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Books Make Excellent Christmas Gifts for Kids (Updated)

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Children are one of the easiest demographics to buy for during the Christmas season. The product market is aimed at advertising to children and their parents, who are more than willing to oblige. A few years ago, I learned a principle from a former pastor regarding his family’s approach for buying gifts during the holiday season. They always attempting to by their children something they want, something they need, something to share, and something to read. This principle can prove helpful during a season that lends itself to excess. Buying a child something to read, namely a good book on their reading level, can be an excellent way to foster a love for the written word and encourage personal spiritual growth.

In this article, I will share a few books that have recently been published that would make excellent gift ideas. At the start, I will make a disclaimer that the books listed below are all faith based (hence the mission of RFTG) and are mainly aimed for toddlers and young readers. Currently, my own daughter is a toddler/young reader so that is the focus of this material. For recommendations on chapter books and other resources for older children, please visit The Gospel Coalition’s Reviews Page.

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  • Lucy and the Saturday Surprise by Melissa Kruger (Crossway, 2023) – Over the past couple of years TGC has been teaming up with the folks at Crossway to publish practical and engaging kids books. Each book in the series seeks to aid parents in discipling their children regarding certain sins and temptations. Ultimately making the point that Jesus is better. The same holds true in the latest collaboration Lucy and the Saturday Surprise. The story follows Lucy and her brother Lewis through the temptation of discontentment and envy. Lucy desires her brothers lollipop over her own piece of candy. In the end, Lucy’s parents point her to the gospel message that Jesus is enough. The book is well written and beautifully illustrated by Samara Hardy.

  • God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook by Carl Laferton (The Good Book Company, 2023) – Bible Storybooks are an excellent to introduce young readers to the Bible. They help the reader understand the big truths found in God’s Word on their level. Good Bible Storybooks show the overarching storyline of the Bible that culminates in the person and work of Jesus. God’s Big Promises Bible Storybook does just that. The book is well written by Carl Laferton, and he does an excellent job of conveying the truths of Scripture to young readers. The illustrations by Jennifer Davison are well done and age appropriate. This resource is perfect for story time, bedtime, and family devotions. A great addition to your child’s library.

  • His Grace is Enough by Melissa Kruger (The Good Book Company, 2023) – It’s no wonder that Jesus said that we must have faith like a child (Matthew 18:2-4), for the gospel message is simple and can be easily grasped if we only trust in Jesus. Yet it is so profound that we can never fully mine it’s depths. This is the truth that Melissa Kruger conveys in her book His Grace Is Enough. It is crucial in parenting to point our kids to the gospel when they sin and disobey. Ultimately, we must convey that when they disobey they are disobeying God. Yet Jesus has made a way and his grace is enough (2 Corinthians 12:9). Written in simple rhymes to aid in learning the book is adorably illustrated by Isabel Lindie.

  • Jesus and the Gift of Friendship by Trillia Newbell (Crossway, 2023) – Trillia Newbell is no stranger to kids books, have published several in the past few years. In her latest kids book Jesus and the Gift of Friendship, she tells the story of Zeke who struggles with loneliness after his best friend moves. Through the wisdom of godly parents, Zeke learns to cherish his relationship with Jesus above all, even as he makes new friends at school in the neighborhood. The book is beautifully written and stunningly illustrated by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell.

  • God Hears Me, God Speaks to Me, and God Cares For Me by Kristen Wetherell (Crossway, 2023) – These three board books help parents of toddlers convey big truths in a simple way. God speaks to us through his Word, he hears our prayers, and takes care of all our needs. Each of these amazing truths are foundational to the discipleship of our children, even at a young age. The phrase in the back of each book puts it simply “Everyone is a theologian, even your little one.” Very well said. Each book is well written and age appropriate, with illustrations by Grace Habib.

  • The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Vos (Banner of Truth, 2021) – This resource is a republication of Catherine Vos’ work from the 1930’s. Our recommendation comes, however, with qualifications. Given new life by the folks at Banner of Truth, this vintage kids book proves to be a classic. Ms. Vos does do an excellent job of summarizing the biblical passages on a child’s level. Banner recommends the book to kids three and older. We, however, would not recommend it to readers younger than five years old. The book is mostly words with very few illustrations. The illustrations are a bit outdated, and not compelling. As with any vintage titles, it does not have wide appeal and may only appeal to a specific audience. It does fit squarely in the Reformed tradition, and the simplicity may be attractive to some readers.

Advent is a wonderful time to cultivate a gospel focus in the hearts of your children. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, with their attention being pulled toward gifts, cookies, and toys, etc. It is wise to focus their attention on Jesus. I hope these resources are helpful to your family as you seek raise your children in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

May you and your family have a blessed Advent season!

Additional Recommendations

For a more extended list of children’s book recommendations, please visit our Children’s Book page.

Editor’s Note: The books mentioned in this article were received by the publishers in exchange for an honest review and recommendation.

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Zach Kendrick

Zach is the founder, Executive Director, and Editor-in-Chief of Reading For The Glory, and host of the RFTG Podcast. He has been writing publicly for over a decade. He holds a Master’s in Theological Studies (MTS) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelors in psychology from Athens State University. He also writes regularly at his blog ‘But As For You’. He enjoys spending as much time as possible with his wife Courtney and their daughter. Zach and his family attend Christ The King Anglican Church in Birmingham, AL.

Categories Children’s Books, Christmas Gift Idea, Crossway, The Good Book Company, The Gospel Coalition