much or more than text, you just can't go wrong with graphic novels!
This genre has really gained traction over the years and is a fabulous way to get and keep kids interested in reading!
If they're tired or just have more of an artistic eye, graphic novels like this one will absolutely hold their interest!
Some graphic novels just stand out above the rest and Beast Boy is one of them!
A compelling story line, fabulous art and a devoted following puts Beast Boy at the top and makes a perfect choice for a gift!
5. DC / Marvel
Well, superheroes have been around as long as I can remember and they seem to be only gaining in popularity!
Superman, Batman, Black Panther, Wonder Woman, Spider Man, X-Men, and Captain America are just a small sample of the many, many characters, superheroes and stories that await in the comics community!
Too many choices? Not sure what they'd like? Go with a Comic Garage Super Box subscription! Perfect for starting a collection or adding on to the one your fan already has!
6. Magazine Subscriptions
Magazines are always fun and kids definitely get excited about getting cool stuff in the mail!
Whether they're into sports, nature, history, or pop culture, there are plenty of magazines for every interest!
Here are some of the most popular subscriptions to get you started:
7. Sports and Dance
If your kid is into sports or dance, reading about it or an athlete is an engaging way to connect with their favorite activity.
If you have a dancer in the house or on your list to buy for, there are terrific choices of books to wrap up!
8. Harry Potter Interactive Books
A Pop-Up Guide to Hogwarts
The Harry Potter series took the world by storm and is firmly established as a high interest, critically acclaimed modern classic.
For those kids who aren't big fans of books with lots and lots of text, however, this can be a barrier.
Fortunately, the popularity of J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter has created a market for plenty of books that extend past the traditional novel format!
Pop up Harry Potter books, graphic novels and other beautifully illustrated versions of the Harry Potter series are available and make fabulous gifts!
Visit our Ultimate Harry Potter Gift Guides for Magical Fans of All Ages to find some more very cool gift ideas!
9. Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for The World' Most Adventurous Kid
If your reader is interested in travel and discovering the world, look no further than The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for The World's Most Adventurous Kid!
Filled with amazing and off-the-beaten path destinations and points of interest, this book makes a fabulous gift!
Intriguing places and cool details will have your future traveler spending hours pouring over the fascinating places in this book and will be a hit for sure!
If you have an older kid or teen who is interested in travel, they enjoy This Atlas Obscura!
These Atlas Obscura books are super cool for learning about the world and you definitely won't bump into these places doing your typical internet search!
10. Star Wars
Have a Star Wars fan? There is definitely no shortage of books to gift for the Star Wars enthusiast! Here are just a few:
Who, knows, pair one of these books with a novel, and you might spark some interest for your recipient to try out the story!
11. How To Astronaut: An Insider's Guide To Leaving Planet Earth
Speaking of space... Older kids and teens will be pulled in by this high interest topic and reading about a NASA astronaut who has a flair for storytelling!
Terry Virts tells it how it is and writes in a very easy to understand conversational style filled with great descriptions and plenty of humor! One page will turn into the next, then the next!
How To Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth has answers to all your questions and the ones you haven't thought of! If you have an older kid or teen that has any interest in space, he will love this book!
12. Activity or Craft Books
There are tons of books out there for every type of interest, activity or hobby!
Origami is one such example, and being that we were just talking about Star Wars, this Star Wars Origami book is filled with cool projects for those who enjoy the Japanese art of paper folding!
13. How To Go Anywhere (And Not Get Lost)
photo: Workman Publishing
Perfect for young explorers and inquisitive minds, How to Go Anywhere (And Not Get Lost) will get kids outside to try their hand at activities included in this very cool book!
Learn the history of how people in the past navigated the ocean using stars and waves, discover the science behind GPS and radar and make a compass, sextant and more in this very cool book filled with high interest facts and fun!
14. Journals
Perfect for writing, drawing, lists, doodling and more, Journals never go out of style! Wreck This Journal is a great way for kids to get creative and interested in keeping journals!
Prompts, tear and cut and more will make this a fabulous book for the kids who love doing!
15. Music - Learn to Play!
I loved learning how to play instruments and taught myself how to play the guitar in my room with a basic guitar instructional book and it was magical!
I had some musical background already and it was a really fun and stress-free way to spend some spare time!
My First Guitar: Learn to Play is one book that is great for younger kids (age 6-10) to get started with some immediate gratification!
This book takes the approach of getting them to play first with some basics which is exactly what younger kids want!
16. 100 Cars that Changed the World
Here's an amazing gift idea for those car lovers!
100 Cars That Changed the World will be a welcome addition to the desk or bookshelf for any automobile enthusiast! This fascinating read is filled with facts, info and more about the cars that made a difference!
17. Sticker Books
Sticker books have been around forever and I suspect they will always be a fan favorite!
They come in so many themes, are affordable and great for both boys and girls! Here are just a few that are favorites!
Above:
18. Doodle Adventures: The Rise of the Rusty Robo-Cat!
Kids will get a kick out of this! Doole AdventuresThe Rise of the Rusty Robo Cat is perfect for getting your young artist jazzed about reading stories and giving them a place to stretch their artistic wings!
Parents and kids agree- these are a hit!
19. Super Fun Coloring Books
Above: Notebook Doodles
Whether your kid or teen is into sports, cars, dogs, cupcakes, inspirational quotes or...just about anything else, there's a coloring book that they will enjoy!
Perfect for a little stress management, here are just a few:
Brimming with sleek, cool cars of all types, surprise your car aficionado with this fun, create- you-own personal Luxury Cars Coloring Book!
Visit our 25 Best Coloring Books for Kids, Teens and Adults to see more!
20.The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information
The Totally Awesome Book of Useless Information is a bunch of fun for kids on up! Fun trivia that will keep the reader turning the pages and packing their brain with entertaining tidbits of knowledge!
21. Player's Handbooks
Dungeons and Dragons has been popular for a very long time and definitely was given a boost after being featured in the Netflix original, Stranger Things!
Gaming manuals are just another way to get kids turning pages and taking a break from screens! With Dungeons & Dragons, creativity, adventure and imagination await!
22. Puzzle Books...
Got a budding detective on your list? Sherlock Holmes will make their day!
This fun, clever and riddle- filled Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Book is a fab pick for your sleuths! Test you brain and have a blast with these intriguing enigmas and mysteries!
23. Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids
Books that feature riddles, puzzles, Sudoku, mazes, crosswords and other brain teasers are options for both kids who love to read and those who prefer it in small doses!
Difficult Riddles for Smart Kids is fun for one or to do with a friend or family member!
24. How to Survive Anything
If you want to laugh and are looking for a tricky customer on the gift list, How to Survive Anything is just the pick you're looking for!
25. The Driving Book - Everything New Drivers Need to
Know But Don't Know to Ask
Have a new driver in the house or one that is rounding the bend on getting that permit?
The Driving Book: Everything New Drivers Need to Know But Don't Know To Ask is the perfect gift and has great tips and advice to help your driver be prepared and safe!
27. Cookbooks
Everybody's got to eat, right? Some kids love to get in the kitchen and put together a quick snack and others aim to sharpen their culinary skills!
There are plenty of cookbooks for every skill level and interest!
Here are just a few that would make terrific gifts and have loads of positive reviews!
28. I Spy / Seek and Find Books
This Totally Awesome Explore and Find book will keep kids busy on car rides, rainy days, visits with the grandparents, while waiting for their sibling's game to start, etc!
With lots of pages, colorful illustrations and plenty of variety, it's a perfect choice!
Check out the ever-popular I Spy 12 book series for plenty of books to keep your kid thoroughly engaged!
Well, we hope that we've given you a few ideas for great gifts that will be winners even for the non-readers in your life!
Have an idea to add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
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Thanks for reading!
April & Cenzia
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updated 12/13/2023 originally published 12/03/2021
Great suggestions! So glad there are books for everyone out there.