Holiday shopping can be stressful, with crammed stores, chaotic parking, and long lines. Even with online shopping, the anticipation awaiting packages during the busiest shipping season is nerve wreaking. Whichever route you choose for purchasing your presents, the fret over whether you’ve chosen the “right” gift is universal. But have you ever thought about giving the gift of reading?
We’re here to take some stress off your plate with our top 10 titles to gift this holiday season. Gifting books is a fail-proof way to connect the gift giver and receiver, plus you’ll impress your parent friends with your education-minded present. From newborns to independent readers, we’ve got you covered with the gift of reading.
The 10 Best Books That Give the Gift of Reading
The perfect gift for a mom-to-be or your favorite little toddler, Giraffes Can’t Dance is about how Gerald the Giraffe finally finds his groove with the help of an unexpected friend. From the waltz to the Scottish reel, this Novel Effect soundscape will have kids doing the bedtime boogie as they drift to sleep.
Have you ever woken up to a slumped over snowman? A wintery classic, Snowmen at Night explains what happens to our chilly snowmen friends at night while we’re fast asleep. Filled with the sounds of a moonlight park adventure, this soundscape adds just the right touch to this heartwarming gift of a story.
Naughty little Pig the Pug is at it again in this Christmas tale about the consequences that come with being greedy during the holidays. A fun sassy spin on The Night Before Christmas, this is a great gift for a kiddo who loves to laugh. Filled with the sounds of holiday cheer and Pig’s wish list, the grown-ups reading Pig the Elf will get just as much joy from the story as their little ones.
Adapted from a classic Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten is a gift that keeps on giving. The perfect book to teach young readers about how there’s always room for everyone, this story is sure to warm your hearts as you read aloud. With music inspired by Ukrainian and Eastern European folk music, this soundscape is sure to spark curiosity in any listener.
Have you ever had the fear of missing out on a party with friends? What would you do if you were there but fast asleep? This sweet little tale about woodland friends coming together while their friend Bear sleeps, Bear Snores On is great for cozying up in front of the fire with your favorite cuddly kids. Filled with lyrical music featuring the flute, this soundscape is a lovely addition to a cold night at home.
Goodnight Moon is a truly timeless tale that is the perfect gift for any blossoming bookworm in your life. A book that’s built for bedtime, it helps its readers tuck in all of the items in the great green room. This soundscape is reminiscent of a lullaby, making nodding off to sleep easier than 1-2-3.
Have you ever made a dinner that smelled soooo good the entire neighborhood wanted a taste? Omu has! A story centered around the sacredness of community, Thank You, Omu! is a gift that brings together neighbors from all stages of life. Listen for the shakes of seasoning, the slosh of stew, and the clattering of dishes while you read alongside this soundscape.
A board book for your most energetic readers, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site will teach your little ones about the different jobs trucks play each day while getting them ready for bed. With thematic shifts in the music depending on if it’s day or night, this soundscape is a bright addition to any bedtime. Gift this to your favorite truck-loving toddler!
Salsa along to this Latin-inspired soundscape and become a part of a cherished motorcycle ride between a father and daughter. Celebrate the importance of family and community with My Papi Has a Motorcycle while immersing yourself in this love letter to Latinx culture. It’s a great father-daughter gift to give.
Family dinners seem to be becoming a thing of the past, so much so that dining room tables seem to be shrinking! Our Table is a wonderful gift for any holiday. It’s a reminder of how important quality time with our loved ones truly is, each and every night. Each member of this book’s family is represented by a different woodwind instrument in this soundscape!
The Gift of Reading with Soundscapes
To make gifting even easier, we’re thrilled to offer you our gift bundles for the second year in a row! Each built-for-your-bookworm bundle includes a book you hand-select from a list of curated titles and your choice from a six- or twelve-month Novel Effect premium subscription. You’ll also receive a tote bag (the perfect wrapping paper for this present!), spine stickers for your reader to organize their Novel Effect read-alouds, a Bluetooth speaker, and bonus surprises! It’s perfect for the parents, educators, and children in your life. Give the gift of reading, with a little extra magic!
Download the Novel Effect app to bring these stories to life with music and sounds that respond to your voice.