Self-Care Gifts for a Little Me-Time
Sometimes the best gift is permission to slow down for a minute. These are our favorite self-care gifts, from spa-day-at-home treats to cozy blankets, reading-nook upgrades and little luxuries for the people in your life (yourself included) who rarely take a break.
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This guide contains affiliate links, which means we receive a small commission from some purchases to help support our team. All picks are determined editorially by our staff; there has been no compensation in exchange for our picks.
Amazon Editors: Best Children’s Books of 2018
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
The Coretta Scott King Award
The Coretta Scott King Award, for African-American authors and illustrators This year, Euka Holmes won this award for her wonderfully vivid illustrations in Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets. This is an amazing collection for children, written by the incredible Kwame Alexand
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
The Stonewall Book Awards
Related: 6 fantastic children’s books celebrating LGBT families, because #LoveisLove
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
The Pura Belpré Awards
Another favorite is Lucky Broken Girl, a powerful, poignant YA novel by Ruth Behar, based on the author’s own childhood experience as a Cuban-Jewish immigrant in the1960s who finds community after a life-changing auto accident in fifth grade. (Publisher Penguin-Random House offer
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
The New York Times Notable Children’s Books of 2018
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
Brain Pickings: The Loveliest Children’s Books of 2018
Related: 5 terrific children’s books to help raise activist kids
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
The Children’s Literature & Reading Special Interest Group:
Some of these books have appeared on the critically acclaimed lists, but others are more accessible to your kids who may not be devouring literary fiction at the moment. Try this list; we think you’ll find something your kids will love here.
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
The 2018 ALA Book Awards
The American Library Association (ALA) hands out the biggest awards in children’s publishing every year, like the Newbery, Caldecott, and Coretta Scott King awards, among others. But you may not know that they maintain a comprehensive list of best children’s books each year too,
From: All the best children's books of 2018 from all the best best-of 2018 lists. Perfect place to kickstart your 2019 reading list
7 of the best video games to play as a family
Related: 7 of the best video games to play as a family
From: Try these must-read books for kids who like video games. Because all genres are good genres!
Best Children’s Books of the Year So Far from the Amazon Editors
Find Buffalo Fluffalo, by Bess Kalb and Erin Kran on Amazon, order for pickup at your neighborhood Barnes & Noble, or purchase from Bookshop.org and support your favorite independent bookshop,
From: Amazon Editors announce their Best Children's Books of the Year So Far...including one I adore!
Shakespeare and Company Bookshop Visit & Gift Book
Visit the iconic English-language bookshop near Notre Dame — a great gift for teen readers who’ll treasure a book or bookstore experience.
From: Paris with teens: 8 of our favorite off-the-beaten-path attractions and activities
Sarabella’s Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner (picture book)
A charming picture book with imaginative illustrations, great for storytime and dress-up reading activities.
From: Celebrate World Read Aloud Day! Amazing resources, free printables, author videos, children's book recos and more
Spectacular Sisters by Aura Lewis (gift book)
A bright, illustrated gift book celebrating sisterhood and empowering stories—suitable for a favorite sister or someone you love like a sister.
From: Spectacular Sisters is the perfect gift for a favorite sister in your life
The Lightmaker's Manifesto by Karen Walrond (book)
Inspirational book about sustaining joy while doing social change work — thoughtful gift for activist friends.
From: 16 truly special Valentine's gifts for best friends who could use a little extra love right now
Tom Lake (novel)
A literary novel known for emotional depth and family dynamics — a respected, thoughtful selection for avid readers and book clubs.
From: Our summer reading list for moms. (Why should kids get all the fun?)
Big Little Lies (novel)
The bestselling domestic drama that inspired widespread reader devotion — a tense, addictive pick for fans of twisty friendships.
From: Our summer reading list for moms. (Why should kids get all the fun?)
Daisy Jones and the Six (novel)
A bestselling novel about a fictional rock band with immersive storytelling — a stylish, engaging gift for music-loving readers.
From: Our summer reading list for moms. (Why should kids get all the fun?)
Guided Memory Journal for Moms
A guided keepsake journal that helps moms record memories, prompts for reflections, and preserves family stories.
From: Our guide to last-minute Mother's Day gifts that she'll truly appreciate.
Superhero Sewing: Playful, Easy, Sew and No-Sew Designs for Powering Kids’ Big Adventures
A beginner-friendly sewing book with tutorials for making superhero capes and accessories—great for crafty parents, grandparents, or teens who want homemade gifts.
From: How to DIY some of the most popular superhero capes on Etsy
The Anti-Racist Kid: A Book About Identity, Justice, And Activism (Tiffany Jewell)
A well-regarded primer on anti-racism for young readers that helps kids understand identity, justice, and how to take informed action — a thoughtful educational gift.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activism
You Are Mighty: A Guide to Changing the World (Caroline Paul & Lauren Tamaki)
A hands-on guide filled with DIY projects and ideas for small- and large-scale change, great for inventive kids who like practical action steps.
From: Help kids be the change they want to see in the world with these 7 terrific children's books about activism
I Am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang (Children's Book)
A picture book addressing anxiety and bravery that can be packed in a backpack as a comforting reminder of coping strategies.
From: Beyond loveys: 11 sweet comfort items to send kids to school with fewer worries | Back to School Guide 2018
Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen by Michelle Icard (book)
A practical parenting guide offering age-by-age conversation prompts and strategies to help parents navigate important talks with their kids.
From the guide
A Thousand Miles to Graceland (audiobook)
Audiobook narration by Asian American performers offering an immersive listening experience—suitable as a gift for audiobook fans.
From the guide