Our Homeschool Holiday Gift Guide
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’Tis the season of giving, so we’ve rounded up
a wishlist of gifts for your homeschooling pleasure,
Some nerdy, some bookish, some just for the geeks—
Unwrap them in haste and enjoy at leisure.
7 Book Lovers' Editions
Who can resist a good book, especially when it’s a great book dressed up in a fancy new cover?
1 :: Virago Modern Classics have covers created by British textile designers like Cath Kidston.
2 :: The sleek, graphic covers of White’s Books Fine Editions add a modern edge to library shelves.
3 :: Illustrator Jessica Hische designed the dramatic capital letters for the covers of Penguin's Drop Caps editions.
4 :: Melville House’s Novella series reimagines some lesser-known literature with bold fonts and Pantone colors.
5 :: Dover Books’ Calla editions are based on classic novels’ original cover designs.
6 :: Penguin Classics Deluxe Editions feature gorgeously illustrated covers.
7 :: Penguin Clothbound Classics look like they belong on old-fashioned library shelves,
4 Journals for Making Memories
What better way to ensure you never forget those backyard volcanoes and home theater productions?
1 :: Bare Books are an ideal way to show off your best stories and poems.
2 :: The perfect antidote to a no good, very bad day, FU: The Journal to Destroy, Rant and Vent Without the Police Becoming Involved makes a handy vent space.
3 :: Poppin’s Soft-Cover Notebooks come in a wide range of colors, so it’s easy to find everybody’s favorite.
4 :: Every Day: A Five Year Memory Book is the perfect way to keep a record of your homeschool life without all the pressure of a serious journal.
5 Cool Building Sets
Think beyond the Lego with these nifty construction sets that will bring out your child's inner architect.
1 :: Uncle Goose's Periodic Table Building Blocks are a silly science addition to the building blocks box.
2 :: Kapla Construction planks look deceptively simple, but once you start building, the construction options are endless.
3 :: Brio Builder Activity Kits come with the usual building blocks, plus wrenches, pliers, and other tools to put them together.
4 :: You don't need to steal a TARDIS when you can build one. Doctor Who fans will appreciate this Character Building Tardis Console, complete with tiny Eleven, Amy, River, and Rory.)
5 :: You have to take shape and weight into account when building cities with Blockitecture's architecturally inspired building blocks.
4 Cool Subscriptions
Subscription boxes are the gifts that keep giving, delivering a regular infusion of fun to your mailbox long after the tinsel's been put away.
1 :: Kiwi Crate‘s monthly project boxes are ideal for younger creators.
2 :: Teens and crafty kids will appreciate the monthly project-making kits from For the Makers.
3 :: Art Snacks delivers shiny new art supplies, plus detailed instructions on how to use them.
4 :: Loot Crate brings you nerdy, geeky goodies inspired by video games and pop culture.
6 Science Stars
You don't have to be planning a career as a scientist to appreciate the creative fun of these science-minded activities.
1 :: With the Bigshot Camera Kit, kids can build their own hand-crank digital cameras.
2 :: Grow your own insect-eating plants with the Carnivorous Creatures LED Light Cube.
3 :: The Periodic Quest board game is as nerdy as it sounds—but it’s also delightfully fun to play.
4 :: A 3-D printer definitely isn’t cheap, but if you’re planning a big splurge, consider this idea-to-reality generator an investment in creative fun.
5 :: Hook the Prank Star Quick-Attach Microscope to your smartphone or tablet, and you've got an instant microscope ready for impromptu science studies.
6 :: The coolest thing about the Roominate build-it-yourself dollhouse construction kit is that it's totally wired—build it right, and all the switches and appliances will actually work.
5 Crafty Ideas
Give a kid a toy, and he's entertained for a day. Give him a project, and he just might discover a lifelong passion.
1 :: Instant Iron-Ons by Julia Rothschild makes it easy to customize your favorite clothes and accessories.
2 :: A Stop-Motion Animation Kit will inspire young filmmakers.
3 :: A Stitch the Stars calendar lets you review your constellations, practice your embroidery, and keep up with what day it is.
4 :: Remember how much fun you used to have making designs with your Spirograph set? Give your kids the same artistic inspiration with a set of their own.
5 :: Small-scale projects like this cute Mermaid Sew Kit by the Beansters are easy for kids (and newbie parents) to finish successfully.
4 Playful Decks
Never underestimate the fun potential of a deck of playing cards.
1 :: Marshall McLuhan’s Distant Early Warning playing cards shuffle the perfect mix of stinging satire and witty pop culture jokes.
2 :: MOMA’s Tim Burton playing cards are as delightfully whimsical as you’d expect.
3 :: The rules in EcoFlux change depending on what cards you’re holding and how many you have.
4: $1 from every purchase of these quirky, Theory-designed Animal Kingdom playing cards goes to the World Wildlife Fund, so you can feel like a do-gooder next time you deal a hand of gin rummy.
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