The holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up with stories that spark wonder and joy. Whether you’re looking for read aloud Christmas books to share during family gatherings or enchanting tales to keep little ones entertained all year, there’s something magical about discovering new favorites together.
Whether you’re searching for gift books for Christmas that kids will treasure long after the decorations are packed away or great gift books for kids for Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or any holiday this season, we've got suggestions for you. From heartwarming holiday adventures to beautifully illustrated keepsakes, these picks make thoughtful presents for every young reader on your list. Let’s dive into our best new holiday stories and gift books for kids!
NEW CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY STORIES:
The Christmas That Almost Wasn't
For kids who need a reminder that Christmas is about more than presents, read them this faith-based tale that affirms the true meaning of Christmas.
Aidan's city is hit with an ice storm just days before Christmas, causing the electrical grid to go down. All their Christmas plans are ruined! But Aidan and his dad persevere to bring doughnuts and coffee to neighbors, and then they're invited to a neighborhood Christmas potluck. As Aidan's mom tells the Christmas story, he realizes that the first Christmas was full of disappointment and unexpected community too. Suddenly Christmas feels special again as Aidan feels connected to the Bible story from long ago, to his grandparents far away, and to his neighbors and family nearby. God is here in the midst of it all.
Age range: 3-8 years
Poetically told from the point of view of a small tree in the forest, The Littlest Solstice Tree is a charming, cozy tale about holiday celebration. Every winter solstice, one evergreen is crowned Tree of the Year, and this year, Sapling wants nothing more than to win. Her chances are as small as her stature, but when she befriends an overlooked neighbor, she wonders if they might reach new heights together.
Age range: 5-8 years
For children who are coping with grief this holiday season, read them this book that suggests a way to honor their loved one who has passed.
In The Memory Tree, a child struggles with the recent loss of a loved one. Holiday lights don't seem to shine as bright, and celebrations don't feel quite as merry. But then she and her family find a way to commemorate their lost loved one: the decoration of a special Memory Tree, which allows them all to process their feelings and make the person a meaningful part of their celebrations. The Memory Tree provides comfort to grieving families--whether for the first holiday celebrated after the loss of a loved one, or many years later.
Age range: 3-8 years
OUR RECOMMENDED GIFT BOOKS FROM 2025:
For families who believe in an inclusive, loving God, this gorgeously-illustrated inspiring storybook Bible for children makes a wonderful keepsake.
In a bold and inspiring new storybook Bible for children, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris join a long line of sacred storytellers and question-askers. The Just Love Story Bible isn't a book of answers but an invitation to ask important questions. What are the best, most loving, and fairest ways to live with each other? Can we believe in something huge and mysterious and invisible like God and still have questions, doubts, and disagreements? What does it look like to be a follower of Jesus? Through retellings of thoughtfully selected Bible stories, The Just Love Story Bible presents a way to hear how others have also had questions about God, and the answers they discovered; to have your own ideas and ponder your own experiences; and to keep on wondering.
Age range: 5-8 years
For little introverts, this beautiful gift shows them how to connect with others and accomplish big things.
Sometimes you need to be alone to think and breathe. Other times you need to be with friends, those you know and those you've only just met. And sometimes everyone works together to create something wonderful. With spare, lyrical text, bestselling author Pat Zietlow Miller celebrates the power of being alone--and of coming together with others--centered on the love of reading and creating community around books. Perfect for shy kids, quiet leaders, and anyone who loves books and little libraries.
Age range: 5-8 years
Ricky lives with a flock of sheep that prizes conformity. When one sleeps, they all sleep. When one eats, they all eat. When one baa-a-a-s, they all baa-a-a. Until a rainbow sheep joins the flock and everything changes! Rainbow is so fun and so free! Ricky becomes friends with Rainbow and starts showing her true color too. How will the rest of the flock react?
Age range: 5-8 years
For Native kids and children who enjoy folktales, share this dreamy story about the moon familiar to many Eastern Woodlands tribes.
During her weekly car ride with her grandmother from the city to the reservation, a young Native girl looks forward to listening to her grandmother's warm, soothing voice as she sings and tells stories. Tonight, her grandmother teaches her about Grandmother Moon, her significance, and why we honor her. In her debut picture book, Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason (Schaghticoke/HoChunk) captures a grandmother and grandchild's relationship through their shared wonder and admiration. Along with rich illustrations, Grandmother Moon preserves Indigenous histories and teachings within a modern setting, reminding us that Grandmother Moon is always watching over us, and wherever we are, we are safe and loved.
Age range: 4-8 years
A Kid's Guide to Saving the Planet
We have every reason to be concerned about our planet, our only home. New inventions and technologies will help, but cleaning up the planet--saving the world--will require all of us to pay attention and take action. What can you do to help? Plenty! Despite what you may hear on the news, the situation isn't hopeless, and we aren't helpless. In this informative book, nationally recognized meteorologist Paul Douglas inspires us all to step up and become part of the solution, by engaging in new, smarter ways of living.
Age range: 9-13 years
MORE GIFT IDEAS:
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