Perfect Christmas Pairings
by Annette M. Clayton, author of a Three Kings Day-inspired picture book coming Christmas 2021
Christmastime is the most wonderful time of the year! If you’re like me, by November you begin to break out the pine scented candles, hang the holly, and start shopping for the kiddos.
Every year I ask myself the same question, what in the world am I going to get for the kids in my life? Nieces, nephews, neighbors, and my own children—I’ve got plenty to shop for, and I’m always running low on ideas. Not only do I want them to be excited about the present, I want to purchase gifts that are meaningful—something that helps them thrive emotionally and spiritually.
What helps me with this quandary is that when I have a topic I want to teach my children about, I pull out a book. From explaining the true meaning of Christmas to teaching empathy and kindness, a book is a good go-to for inspiring discussions and helping young minds grasp new concepts. Pairing a book with a toy is the perfect way to help connect the message and keep the young readers in our lives engaged.
It’s no secret that all of us here at Little Lamb Books think books are the best present ever, but this year especially, children need books in their lives.
Reading keeps a child’s brain healthy, reduces stress, helps them sleep better, and most importantly can take a child to faraway places. Couldn’t we all use a little bit more magic and adventure in our lives right now?
I know I could! That’s why I’m excited to share with you some of my “favorite things” and themed gifts that pair nicely with the Little Lamb Books titles currently available for purchase.
No matter your child’s age, there is a terrific gift idea that is sure to entertain and delight!
C IS FOR CHRISTMAS by Michelle Medlock Adams, illustrator, Louise Hargreaves, Ages 4-8
Jesus is the Reason for the season is this delightful A-B-C picture book by Michelle Medlock Adams. This award-winning children’s book brings together all the very best elements of the season into a delightful read-aloud that families will turn to year after year.
Pair C is for Christmas with a Little People Nativity Set. At my house we have a nativity scene that’s over fifty years old and passed down from one generation to the next. I always kept it out of reach from tiny fingers, and the kids begged me to play with it. This Little People version allows children to play “Baby Jesus Birthday Party” as my kids would say. They can plop, drop, and roll to their hearts content all without the worry of breakables.
THE CHRISTMAS COLOR by author-illustrator Tori Higa, ages 4-8
From Santa’s red clothes to Rudolph’s shiny red nose, the color of Christmas is RED! Why do so many of our favorite traditions come together in this particular hue? Author-illustrator Tori Higa has an insightful answer in The Christmas Color that will warm your heart and remind readers young and old of the true Reason for the season.
Make Christmas memories sweeter by adding a bright red mug (personalized for extra detail) and a delicious hot cocoa kit, filled with marshmallow toppers and plenty of red candy canes! Don’t forget to print off free coloring pages and word search activities from Tori’s website too!
GRACIE LOU WANTS A ZOO by Shelly Roark and illustrated by Simone Kruger, ages 4-8
Gracie Lou Wants A Zoo is a sweet “tail” of love and patience shows young readers how they can trust God’s plan for their lives, even if they want a zoo!
Pair with a plush elephant or giraffe, or consider “adopting” a zoo animal or zoo tickets. Don’t forget to stuff the stocking with animal crackers, a classic treat that’s always in style!
Teeny Sweeney and the Mustache Cash by Amberly Kristen Clowe and illustrated by Janet Samuel, ages 6-10
Join Teeny Sweeney, a spunky third grader, as her entrepreneurial plans to make some quick cash go awry in Teeny Sweeney and the Mustache Cash, the hilarious first chapter book this chapter early reader chapter book series.
Pair with a journal, gel pens, and other writing supplies. Your little entrepreneur can write their own recipe for success and let their imagination run as wild as they are! Look for more adventures featuring Teeny and friends in the second book, Teeny Sweeney and the Cousin Calamity coming Spring 2021!
Launch ( Book 1) and Fractures (Book 2): Rise of the Anointed Series by Jason C. Joyner, ages 12-18
Four teens discover they have supernatural gifts from God and an ancient prophecy suggests that if these youth combine their abilities, they could change the course of history. The only question is: Will it be for better or for worse? With multi-layered plot-lines and masterful storytelling, both Launch and Fractures will be impossible for the teens in your life to put down.
Pair this gripping series with a leather bracelet etched with an empowering phrase to match your teen’s personality. Encourage them to “Follow Their Dreams,” “Soar,” or remember their “Strength” comes from the Lord. I love the rustic look this Etsy designer brings to their jewelry.
I hope you enjoy these fun suggestions for your Christmas shopping list. Little Lamb Books has ten (10) titles to choose from this year and the titles are available wherever Christian children’s books are sold. You can also request them at your local library as well.
*All gift ideas are suggestions and Little Lamb Books is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this post. We cannot guarantee availability of any item.
