Holiday Gift Guide
- RunningOnBooks
- Oct 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 15
Hey there, fellow gift-givers! I know it feels early (Halloween hasn’t even had its candy luge yet), but Christmas really is already elbowing its way into every store window. Amazon’s catalogs have landed. Target’s holiday aisles are up and singing carols. And here you are, trying to figure out what will truly delight and endure.
If you’re anything like me, you’re trying to dodge the toy trend treadmill. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Running on Books Christmas Gift Guide 2025 — a curated collection of gifts built to last, to be loved, and to grow with your child. (Yes, I shamelessly built it on Canva, and yes, you can click through it right here.)➡️ Holiday Gift Guide. Don't miss out on the included Christmas planner inside!
Here’s how I like to think about gift-giving these days — using a little old-school rhyme:
Something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read
It’s not a rigid formula, but it’s a fun lens to make sure the gifts you give are balanced, meaningful, and practical.
🎁 Something You Want (But Not Just the Hottest Trend)
Kids will always want something fun. But instead of the newest gadget or toy-of-the-month, aim for things that spark creativity, imagination, or deep interest. Think:
Quality building sets (LEGOs, Magna-Tiles, wooden blocks)
A craft kit they really care about (woodworking, sewing, clay sculpting)
A musical instrument starter (ukulele, harmonica, small drum)
The idea: they play with it for years, not just until the next “cool thing” drops.
✅ Something You Need
This is where practicality meets love. What does your child genuinely need?
A good pair of boots, or warm mittens, or a cozy coat
A sports accessory they’ll use (helmet, shin guards, glove)
A sturdy backpack or school bag
These are things that won’t get tossed aside — because there’s always a use, a season, a need.
👕 Something to Wear
Clothing feels boring — until you gift something they’ll choose every day. I try to lean toward:
Soft essentials: solid cotton tees, hoodies, comfy joggers
A statement item: fun socks, a quirky beanie, a “cool” jacket
Seasonal items: snow pants, boots, winter sets
If you can make the wearable gift both practical and a bit fun, you win.
📚 Something to Read
Books — always books. This is my favorite category, and it’s really where the heart of my “Running on Books” guide lives.
You can pick:
A beautifully illustrated picture book for younger kids
A middle-grade novel you can read together
A non-fiction or hobby-related book for older kids
The gift of reading isn’t just about the book itself; it’s about the time you spend together, the imaginations awakened, and the worlds discovered.
A Few Extra Thoughts for Gift-Givers
Quality over quantity. One really good gift often means more than three mediocre ones.
Consider durability. Will it survive sibling use, rough play, or a move?
Pick items with flexibility. A toy set with many possible builds, or clothes that layer, or books that grow with the reader.
Add a personal touch. A handwritten note, custom name, or small accessory can turn “just a gift” into “something treasured.”
At the end of the day, the best gifts aren’t the ones that light up the living room floor — they’re the ones that light up little faces, hearts, and memories.
Planning ahead now means you can slow down later. It’s one less thing on your plate when the season gets busy — so you can actually enjoy the magic instead of getting swept up in the chaos.
Because when you think back on the holidays, it’s not the wrapping paper or the shopping lists you’ll remember. It’s the giggles over hot cocoa. The cozy bedtime stories. The sparkle in your child’s eyes when they open something chosen just for them.
So take a breath, grab your mug of something warm, and start browsing the guide — because the most meaningful gifts don’t have to be the flashiest. They just have to come from the heart. 💛
Happy Reading, my friends.
Your book lady, Julia
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