30+ Literary Reading and Writing Gifts for Kids

Are you looking for reading and writing gifts for kids for kids growing as readers and writers? Sometimes all it takes for kids (and me) to want to write or read are creative literacy gifts like a brand new journal or a playful game.

These literacy gifts for kids will inspire them to read more, write more, and appreciate words and stories.

20 Writing Gifts for Growing Writers

1. Play-Doh Letters and Language Set (ages 2+)
Use the 26 letter stampers, stylus, roller, placemats, and play-doh to practice recognizing letters and letter sounds. Great for developing literacy skills in young readers.

2. My ABC Keepsake Book (age 3+)
I think the My ABC Book Keepsake is so cute —  it’s filled with eye-catching stickers, punch-out’s and artwork. Create an activity for “A,” a birthday bash for “B”, and a celebration for “C!”

3. LeapFrog Scribble and Write (ages 3+)
Kids learn to write upper and lower case letters A – Z and numbers 1 – 10. Instant feedback gives kids help and this adapts to your child’s skills offering a range of levels.

4. Animal ABC Flash Cards (ages 18 months+)
I’m not a fan of flashcards per say but I love these because these are different, they are like a mini-alphabet book! Sturdy cards on a big ring with engaging illustrations that showcase an animal as well as the big and small letter of the alphabet. Great for on-the-go.

5. Super Silly Mad Libs Junior (ages 5 – 8)
Perfect for the youngest readers and writers, these are hilarious fill in the blank stories that remind kids about parts of speech and storytelling. Older kids, buy The Best of Mad Libs.

6. Racecar Pens (ages 4 – 16)
Cool car pens in sport sleek designs. Who wouldn’t want to write with these?

7. School Accessories Eraser Puzzle Set (ages 4+)
If your kids love erasers like mine do, they’ll want these cute shoes, scissors, pencil sharpener, stapler, roll of tape, and backpack. This reading and writing gift makes a great stocking stuffer for kids.

8. Metal Globe Pencil Sharpener (ages 4+)
This Maped Globe Canister Pencil Sharpener is not only educational, but it’s also a lot of fun to use. With a single hole, it is great for sharpening the points of regular lead or colored pencils with the twist of your hand.

9. Top Secret Lock & Key Diary (ages 4 – 16)
What young writer wouldn’t want to write or draw in this top-secret locking notebook of 200 colorful lined pages?

10. Storymatic Kids! (age 5+)
360 cards = gazillions of stories (20 blanks included so you can invent your own prompts). This fun literacy gift for kids comes with a booklet filled with prompts, improv and party games, and suggestions. We own it and love it!

11. Illustory Create Your Own Book (ages 8 – 12)
Illustrate the 18 ready-to-use book pages with the provided pencil and artist eraser, outline pen, and markers. Mail-in a postage-paid envelope and a few weeks later, you’ll receive your professionally printed book! Younger kids, try the Lulu Jr. Illustory.

12. Yummy Scented Glitter Gel Pens (ages 4 – 16)
My kids LOVE to write with these yummy smelling and sparkly colorful set of 12 pens. These last forever, too and make a perfect holiday gift for kids.

13. Top Secret Missions: Detective Set (ages 7 – 12)
This fun kit includes a top-secret missions activity book with training and activities on codes, fingerprints, and interrogations plus “Missions” which are fun problem-solving activites.

14. The Amazing Story Generator (ages 6+)
Give this flipbook to your writers, allowing them to randomly combine three different story elements to generate a unique story idea. With hundreds of settings, characters, and plots to mix and match, the possibilities are just about endless. Full review of The Amazing Story Generator here.

15. WAFF Notebook and Cubes (4 – 15 years)
Readers and writers, play with the silicone clips which are removable. Put them anywhere on this bright notebook then get started writing.

16. Pocket Pals Mini Journals (ages 4 – 16)
Set of 5 pocket journals with brightly colored covers and lined pages. The perfect gift for your kids who like to write on the go.

17. And Then I Wrote a Story Notebook & Story Starters (ages 7+)
Read the 2o beginnings and decide what the endings will look like. It’s up to you. Then get the matching notebook to write your story.

18. Curbside Trash and Recycle Pencil Organizer (ages 4+)
Two adorable mini storage containers that stand over 5-Inch tall — love these!

19. Embossed Journal with Lock (ages 4 – 18)
Perfect for the teen writer, this is a handcrafted journal with 120 pages of linen parchment paper and a swivel lock. Okay, I wouldn’t mind this gift either. 

20. The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide (ages 8+)
Young and not-as-young writers LOVE this book. Flip to any emotion to get ideas for possible body language cues, thoughts, and visceral responses to illustrate that emotion. If your child loves to write stories, this is a helpful gift.

13 Reading Gifts for Kid Readers

1. Brown Bear Bodysuit

2. Elephant and Piggie T-Shirt
I couldn’t resist. Isn’t this an awesome celebration of a favorite book series?

3. The Pigeon Needs a Bath Book + Bath Toy
Read this favorite hilarious story to your children and let them play with this cute pigeon bath toy. A playful reading gift for young readers.

4. Narwhal and Jelly Book and Puppet Set
If you don’t already love these sweet Narwhal friendship stories perfect for beginning readers, these are must-own books. Aren’t these adorable matching plush characters?

5. Zingo (ages 4+)
Kids adore this literacy game– it’s a fun way to build reading skills for pre-readers and beginning readers!

6.Reading Headlamp (ages 4+)
Headlamps beat book lamps for reading hands down. Why? Because they’re hands-free AND have much better light! (All over the page light, not just in one spot.) Plus, how cool are you when you sit in bed with a headlamp?! Gift this reading gift along with a new book for your next holiday.

7. Kindle Fire (ages 8+)
For kids who like technology, the Kindle is an enticing way to read. My kids both have their own and go through phases on reading hardbound books and ebooks. It’s nice to have the option of ebooks, especially when you’re traveling and don’t want the weight of heavy books. We think this makes for a wonderful reading gift!

8. Bananagrams Game (ages 7+)
Brainstorm vocabulary and practice spelling while you build a cool crossword grid and try to beat your friends or family. Addictive fun!

9. Quiddler Card Game (ages 8+)
Think of this like scrabble but with cards. Create words from the cards in your hand — each letter is worth points so players must be strategic. It’s an engaging way for growing readers and writers to develop vocabulary in a fun family time game.

10. Oddly Obvious (ages 12+)
Hilarious and fun, compete against other players to answer the clues with the best word. It’s a great vocabulary game since it encourages thinking about words. Full review here.

11. Bookworm Journal (ages 7+)
Keep track of your favorite books with this book lover’s journal. Kids rate their books with stars and write down a few sentences about it, among other activities. Talk about a super cute reading gift!

12. Harry Potter Funko Pops 

13. Box Book Sets
Box book series are the best reading gift to give a child… they give your children hours and hours of reading pleasure and they’re fun to collect. I doubt my daughter will ever get rid of her Harry Potter boxed set. Ever. 🙂

Want more awesome gift ideas?

2019 Big HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE for Kids