The Primrose School of Ken Caryl Review
Holiday Gift Guide for Ages 0-5

Happy Holidays from all of us at Primrose Schools! We love taking this season to spend time with loved ones and make memories. However, parents know that stress sometimes sneaks in, and gift shopping can often be a big holiday stressor.

If you’re struggling with what to get your little ones, Ellie, mom of one, suggests following the “Want, Need, Wear, Read” model. The strategy is to give four gifts to your child: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. This is a great way to keep holiday giving simple and meaningful.

Something they want: There are few things that warm a parent’s heart like watching a child tear open a gift to find a toy that they’ve been begging for! However, gifts don’t have to be limited to toys or games. Here are a few ideas for fun experiences:

• Take a class as a family to learn something new. It could be cooking, rock climbing or painting.
• Give your children “tickets” to a family movie night, including “coupons” for their favorite movie snacks!
• Plan a scavenger hunt to make gift reveals even more exciting.

Something they need: Practical gifts can be fun, too! Think ahead to your family’s plans for the year and see if there are things your child may need, like fun school supplies or new gear for an upcoming trip.

Something to wear: While clothes aren’t always the most exciting gifts, the holiday season often brings great sales and styles, so it’s a great time to stock up!  

Something to read: Books are one of our favorite gifts for children of all ages! Here’s a list of age-appropriate book ideas from Anna Hall, parent and early education and literacy expert:

Children’s Books for 0-12 months

Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton

This fun rhyming text encourages babies to find their belly button, one of the first body parts that infants recognize. It even includes a fun sing-along song.

More, More, More Said the Baby by Vera Williams

This trio of diverse stories about babies and their family members is told in a rhythmic pattern that is soothing to babies. Your child will ask to hear “more, more, more” as you read about the affection of tickles and kisses shared by characters!

Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt

This book has been shared for generations between parents and children. As one of the original “touch and feel” books, Pat the Bunny invites children to engage with reading by patting the bunny throughout the story.

Children’s Books for 1-2 year-olds

Goodnight Gorilla by Peggy Rathman

This is a charming bedtime story filled with zoo animals and an ending sure to make your toddler giggle! With few words and beautiful illustrations, there are endless opportunities to discuss the story with your child.

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

This rhythmic and rhyming story brings alphabet letters to life for your toddler. Your child will enjoy building their alphabet knowledge skills as the letters of the alphabet run and climb around the pages.

Good Dog Carl by Alexandra Day

This almost wordless picture book includes an adorable Rottweiler who is the best babysitter in town. Your toddler will enjoy reading about the adventures of Carl and a baby.

Children’s Books for 3-4 year-olds

They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel

This award-winning story contains beautiful illustrations that demonstrate how perspective changes what we see.

Click, Clack, Moo by Doreen Cronin

This is a humorous story about farm animals and the special requests that they have for their farmer.

Knuffle Bunny by Mo Willems

Many children have a special attachment item that they can’t do without. This story captures the lengths that parents will go to find their children’s lost “lovies.”

Children’s Books for 5 year-olds

Franny B. Kranny, There’s a Bird in Your Hair by Harriet Lerner and Susan Goldhor

This story is a humorous account of a girl who likes to dance to the beat of her own drum. Your child will enjoy Franny’s persistence and willingness to make her own decisions.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

This is a touching classic about the selfless love between a boy and his tree. This book is sure to spark wonderful conversations with your child about generosity and kindness.

Ms. Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

After reading this book, both you and your child may consider what you do on a daily basis to make the world a little brighter.

However you and your family are celebrating, we hope that these gifts will help to make your holiday season bright!