Books make perfect gifts for children

IT’S that time of year again, when every spare minute is spent trawling the internet and shops for gift ideas and making lists – lots of lists. 

It can be stressful and time consuming, trying to think up gift ideas, especially for children. Santa usually takes care of the toys, and gifts of outfits (although a hit with parents) can be about as exciting for a child as unwrapping a toaster as a wedding present.

One present that you can’t go wrong with is a book. There are so many books to choose from with almost every sport, TV programme and character bringing out new books each year, not to forgot the trusty annuals… Bunty, anyone? You will never be stuck for ideas. Book sets and tokens are also great gift ideas with studies showing that children who choose books for themselves are much more likely to finish them.

A book can take a child anywhere in the world, stimulate their imagination and open their mind to things they may never, or are yet to experience. Children learn empathy through the characters and gain a knowledge that runs deeper than what they will see on a TV screen. 

Books provide inspiration, provoke discussion and curiosity. They help children develop emotionally, and can ease fears about new situations, by reading about them beforehand – such as starting a new school, trips to the doctor and changes in family dynamics.

For babies and younger children, books are just as beneficial. They help develop language skills, focus and concentration. In a world where we are busier than ever, taking a few minutes to sit and read to a child will unlock more than just the words on the page. It will help create a bonding experience and some much needed quiet time.

Picture books can be underestimated. However, when a baby is finished chewing on them, their benefits are huge. Not only will they help develop vocabulary, babies and toddlers get to experience what is happening on each page through the words and illustrations. They get to take part in the action and further the story along, by turning the pages and anticipating what will happen next. Picture books also help with coordination through page turning.

The gift of a book can be the gift of a lifetime love of reading, something which will benefit children into adulthood. A good book can stay with a child long after they’ve finished the last page, and the Christmas decorations are packed away.

As Dr Seuss said: ‘The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’

• Janine Edgeworth is a dental nurse at Coolock Health Centre.