One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is the tools to help them become a successful reader.  The latest video game, the cutest doll, the train set, and the tea set -- kids will grow out of those things.  But they can never outgrow reading. 

In addition to investing in their future success, here are some other reasons why something to read makes a great gift:

  • They're cheap.  Compare a paperback -- even a hard cover -- to the price of a video game.
  • They don't need batteries -- more money saved!
  • They're never too big or too small.
  • There is something for every age.

The good news is that there are lots of options.  If you want a book, great -- but that's not your only choice.  Because the idea is to find something kids enjoy, you might want to think beyond that hardcover edition.  If you want to stay with the printed page, think about a magazine subscription in a subject area they love.  Use technology to your advantage, too.  That iPod can play an audio book just as easily as it plays music.

So how do you pick that perfect something?  Before you even worry about titles, series, or what's popular, think about what your recipient likes.  Sports?  Trains?  Crossword puzzles?  Puppies?  Princesses?  There is no right or wrong answer.  What is the subject (or subjects) they talk about the most?  When you talk with them, what are the things they get really excited about?

Parents: You can help out by having a handy list of subjects (or even book suggestions) to share with friends and relatives asking for book ideas. 

Next, think about the child's age.  If they aren't reading yet, a picture book is a safe bet.  Even if they can't read it, there are pictures, and they can enjoy exploring the book for themselves.  If you're buying a book for someone who knows how to read, think about the kinds of material you've seen them reading.  Comic books?  Magazines?  Thick books?  Thin books?  That will help you frame your format choices.

Parents: You can also help by taking note of your child's reading patterns.  The person interested in buying a book may not know that your child only likes short stories. 

If you don't know what interests the child has or what their reading habits are, don't worry.  When you visit your local independent bookstore, you'll find a very knowledgeable staff member to help you.  Just describe your recipient with as much detail as you have, and they can help you select what other kids in that age group like.