Our Homeschool Holiday Gift Guide

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.


Amy Sharony

Amy Sharony is the founder and editor-in-chief of home | school | life magazine. She's a pretty nice person until someone starts pluralizing things with apostrophes, but then all bets are off.

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