2026 gift guide: Top titles for kids, from board books to young adult

Associated Press · Donna Edwards · 2026-11-02 14:08 UTC

The holiday season is a great time to escape into a bookstore and find the perfect gift for kids. For the youngest readers, Jon Klassen's board books offer a cozy, imaginative read. Early readers can enjoy Tami and Chris Charles' book celebrating neurodiversity, or Josh Lieb's hilarious pick-a-path adventure. Middle-grade readers might like Rebecca Bendheim's novel exploring themes of friendship and identity, or Lisa Graff's, which tackles tough topics with grace. Young adults can dive into Kelly McWilliams' spooky period piece, or David Levithan and Gabriel Duckels' comprehensive look at the AIDS crisis. For those interested in science, Katy Doughty offers a graphic exploration of potential human extinction.

From cozy board books to spooky manors, these kids’ titles top the 2026 holiday gift list

It’s the holiday season, and when you get tired of endless clothes racks, toy displays and internet discount codes, you can find refuge in a bookstore. Books are a wholesome gift choice and, when picked carefully, provide hours of entertainment and a lifetime of benefits; after all, knowledge is power!

Here are some of the best standout new books for kids, sorted by age.

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