4 Easy Ways to Make a Book the Best Gift This Holiday

For nearly every birthday, Christmas or special occasion in my three children’s lives, my mom, Deborah Sinyard—“Nana” to her eight grandchildren—has gifted them a book. Each one was picked based on the child’s unique traits and interests at the time. (We’re lucky that Nana, a lifelong reader and former teacher with a passion for early literacy, has a knack for picking the perfect books.)

For my eldest, Jack, who’s now 14, the books Nana has gifted over the years reflect the stages of his childhood—what we like to call his 'ocean life era,' his 'pirate era' and more. These books capture who he was at the time and have become cherished keepsakes. My younger son, Noah, is still firmly in his 'hockey era.' Just last week, he rediscovered Dino Hockey, a gift from Nana, and we both smiled at her thoughtful inscription and the photo of his younger, hockey-loving self.

Books may not top every child’s wish list, but a thoughtful selection can surprise you. There’s the instant delight of a cover representing something they love, or the quiet joy of flipping through pages or reading it together later in the holidays.

As a teacher, mother, and Nana, my mom has always emphasized how powerful books can be in building connections. When I showed her a draft of this article, she was inspired to share a quote from Dorothy Butler, a renowned literacy advocate and author who spent her life championing the importance of books in childhood. Butler wrote, “... for relationships to develop, human beings must share ideas, and books are superlative sources of ideas. Remember, books can be bridges between children and parents, and children and the world.”

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you create a meaningful book gift for the children in your life.

Tailor the book: Choose one that reflects the child’s interests, age, and personality.

Opt for quality: Seek beautifully illustrated picture books or well-written stories by local or acclaimed authors.

Personalize it: Write a heartfelt note inside the cover with the date and consider including a photo of the child tied to that theme. 

Add a themed surprise: Pair the book with a related item, like a stuffed animal or craft kit. For instance, Nana gifted a homemade blanket to go with The Napping House and a Batman toy with Stella Luna (which is about a bat). A book about animal facts was accompanied by a purple hippo stuffy and a book about polar bears came with a craft kit for making a polar bear habitat diorama (the supplies were purchased from a craft store or the dollar store).

Feeling inspired to make books a part of your holiday tradition? To help you get started, I’ve pulled together some of “Nana’s Picks”—the carefully chosen books she’s gifted my children over the years. These titles, sorted by age group, have become treasured keepsakes in our family. 

Explore the lists below and discover how a thoughtfully chosen book can create holiday traditions and cherished memories that last a lifetime.

In Utero (picked out when Nana first learned her first grandchild, Jack, was a boy)

• Little Boy by Alison Mcghee and Peter H. Reynolds: A tender and poetic celebration of a young boy’s dreams and the moments that shape childhood.

Ages 0-2

• Where is the Green Sheep by Mem Fox and illustrated by Judy Horacek:  playful, rhyming search for the elusive green sheep, perfect for bedtime reading.
• Bunny Island 🇨🇦by Pilla Kennard: See these adorably photographed creatures hop, hop, hop and zoom, zoon across the page. 
• Spunky Little Monkey by Bill Martin Jr and Michael Sampson and illustrated by Brian Won: A rhythmic, energetic book perfect for dancing along with your toddler.
• Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney: A beloved bedtime story exploring the bond between child and parent, with gentle humour and relatable rhymes. 
• The Napping House by Audrey Wood and Don Wood: A cozy, cumulative tale about a house full of nappers, sure to delight little ones. 
• Ten Little Pirates by Mike Brownlow and Simon Rickerty: A fun counting book that brings pirate adventures to life with vibrant illustrations.
• Where Do Diggers Sleep at Night by Brianna Caplan Sayres, illustrated by Christian Slade:  A charming bedtime book for truck-loving toddlers. 
• King Jack and the Dragon by Peter Bentley and illustrated by Helen Oxenbury: A whimsical adventure of imagination and bravery as Jack defends his castle. 
• Jack’ House by Karen Magnuson Beil, illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka 

Ages 3-5

• Polar Bear’s Underwear by Tupera Tupera: A silly, interactive story about a polar bear searching for his missing underwear.
• Sweet Dreams, Supergirl by Michael Dahl and pictures by Omar Lozano: A bedtime story with empowering messages for little superheroes.
• Elliet Gets Lost by David Lowery and Tony Halbrooks and illustrated by Benjamin Lowery: A heartwarming tale of a toy puppy’s journey home.
• Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey: A humorous and touching story about embracing your true self.
• The Dog who Wanted to Fly 🇨🇦 by Kathy Stinson, and art by Brandon James Scott: A sweet and inspiring Canadian story about dreams and determination. 
• Giraffe and Bird 🇨🇦 by Rebecca Bender: A charming tale about friendship and overcoming differences.
• Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me by Eric Carle: A visually stunning story about a father’s love and the wonders of the moon.
• Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri: A laugh-out-loud favorite about dragons, parties, and their love for tacos.
• Stella Luna by Janell Cannon: A touching classic about a lost baby bat finding her way in the world. 
• Pirate Boy by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Julie Fortenberry: A delightful story about a young boy’s imaginative journey with his pirate mother.
• The Darkest Dark 🇨🇦by Chris Hadfield and illustrated by The Fan Brothers: A beautifully illustrated story about overcoming fears, written by the famed astronaut. 
• Grandma and the Pirates 🇨🇦by Phoebe Gilman: A fun, imaginative Canadian adventure about a feisty grandma and a band of pirates.  
• Tell Me About Your Day Today by Mem Fox, illustrated by Lauren Stringer: A gentle, reflective bedtime story about sharing the day’s adventures. 

Ages 6-9

• Dino-Hockey by Lisa Wheeler and illustrations by Barry Gott: A fun, action-packed book for hockey fans and dino lovers alike.
• A World Full of Animal Stories - 50 Folktales and Legends by Angela McAllister: A beautifully illustrated collection of animal tales from around the world.
• Investigators by John Patrick Green: A hilarious graphic novel about two alligator detectives solving mysteries.
• Brady Brady All Star Hockey Collection 🇨🇦 by Mary Shaw and ChuckTemple: A Canadian favorite with stories about teamwork, determination, and hockey fun.
• The Smartest Giant in Town by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler: A sweet tale of kindness and generosity with lovable characters.
• A Gold Star For Zog by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler: A heartwarming story about a dragon learning to find his own path.
• Jack and the Flumflum Tree by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by David Roberts: A rollicking, rhyming adventure perfect for young explorers.
• Dear Dinosaur by Chae Strathie and Nicola O’Byrne: A touching story told through letters between a young boy and his favourite dinosaur.
• The Wolf Who Wanted to Celebrate his Birthday by Orianne Lallemand:  A humorous tale about a wolf preparing for the perfect birthday.
• The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield: A beautifully illustrated story about following your dreams while remembering your roots. 
• Mary Poppins: The Collectible Picture Book by P.L. Travers and illustrated by Genevieve Godbout: A gorgeous, reimagined classic. 
• A Bean, A Stalk and a Boy Named Jack by William Joyce and Kenny Callicut: A quirky, humorous twist on the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale.
• The Crown on Your Head by Nancy Tillman: A lyrical celebration of the uniqueness and potential in every child.
• The Wonder Garden by  Jenny Broom, illustrated by Krisjana S Williams: A visually stunning exploration of the world’s most amazing natural habitats.
• Sidney Crosby Hockey Star by Brian Hall: An inspiring story about one of Canada’s most famous hockey players.