Book gifts are a perennial favorite.  Make them even more fun by pairing them with another item and making a cool themed gift! Check out these 30+ ideas! If you’re like many other parents, you’re looking to gift, “Something they want, something they need, something to wear, something to read.” Make the “something to read” extra cool with these ideas below! We’ve got Christmas picture books, chapter books, young adult, non fiction, adult and more ideas right here! 

In this article, you’ll find lots of books and coordinating toys, certificates, activities or other ideas that you can include in with your book to really amp up the “wow” factor this holiday.

PICTURE BOOK GIFTS

With the Beauty and the Beast movie coming out this spring, everything Beauty is a sure bet. Get the classic little golden book, or a non-Disney version of the French fairy tale, like this gorgeous Beauty and the Beast set in Africa. Pair with the 25th edition blue-ray movie and/or this yellow dress, or red winter dress.

Books featuring girls as scientists include Normal Norman (one of my son’s favs), best-selling Ada Twist, Scientist, and The Most Magnificent Thing (I bought this for my niece!). Add a science kit, or even a Pinterest DIY science kit. Or buy a monthly subscription to Steve Spangler’s science kits. (more about Steve Spangler here.)

Note! The science kits have suggested age range.

Are We There Yet (This will be under our tree. Shhh! It’s our secret!). Notice the dino on the cover? Include a toy dinosaur or a dinosaur digging kit.

Newbery Award winning Last Stop on Market Street is perfect for an “experience” gift if you pair it with a ticket for a “bus adventure” (or train, or light rail, or…). With strategic stops in the city, this becomes an awesome family adventure.

Robot books:  NYT Bestselling Boy + Bot or Bitty Bot. Keep your eye out for robot-themed accessories, like stickers, at the dollar store. Also, check out Land of Nod’s robot themes.

Funny book alert! Add an alligator or a necktie to Snappsy!

For the kiddo who loves fairy princesses, try combining wings with A Very Fairy Princess.

Maybe Something Beautiful is based on a true story about a little girl who participated in a city-wide beautification project.  For an aspiring artist, combine this book with colored pencils or other art supplies.

GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR EARLY READERS

Mighty Robot is one of the earliest (aka: for the kids just learning to read) chapter books available. Mighty Robot has bright, full-color graphics on every page and the illustrator is the a-mazing Dan Santat. Consider adding Robot papercraft for a knock-out combo.

Sketch Monsters is another graphic novel for early readers. I love the message of acknowledging your emotions. The character in this book is an artist, so a coordinating sketch journal and/or colored pencils is perfect.

CHAPTER BOOK GIFTS

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition (aka: HP #2) will likely be one of the most popular book gifts this year. Another Harry Potter (HP) book to consider is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This is a script, not a regular novel, but is very popular with HP fans. Adding an HP themed poster, accessory, t-shirt, or toy will rock your gift.

Raymie Nightingale, one of my favs from this year, is set in 1975 when girls across the country dreamed of spinning batons. Combo ideas include: swimming lessons, a black cat stuffed animal (symbol of hope), or anything 70’s style (like these updated legwarmers)!

The Magnificent Mya Tibbs is about identifying true friends (and being one, too). Look for cowgirl-related items (especially if they’re pink), like cowgirl boots.

Fablehaven Book of Imagination is an activity book, perfect for Fablehaven fans. This activity book includes coloring pages, mazes, origami, make-your-own potions, quotes, and tons more! Gift this with fantasy items like a unicorn horn or slippers.

Robots + survival in the woods + mystery = Wild Robot.  Add DIY Ollibots (check the shipping timeline on the wooden blocks), the OWI Solar Robot, or anything robot-themed.

Have a sports lover? Crossover, 2015 Newbery award winner, is written in a poetic rhythm about basketball-loving brothers (and dad). Add sports related items, like a basketball.  

Pax is reminiscent of War Horse. This heartfelt story is told from the perspectives of a boy and from his fox during wartime in Europe. Match with Fox items (which are everywhere this year!).

Mark of the Thief is perfect for the kiddo who likes adventures and magic. Gold is popular right now and it matches the cover, so gold accessories (or yellow) is perfect.

YOUNG ADULT (YA) BOOK GIFTS

The main character, Hope, in Curse of the Sphinx (a modern mythology series) loves to run, and she’s an all-natural beauty. Burts Bees or running gear match nicely with this series.

The Selection Series is a fantasy-princess-esque story all about fashion and make-up, so make Sephora your BFF. If the gift recipient doesn’t like the make-up after trying it, they can return it via mail or take it to the brick-and-mortar store. (How convenient is that?!)

A Thief in Time is a new time travel series. Jewelry, or something 16th century-inspired, like this pen, will make the perfect themed gift.

Black Out is a near-future sci-fi novel. Pull inspiration from the gold cover and include anything gold, like this ring holder. Or consider something more outdoorsy (aka: survival-ish), like a slouchy beanie (or any accessory in black), or a emergency multi-tool.

If you want something historical, check out Most Dangerous, based on the Vietnam war. Include a classic Beatles vinyl, or something else late 60’s/ early 70’s inspired.

A contemporary story about a strong young woman is I am Malala. I like this novel combined with a donation to your favorite charity, like the Red Cross.

BOOK GIFTS FOR ADULTS

Is it just me, or are mermaids everywhere right now? The Mermaid’s Sister is classic faerie tale with a touch of fable. Pair this with the knit mermaid tails that have hit the interwebs in a big way, or an ocean inspired body wash.

Note: The Mermaid’s Sister is also a good option for high-level YA readers. (It’s considered a “clean read”.)

For great historical books, try Unbroken or Boys on the Boat. With either of these WWII books, a vintage-looking cross body bag looks sharp.

Looking for a romance novel? A Heart Revealed is a “proper romance” meaning, you can gift this to your grandmother, friend, or mother-in-law without cringing at what might be in the content. Add some chocolates and you have a winning combination.

Note! There’s a second book written in this “world” called Lord Fenton’s Folly. 

People are raving about The One Thing; if you want a business book, this is one to consider. Pair it with a digital notebook or a nice pen set.

FINAL TIPS FOR PUTTING TOGETHER THEMED BOOK GIFTS:

These books and gifts are just ideas to get you started. If you like the picture book ideas above, check out more here: favorite picture books from 2015 and diverse picture book round-up. You know your family members and friends best; this article is a jumping off point to get your creative juices flowing. Now get out there and put together a themed gift for your loved one. Too busy for creativity? Remember any book with a soft blanket and some hot chocolate makes a lovely, well-appreciated gift, no matter the age! Do you have other awesome theme book combos to add? Share them below!

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