Best Gift Ideas for Children Learning to Read: Top 8 Literacy Gifts Kids Will Love

Watching a young reader light up as they decode their first words is one of life’s great joys. Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, holiday, or “just because,” gifts that support early literacy can make reading fun and build confidence that lasts a lifetime.

Here are 8 of the best gift ideas to support kids on their reading journey — from playful and interactive to educational and cozy.

1. Lower Case Magnetic Letters

Choose a set with mostly lower case letters, as these are the most common ones your child will read. 

Juneberry Learning Recommends: Vilac Miniscule Magnetic Alphabet Letters

2. Alphabet books that include lower case letters

Our favorite alphabet books focus on lower case letters and include words with the sounds those letters make. 

Juneberry Learning Recommends: Usborne Fingertrails ABC Book

3. Wooden alphabet puzzles with lower case 

Alphabet puzzles can also be great for practicing sounds and building words. We recommend finding a puzzle with lower case letters. 

Juneberry Learning Recommends: Scholars Choice Creative Beginnings Chalkboard Alphabet Puzzle

4. Alphabet and Educational Posters

Including print in your environment is a great way to encourage a life long love of reading. Alphabet posters or posters on your favorite topic (botanicals, cars, trains, etc.) is a great way to include print in your home to encourage reading practice. 

5. Whiteboard or Chalkboard

One of the best ways to practice sounds and words is by writing them out on a chalkboard or whiteboard and practicing reading together. This low pressure practice is easy to incorporate into your day, and less intimidating than reading a whole book when your child is first starting out. 

6. Cozy Items to Make a Reading Nook

There’s nothing better than cozying up with a good book. Gift some comfy pillows, oversized stuffed animals, or a nice blanket to create a cozy reading nook. In your home. 

7. Decodable readers

A set of beginner decodable readers makes learning to read easy. Check your local little free library, thrift stores, or online marketplaces for affordable options. Check out our guide to decodable readers!

8. Alphabites Game Pack

Packed with games that make it fun and easy to learn to read, the Alphabites Game Pack includes 44 sounds to practice and build words together. Fun, active learning in just 5 to 15 minutes a day. Order your set today.

Tips for Choosing the Right Reading Gift

• Match it to the child’s reading level to avoid frustration or boredom.
  
• Choose playful learning tools that build literacy without feeling like work.

Literacy is the Greatest Gift

Early literacy is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. These top reading gifts for kids combine learning with play, helping young readers grow in confidence, curiosity, and joy. Whether you’re building a cozy reading corner, choosing a beginner book set, or finding the perfect phonics toy, each gift can turn reading into a lifelong adventure.