There is something so special about sharing holiday stories with our children. Whether it is snuggling together under a cozy blanket, reading a Christmas book before bedtime, or discovering a new family favorite to enjoy year after year, books are one of those gifts that keep giving long after the decorations have been packed away.
If you are looking for meaningful Christmas gifts for kids, Hanukkah books for little readers, or fun additions to your family's holiday book collection, Sourcebooks has an adorable selection this year!
Their 2026 holiday lineup includes everything from sweet board books for babies and toddlers to silly picture books, festive family stories, and interactive activity books that will keep children entertained throughout the season.
I have rounded up 13 festive children's books to help make your holiday shopping a little easier. There is something here for just about every little reader on your gift list!
Disclosure: This post features books and information provided by Sourcebooks. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Sweet Holiday Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
1. You Are My Merry by Marianne Richmond
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 | Recommended Ages: 0–4
From beloved bestselling author Marianne Richmond comes a refreshed edition of her classic holiday book, featuring updated illustrations and lyrical text.
This sweet seasonal story would make a lovely addition to a baby's first Christmas basket or a thoughtful gift from grandparents.
If you enjoy giving books with a little extra sentimental value, this is one to consider!
2. Peek & Boo! Merry Christmas to You by Estrela Lourenço
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 | Recommended Ages: 0–4
Who doesn't love a good game of peekaboo?
In this adorable Christmas adventure, little readers help Peek search for Boo, a mischievous guinea pig who gets into all sorts of trouble around the house before Santa arrives.
The playful concept makes this a fun choice for toddlers who love interactive stories and discovering surprises along the way.
3. I Chews You! Christmas, Illustrated by Louise Anglicas
Suggested Retail Price: $9.99 | Recommended Ages: 0–3
Looking for a Christmas gift for a baby who wants to chew on absolutely everything?
This adorable holiday teether book combines festive scenes with an interactive format designed especially for little ones.
It is a cute option for baby's first Christmas, especially for families looking for age-appropriate gifts beyond traditional toys.
4. I Love You a Latke! by Rose Rossner
Suggested Retail Price: $12.99 | Recommended Ages: 3+
Get ready for some seriously adorable holiday wordplay!
Part of the USA Today bestselling Punderland series, I Love You a Latke! brings a little extra sweetness and humor to Hanukkah celebrations.
With its playful title and festive theme, this book makes a fun seasonal gift for young readers and a lovely addition to a family's Hanukkah book collection.
Christmas Picture Books for Festive Family Read-Alouds
Whether you read one story each night leading up to Christmas or surprise your children with a new book on Christmas Eve, these festive picture books offer plenty of opportunities to make memories together.
5. The Singing Tamales Present: 'Tis the Season for Tamales! by Andrea Campos
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99 | Recommended Ages: 4–8
Christmas traditions look different for every family, and that is part of what makes the holiday season so wonderful.
This festive story celebrates gathering with friends and family to make tamales, bringing food, music, and holiday cheer together in one joyful picture book.
It is a wonderful option for families who enjoy stories centered around togetherness, cultural traditions, and the special memories created in the kitchen.
6. The Worst Christmas Book in the Whole Entire World by Joey Acker
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99 | Recommended Ages: 3–7
Despite its title, this might just become one of your child's most-requested Christmas read-alouds!
Filled with bad jokes, festive mischief, silly illustrations, and perhaps a few too many candy canes, this hilarious picture book embraces the wonderfully ridiculous side of Christmas.
Perfect for kids who love funny stories and parents who don't mind a little extra laughter at bedtime.
7. Meet December by April Martin
Suggested Retail Price: $18.99 | Recommended Ages: 4–8
December is such an exciting month for children, filled with anticipation, seasonal changes, celebrations, and family traditions.
Meet December is the final installment in the Calendar Kids series, celebrating the last month of the year.
This would be a fun addition to a seasonal classroom library or a December-themed reading basket at home.
8. When the Goat Ate Christmas by Layla Sutton, Illustrated by Tommy Doyle
Suggested Retail Price: $12.99 | Recommended Ages: 4–8
What happens when Santa Claus encounters a very hungry goat who seems determined to eat Christmas?
Apparently, plenty of holiday chaos!
This laugh-out-loud rhyming picture book follows Santa as he goes beard-to-beard with a goat whose appetite might just get in the way of Christmas.
The silly premise and rhyming format make this a fun pick for preschoolers and elementary-aged children who enjoy humorous holiday adventures.
9. Little Red Sleigh Soars with Santa by Erin Guendelsberger
Suggested Retail Price: $18.99 | Recommended Ages: 4–9
Little Red Sleigh returns in another magical Christmas adventure from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling series.
For families who love traditional Christmas stories filled with Santa, sleighs, and seasonal magic, this is one to add to your holiday reading list.
It would also make a lovely Christmas Eve book to wrap up alongside a pair of cozy pajamas.
10. 101 Christmas Butts by Sam Harper, Illustrated by Chris Jevons
Suggested Retail Price: $12.99 | Recommended Ages: 3–7
Okay, parents. You already know this one is going to get some giggles!
With dancing butts, prancing butts, jingle butts, and plenty of other festive silliness, 101 Christmas Butts delivers exactly the kind of humor little kids find absolutely hilarious.
If you have a child who loves goofy picture books, this might be the unexpected hit of their Christmas morning.
Sometimes the best way to encourage a reluctant reader is to give them something that makes reading feel like pure fun!
Interactive Christmas Books and Activities for Kids
These selections are especially fun for Christmas countdowns, winter break activities, and holiday gift baskets.
11. My Sticker Dress-Up: Christmas Surprise!, Illustrated by Louise Anglicas
Suggested Retail Price: $16.99 | Recommended Ages: 4–8
Calling all sticker lovers!
This festive addition to the My Sticker Dress-Up series invites children to decorate holiday scenes as they count down to Christmas.
The Advent activity format makes it an especially fun gift to give at the beginning of December rather than waiting until Christmas morning.
It is also a great option for parents looking for screen-free holiday activities to enjoy throughout the season.
12. Find the Farter: Fartin' Around the Christmas Tree
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99 | Recommended Ages: 6–12
Every family has at least one child who thinks bathroom humor is the funniest thing in the entire world.
This book is for that child.
In this festive stink-and-find activity book, readers are challenged to discover the mysterious smelly offender.
It is silly, unexpected, and a fun option for older children who enjoy search-and-find activities with a humorous twist.
13. Snap & Snuggle: How to Catch an Elf
Suggested Retail Price: $17.99 | Recommended Ages: 4–10
If your family already loves the bestselling How to Catch series, this interactive holiday gift is worth checking out.
Snap & Snuggle: How to Catch an Elf pairs the festive story with a plush elf bracelet that children can snap onto their arms while reading.
The combination of a book and wearable plush accessory makes this an adorable Christmas gift, especially for children who enjoy interactive reading experiences.
It could also make a fun surprise during your family's annual Christmas countdown!
How to Create a Holiday Book Basket for Kids
Instead of filling another basket with toys that might eventually be forgotten, consider building a cozy holiday reading basket.
Start with one or two age-appropriate books from this list, then add a few inexpensive seasonal surprises.
Some fun ideas include:
- A new pair of Christmas pajamas
- A soft holiday blanket
- A festive bookmark
- Hot chocolate packets for older children
- A small stuffed animal to become their reading buddy
- Christmas stickers or coloring supplies
- A special note encouraging family reading time
For babies and toddlers, choose sturdy board books and only include accessories that are safe for their age.
You could even create a Christmas Eve basket or give children a new book at the beginning of December to enjoy throughout the season.
The important part isn't how much you spend. It is creating an opportunity to slow down and enjoy time together.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Books for Kids
Board books are an excellent choice for babies and toddlers because they are designed with little hands in mind. You Are My Merry, Peek & Boo! Merry Christmas to You, and I Chews You! Christmas are all recommended for children ages four and younger.
Are there Hanukkah books included in this holiday roundup?
Yes! I Love You a Latke! by Rose Rossner is a playful Hanukkah-themed addition to the bestselling Punderland series, recommended for children ages three and older.
What are some funny Christmas books for preschoolers?
The Worst Christmas Book in the Whole Entire World, When the Goat Ate Christmas, and 101 Christmas Butts are fun options for children who enjoy silly holiday stories.
What holiday books make good gifts for elementary-aged children?
Elementary-aged readers may enjoy Little Red Sleigh Soars with Santa, My Sticker Dress-Up: Christmas Surprise!, Snap & Snuggle: How to Catch an Elf, and Find the Farter: Fartin' Around the Christmas Tree. Always check the publisher's recommended age range when selecting a gift.
How can I make holiday reading a family tradition?
Try setting aside 10–15 minutes each evening during December for a family read-aloud. You can also wrap holiday books individually, create a seasonal reading basket, or let each child choose a favorite story for Christmas Eve.
Give the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season
Books are wonderful gifts because they can be enjoyed again and again. A favorite Christmas story might eventually become the one your child asks you to pull out every December.
Whether you are shopping for baby's first Christmas, building a festive classroom library, celebrating Hanukkah, or looking for a few silly stories to make your kids laugh, Sourcebooks has some fun selections for the 2026 holiday season.
Which of these festive children's books would your little reader be most excited to find under the tree or in their holiday gift basket?
Happy reading, and happy holidays!
Explore more family-friendly gift ideas, children's book recommendations, and seasonal activities here on Nanny to Mommy.
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