"Literacy toys" make great gifts.  Although we tend to think of learning to read as an exercise in letters, it really is much bigger than that.  In fact, learning your ABCs doesn't even have anything to do with letters. 

Much of what we as adults tend to dismiss as "just playing" is really the brain's way of organizing and putting together the building blocks that kids later use for learning to read.  There is a lot of science (http://www.readingonline.org/articles/roskos/connections.html) to support the idea that playing is a very effective way for kids to build lots of skills, reading being one of them.  With that idea in mind, here are a few suggestions for ways to help kids develop their reading skills that don't require batteries, computers, flashcards, or workbooks. 

Let there be Art -- Every toddler and preschooler I've ever met loves to play with crayons, markers, chalk, and paint.  Giving kids the tools to create their masterpieces ultimately feeds into their reading.  There may be only a few squiggles on a page, but I guarantee that there is a big, drawn-out story to go with it.  We learn by hearing...letting kids tell stories is a good way for them to build communication skills and vocabulary. 

Second, it helps them build the muscle control they need to create letters later on.  How?  Well, let's look at the letter b.  It has two shapes: a line and a circle.  The process of turning those early squiggles into straight lines and misshaped lumps into a circle is a precursor to being able to put the two objects together to create that "b."  Before you know it, you won't need a translator to tell you that those waves mean "I love you, Mom."  

Promote your Little Detective -- Just as kids need to recognize the parts of a letter, they also need to know what makes them different.  Putting together picture puzzles gives kids practice in finding shapes that fit together (and separating those that don't).  That same stick and circle not only make a "b," but they are used for a "d" and a "p" as well.  It also helps them look at things more abstractly.  Just because the circle fits in the button hole, does the horse's tail really connect to the pig's foot? 

For developing readers (first and second grade) word search puzzles are great.  They recognize the letters, a vocabulary list is on the page, and they get to scour the page looking for the words.  Older kids can benefit from simple crossword puzzles.  These are better for kids who are already spelling words, but because they are working with "clues," they can practice synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.  There are puzzle books for kids and a number of educational websites have them, too. 

Get Some Fresh Air -- Studies (http://www.johnratey.com/Articles/Exercise_Seen_as_Priming_Pump_for_Students
_Academic_Strides.pdf) show that there is a direct correlation between getting physical exercise and learning.  Even the National Football League (NFL) is promoting Play 60 to encourage kids to get an hour of exercise each day.  When kids get that heart pumping and use their "big muscles" -- be it with jump ropes, jungle gyms, trampolines, hopscotch, basketball, soccer, or just running around -- they are preparing their minds to focus.  
 
Let them be your Idol -- No, we're not done with toddler tunes just yet!  Kids love their music...the sillier the better!  The lyrics in kids' songs offer them the opportunity to hear language in new ways, whether it's a made-up word or just a really big one.  The rhythm, rhyme, and repetition all help with vocabulary. 

These are just a few of the ideas of ways to mix in some "literacy toys" with other gifts throughout the year.  Kids love playing, and if we can disguise learning in the process, they're happy and we're even happier!