Birthday Traditions: Buying Books for Birthday Gifts

I’€™ve started a new tradition with my toddler and preschool nieces. When it’€™s their birthday month, I choose a day that works for both of us, pick them up (I’€™ve kept one of each of my car seats for transporting nieces/nephews around) and take them out for a treat and to choose and buy a new book.

I do also give them a gift at their party, but that’€™s from my entire family. The book outing is something special for the two of us. I adore my nieces and feel so lucky that I live close enough to them that I can easily do this fun activity.

For really young kids I like to purchase birthday-themed books, and luckily there are a few great ones around. My favourites include:

How Do Dinosaur’€™s Say Happy Birthday, by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party, by Melanie Watt
Happy Birthday to You, by Dr. Seuss
Birthday Monsters, by Sandra Boynton
Five Little Monkeys Build a Birthday Cake, by Eileen Christelow
A Birthday for Frances, by Russell Hoben
Happy Birdday, Tacky!, by Helen Lester

When they hit age three I let them choose what they would like. Last month, I took one of my nieces to the store and she selected a fairy tale, a book about Mickey Mouse superheroes, and another one based on a favourite cartoon.

Are you comfortable giving books for birthday gifts? Do you have any favourites that you’€™ve purchased?