Read, Wrap,Repeat: Book Basket Ideas & Links for Clever & Cute Gift-giving

I love gifting books. I especially love pairing them with something special that relates to the book. This year, I’m sharing my top favorites for kids and then, at the bottom of the page, some fiction ones for adults — these are the books that I come back to again and again. They are sure to please even the pickiest person on your gift list no matter their age.

PLEASE NOTE: To build a book basket, I encourage you first to try to shop locally in your own hometown. However, I have included affiliate links here to items on Amazon that will round out your gift baskets, in case you cannot find something locally. Remember, shop small first!

Little House in the Big Woods or Christmas in the Big Woods

A treasured classic, perfect for young children to avid readers. Pick a book that suits your someone special, add a few special surprises, and this book basket is sure to inspire a cozy holiday.

Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder illustrated by Garth Williams — Click here to purchase
Christmas in the Big Woods (My First Little House Books), illustrated by Renee Graef — Click to purchase
A red and white striped peppermint stick
Red mittens — Click here to purchase
Heart-shaped sugar cookie sprinkled with white sugar or a heart-shaped cookie cutter set to make cookies. — Click here for a cute set
Shiny new penny
Rag doll (named Charlotte) — Here is a great one with various skin tones
A tin cup — Here is one that comes in both red and blue

Winnie the Pooh or The House at Pooh Corner

Bring the charm of the Hundred Acre Wood to any occasion with this Winnie the Pooh–themed gift basket. Filled with honey-inspired treats, cozy Pooh treasures, and whimsical keepsakes, it’s perfect for fans of all ages.

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne — Click here to purchase
The House at Pooh Corner by Michael Bond — Click here to purchase
Teddy bear, so many cute choices here — Click here to purchase
Pooh Bear stuffed animal
- Click here for one with the traditional red shirt
- Click here for a vintage, classic Pooh bear
Paddington Bear stuffed animal — Click here to purchase
Honey (very fun if in a bear container) — Click here to purchase
Biscuit mix — Click here to purchase
Honey bear suckers — Click here to purchase

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

Inspired by How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World, this delightful gift basket invites adventure and creativity. Filled with apple pie-themed treats and baking essentials, it captures the book’s spirit of exploration. A perfect gift for young readers, little chefs, and anyone who loves a whimsical journey.

How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World by Majorie Priceman — Click here to purchase
6 to 8 Granny Smith apples
One small jar of cinnamon
Small bag of sugar
Pie tin or pie plate — This one comes in three colors
Vintage pie bird for letting stem escape when cooling — Click here to purchase
Dry ingredients for a pie crust or ready-made refrigerated or frozen pie crust — Click here to purchase

Curious George Books

This Curious George–themed gift basket brings playful fun with story-inspired treats and cheerful surprises. Perfect for curious kids and fans of the beloved little monkey, you can create a book basket custom with any Curious George Books. I’ve included a couple ideas below to get you on your way. Start with a Curious George stuffed animal and bunch of bananas and build from there.

Monkey stuffed animal — Click here to purchase
Bunch of bananas

Curious George and the Pizza Party by Margret and H.A. Rey’s — Click here to purchase
There is even a recipe in the book for a veggie pizza! Add a pre-made crust, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella and pizza toppings.

Curious George Goes Swimming by Margret and H.A. Rey’s — Click here to purchase
Complete your basket with a new swim suit, beach towel, goggles, and pool floats or toys.

Hooded beach towel — Click here to purchase
Anti-fog UV protective goggles — Click here to purchase
Collapsable beach toy set with carrying bag — Click here to purchase
Extra large beach ball — Click here to purchase

Curious George and the Firefighters by Margret and H.A. Rey’s — Click here to purchase
Complete your basket with a toy fire engine, a dress up costume, or fun pajamas.

Fire engine — Click here to purchase
Fire fighter dress up costume – Click here to purchase
Fire fighter pajamas — Click here to purchase

A Bargain for Frances

Celebrate the charm of A Bargain for Frances with a sweet gift basket featuring story-inspired treats, playful goodies, and thoughtful surprises. Perfect for young readers who love clever, determined Frances.

A Bargain for Frances by Russell Hoban – Click here to purchase
Children’s tea set. This Wooden one with a tray holder is indestructible and made well — Click here to purchase
Or if you are feeling all fancy, this porcelain one comes in both Pink and blue and includes its own carrying case — Click here to purchase
Lace doilies. It’s not a proper tea party without fancy doilies to put underneath your dishes! — Click here to purchase
Reusable lovely cloth napkins. These come in over 12 colors to match your tea set — Click here to purchase
Hair bows to wear the tea party. TheseCome in a two pack and multiple colors — Click here to purchase
Tea bags
- These from the “La Tea Dah” company are made especially for children in fun and fruity caffeine-free flavors, such as Slumberland, Wonderland, Ballerina and Unicorn Princess. — Click here to purchase
- Or this organic Children’s tea I used to buy for my children from Davidson’s Organics. It comes in a box of 100 so you’ll be set for a long time! — Click here to purchase

Pancakes, Pancakes!, If You Give a Pig A Pancake, or Curious George Makes Pancakes

You get it — the theme here is pancakes! Pick you favorite book about pancakes and pair it with fun cooking or breakfast accessories. It’s sure to turn any morning into a special memory.

Pancakes, Pancakes by Eric Carle — Click here to purchase
If You Give a Pig a Pancake by Laura Numeroff — Click here to purchase
Curious George Makes Pancakes — Click here to purchase
Pancake Mix
A wide, frustration-free pancake turner that actually works! — Click here to purchase
A small bottle of pure maple syrup — Click here to purchase
Or, for a real treat, try this organic maple-cinnamon syrup! — Click here to purchase
Child’s apron: This cotton one not only comes in two different sizes and multiple colors and patterns, it includes a fun classic chef’s hat. — Click here to purchase
Quart of blueberries

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Celebrate Eric Carle’s beloved classic with a Very Hungry Caterpillar–themed gift basket filled with colorful treats, creative activities, and playful surprises. Perfect for little readers, it brings the book’s vibrant charm and curiosity to life in a delightful, gift-ready bundle.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle — Click here to purchase
An apple
A pear
A plum
A strawberry
An orange
Organic lollipops In Fruity flavor — Click here to purchase
Fruit-shaped organic fruit bites — Click here to purchase
Basket of toy fruit — Click here to purchase

The Very Lonely Firefly

Capture the gentle magic of Eric Carle’s The Very Lonely Firefly with a themed gift basket filled with glowing surprises, creative activities, and cozy story-inspired goodies. Perfect for young readers, it celebrates curiosity, connection, and the warm glow of finding your place in the world.

The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle — Click here to purchase
Bug catching kit — Click here to purchase
Rechargeable child’s Flashlight — Click here to purchase
Bag of marshmallows to roast over a fire
Roasting forks These telescoping ones of various colors come in a pack of five — Click here to purchase

Charlotte’s Web

Celebrate the timeless charm of Charlotte’s Web with a gift basket filled with fair-themed treats, farm-inspired goodies, and creative activities. Perfect for young readers, it honors friendship, bravery, and the heartfelt magic of E.B. White’s classic tale in a thoughtful, memorable bundle.

Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White — Click here to purchase
Pig stuffed animal. This one is adorable — Click here to purchase
Farm animals set — Click here to purchase
Farm themed coloring book — Click here to purchase
Farm “Make a face” animal sticker set — Click here to purchase
County Fair themed box:
- Carmel corn or mini bags of pop corn. You can’t beat this nostalgic one — Click here to purchase
- A Carnival games combo set — Click here to purchase
- Organic lollipops In Fruity flavor — Click here to purchase

Famous Americans Book Series

Celebrate American history with a gift basket themed around famous presidents and the spirit of the USA. Filled with patriotic treats, educational activities, and fun historical keepsakes, it’s perfect for young learners and history enthusiasts alike!

Meet George Washington by Joan Heilboner — Click here to purchase
Meet Abraham Lincoln by Barbara Cary — Click here to purchase
Presidential flash cards — Click here to purchase
George Washington coloring book — Click here to purchase
Abraham Lincoln coloring book — Click here to purchase
Desk top United States flag — Click here to purchase
Waterproof and wipeable Presidents of the United States place mat For learning the presidents — Click here to purchase
Poster of the United States presidents — Click here to purchase
Old-fashioned slate board and chalk — Click here to purchase
Copy of the Gettysburg Address on parchment paper — Click here to purchase
Copy of the Declaration of Independence on parchment paper — Click here to purchase
Homemade Patriotic sugar cookies frosted in red, white, and blue. Here are some great cookie cutters in the shape of the flag, a star, and the United States map — Click here to purchase

White Fang

Create a White Fang–themed gift basket by combining story-inspired treats, wilderness-inspired goodies, and outdoor adventure items. Add plush animals, survival-themed activities, and a copy of the book for young readers, crafting a rugged, imaginative gift celebrating courage and the wild.

White Fang by Jack London — Click here to purchase
Wolf stuffed animal — Click here to purchase
Yukon Gold ice cream
Pan for gold activity kit — Click here to purchase
A bag of Gold nugget gum — Click here to purchase
Winter hat, scarf and glove set in multiple colors — Click here to purchase

The Bravest Dog Ever

For your younger dog-lovers, create a book basket themed around the true story of Balto, a Siberian husky who led a dog sled team through a brutal blizzard in 1925 to deliver the medicine needed to save children in Nome, Alaska, from a deadly diphtheria outbreak. Add plush animals, cozy items, and treats to create a heartwarming, heroic gift celebrating courage and friendship.

The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standford — Click here to purchase
Siberian husky stuffed animal — Click here to purchase
Homemade Puppy chow Treat mix
Klondike Ice cream bars
A wooden play doctor kit with carrying bag — Click here to purchase
Winter hat, scarf and glove set in multiple colors— Click here to purchase

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Create a Mr. Popper’s Penguins–themed gift basket with playful penguin-inspired treats, fun winter-themed goodies, and story-inspired activities. Add plush penguins, cozy items, and a copy of the book to craft a whimsical, family-friendly gift full of humor and charm.

Mr Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater — Click here to purchase
Small stuffed penguin toy — Click here to purchase
Store bought Coconut ball candies — Click here to purchase
Klondike bars
Ice Cube chocolate candies— Click here to purchase
World Atlas book to search for the places mentioned in the book — Click here to purchase

Field Guide to North American Birds

Create a Field Guide to North American Birds–themed gift basket by including a bird guidebook, binoculars, birdseed, and nature-inspired treats. Add notebooks, coloring pages, or birdwatching activities for a thoughtful, educational gift that sparks curiosity and a love of wildlife.

National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds Eastern Region — Click here to purchase
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds Western Region — Click here to purchase
Kids high resolution binoculars With strap — Click here to purchase
Easy to load and clean birdfeeder with suet cake. Feeder — Click here to purchase
No melt suet cakes — Click here to purchase
Birdhouse kit — Click here to purchase
Colored Erasable pens for drawing birds — Click here to purchase
Whimsical birdwatching journal for drawing birds and documenting sightings — Click here to purchase

For Adults: Favorite Fiction Book Baskets

Creating a thoughtful book-themed gift basket really is simple and so well-received! The recipient can cozy up with the items in the basket and read their new book. Below are some fabulous items to include in any book basket, followed by some of my favorite recent fiction reads, including a few Christmas-themed ones. Trust me, someone you know is gonna flip when you give them one of these book baskets!

Favorite Book Basket Additions:

A mug
- I love mugs with thumb rest — Click here to purchase
- Or one with a hand warmer – This white one that says “cup of cozy “is adorable — Click here to purchase
- Here is a variety that comes in a few different colors and is available in left and right handed — Click here to purchase
Coffee, tea, cocoa mix
- One organic coffee company I LOVE also uses natural spices to flavor their gingerbread or peppermint mocha varieties (they have even more flavors than those!) — Click here to purchase
- I also love sipping this organic and caffeine free herbal tea in the winter — Click here to purchase
- Here is a great cocoa mix that at $14 might seem a bit pricey, but it makes 23 cups of hot cocoa and comes in an adorable clear milk bottle with all ingredients you can pronounce. — Click here to purchase
A book light
- Gotta read snuggled up in bed with a book light. I’ve used this one for years and I’ve given several as gifts. It is the best one I’ve ever used and comes in several colors. — Click here to purchase
Sweet or Savory snacks
- Here is a family favorite salty-cheesy one made with avocado oil — Click here to purchase
- A dark chocolate treat I love — Click here to purchase
- My husband’s favorite organic milk chocolate hazelnut butter crunch bar— Click here to purchase
Cozy throw blanket. I own two of these and they are the perfect weight and softness, low price point, and come in tons of colors:— Click here to purchase

My favorite Christmas reads

Christmas in the Castle Library by Ann Swindell (not just because she’s my friend, but because the book is so brilliant and keeps your interest–combining mystery with history!) — Click here to purchase

The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans (made into a movie back in the 1990’s that we loved watching with our kids!)— Click here to purchase

The Noel Diary by Richard Paul Evans (now a Netflix film!) — Click here to purchase

The Noel Letters by Richard Paul Evans — Click here to purchase

A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote! (the plot line redeems all those the fruitcake jokes around the holidays. I happen to love fruit cake. Not store-bought, but my own homemade recipe from my mom.) — Click here to purchase

Three other “anytime of the year” favorites:

The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright — Click here to purchase

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons — Click here to purchase

All the Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer — Click here to purchase

HAPPY BOOK BASKET BUILDING!!!!!!

NOTE: You can find 200 creative gift ideas in my co-authored book Homespun Gifts from the Heart where these ideas came from. It is available in e-Book.

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