Looking for a fun, battery free gift this holiday season? Check out these 25+ activity books and sets! There’s something here for everyone on your list: puzzles, art, history, STEM, coloring and crafts. With product descriptions, reviews, photos, & purchase info, this guide will help you wrap up your holiday shopping with ease.
Math Games for Clever Kids: More than 100 Puzzles to Exercise Your Mind
PUZZLES, STEM, TIMES-TABLES, ARITHMETIC, NUMBER PYRAMIDS, PICTORIAL PROBLEMS, SUDOKU
WHAT YOU GET: 192-page paperback book with 101 mathematical puzzles of increasing difficulty and varying design. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Perfectly sized for travel, it’s lightweight and fits easily in a backpack or handbag. Great for hours of independently directed fun. Excellent variety keeps it interesting as you progress. Transforms math from a worksheet chore into fun, clever riddles.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil and eraser
AGES: 8-12
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S Publishing; ISBN: 978-1-4380-128-4; US $6.99, Canada $8.99
I Heart Monet Activity Book
ART, ART HISTORY, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 64 full-color page, softcover book. Each page highlights a work by Claude Monet and provides some insight into the piece, which is then followed by an associated creative prompt. Creative prompts vary widely in style, and space is provided for their completion.
WHAT I LOVE: Creates an immersive and interactive art history lesson that creates space for readers to engage with the piece by following the prompts. Many prompts create mini art lessons to enhance appreciation for the artist’s methods. Written response prompts remind readers that art is intended to engage the reader on a personal, emotional level. Would be an excellent addition to a homeschool classroom and superb follow-up to a gallery experience.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil, colored medium of your choice
AGES: 6-99
PURCHASE INFO: Mudpuppy; ISBN 978-0-7353-5219-3; US $12.99
Ghost Story Box: Create Your Own Spooky Tales (Magma for Laurence King)
STORYTELLING, COMMUNICATION SKILLS
WHAT YOU GET: A sturdy box with 20 double-sided story telling cards that connect like puzzle pieces.
WHAT I LOVE: Fun and lighthearted art makes it engaging and appropriate for all ages. Interchangeable, double-sided story cards free of text create infinite storyline possibilities — your imagination is the only limitation. Would be excellent educational tool for teaching kids cause and effect sequences, visual comprehension skills, and verbal communication skills. Sturdy construction allows for repeated play and tidy storage.
WHAT YOU NEED: up to 8 feet of space
AGES: 3+
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing, Ltd; ISBN 978-1-78627-012-2; US $14.99, UK £9.16
Super-Duper Snowy Doodle Book (Super-Duper Doodle Books)
COLORING, SPOTTING, DRAWING, STICKERS, STORYTELLING
WHAT YOU GET: 96-page activity book and 50 large, full-color stickers. Activities include coloring, mini drawing lessons, spotting, drawing prompts, and story-writing prompts.
WHAT I LOVE: Fun, cheerful art. Bright white coloring pages show off colors. Sturdy pages prevent show-through and are much more durable than a standard coloring book. Stickers are large and feature characters/original art from the book. Each pages leaves perfect amount of space for coloring, drawing, and other activities. Variety of activities keep it engaging and encourage creativity.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil and coloring media of your choice
AGES: 6-9
PURCHASE INFO: HMH Books for Young Readers; ISBN 978-1-328-81021-2; US $9.99
MAZE-O-ZOIC: 50 Dinosaur Mazes
MAZES, DINOSAURS
WHAT YOU GET: 50 dinosaur-themed mazes of increasing difficulty. Five difficulty levels in total with each maze labeled accordingly. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Fantastic art with bright colors makes every page fun and unique. Wide variety of maze designs and challenge levels keep the book interesting as you progress. And for true dinosaur lovers, each illustration identifies the dinosaur’s scientific name and and its prehistoric era.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil and eraser
AGES: 9-12
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1227-8; US $6.99, Canada $8.99
Where’s Waldo? The Spectacular Spotlight Search
SPOTTING, MAGIC SLIDER
WHAT YOU GET: 16-page hardcover book with 6 magic slider images. Each image is a different setting and has a list of 5 unique items to spot. Each scene also has 5 Waldo characters and one or more flashlights to spot.
WHAT I LOVE: The magic slider really feels magical — it slides around very easily, the wand is nearly invisible over the image, and the image is beautifully clear through the star. Every image has all the fun, silly details expected in Where’s Waldo. Sturdy pocket in the front cover keeps the wand safely stored away when not in use.
WHAT YOU NEED: just the book
AGES: 5-9
PURCHASE INFO: Candlewick Press; ISBN 978-1-5362-0176; US $18.99, Canada $19.99
I Am Not an Old Sock: 10 Awesome Things to Make with Socks
CRAFTS, ART, RECYCLING, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 48-page book with explicit visual and written instructions for creating 10 sock projects. Multiple suggestions for spin-off projects and a page of paper cutout accessories.
WHAT I LOVE: Has ideas for socks of varied sizes and patterns. Wide variation in projects from holiday decor to pet toys. Necessary components are easily found at home or any local craft store. “Go Further” sections extend the book’s utility and promote independent, creative thinking.
WHAT YOU NEED: variety of socks, glue, tape, safety scissors (or fabric scissors with adult supervision), thread, string, buttons, googly eyes, ribbon, pens, colorful cardstock/paper, pipe cleaners, feathers, uncooked rice (for filling), and scraps of material/fabric/socks/cotton batting for stuffing.
AGES: 6-10
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1243-8; US $8.99, Canada $11.50
Let’s Make Some Great Fingerprint Art
FINGERPRINT ART, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 128-page fingerprint art workbook filled with fingerprint facts, directions for recreating art projects, prompts for creating unique art, and mini art lessons.
WHAT I LOVE: Wide variety of projects extend far beyond the reproduction of cute fingerprint animals. Projects include creating form as well as motion, mass, and emotion. Provides instruction for utilizing and incorporating other media. Challenges the reader to think creatively and builds artistic confidence. Would be an excellent addition to a homeschool art class and fantastic gift for all art enthusiasts.
WHAT YOU NEED: Your hand! Plus: ink pads, pencils, paper towel/damp cloth, scissors, construction paper, straw, colored pencils/pens, paints, glue, removable tape, paint rollers, colored ink
AGES: 4-8
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78067-015-7; US $14.95; UK £9.95
Make Your Own Spaceship
ROCKETS, CRAFTS
WHAT YOU GET: A sturdy box with 15 press-out and slot-together rocket cards plus a custom envelope for each. 12 rockets are professionally decorated and 3 remain blank for your own designs.
WHAT I LOVE: Sturdy box allows for tidy storage until you’re ready to construct the rockets. Individual pieces are easy to press out and assembly is self-evident. Assembled rockets are stable enough to hold together but also easily disassembled. Pieces store well in their individual envelopes, which would also make for fun surprises in the mail. Art is bold with many humorous elements, and blank designs allow for individual creative expression.
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 6+
PURCHASE INFO: Magma for Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78067-840-5; US $24.95, UK £14.96
Around the World in 80 Puzzles
SPOTTING, MAZES, PUZZLES
WHAT YOU GET: Oversized, hardcover, 96-page book with 80 image-based puzzles. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Gorgeous art is captivating and filled with numerous fun details. Each puzzle is unique and the challenge objectives are varied. Puzzles strike a great balance between challenging and whimsical.
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 7-9
PURCHASE INFO: Big Picture Press; ISBN 978-1-5362-0308-0; US $19.99, Canada $22.99
Terrific Timelines: Fashion: Press out, put together & display!
FASHION, HISTORY
WHAT YOU GET: 40-page paperback book containing 20 press-out models and 21-inch timeline display. Each model has a dedicated page of associated information including defining features, cultural context and historical icons.
WHAT I LOVE: Fun factual information is paired with beautifully detailed models complete with clothing, hair, make-up and accessories of the era. Fun enrichment to historical lessons. Excellent introduction to societal context when teaching women’s history. Constructed timeline with models is impressively stable and makes a lovely display.
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 6+
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78627-312-3; US $19.99, £12.99
Incredible Puzzles: 150+ Timed Puzzles to Test Your Skill
PUZZLES, MAZES, SPOTTING, DOT-TO-DOT, COLORING
WHAT YOU GET: 196-page paperback book with over 150 unique and varied puzzles that increase in difficulty as the book progresses. Many contain elements that allow the reader to color the image. Each has a “Beat This!” time to add an additional layer of challenge. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Each puzzle has fun, colorful illustrations that vary in theme and style. Variety of puzzle styles, playful illustrations, and increasing difficulty keep the book engaging. Great for hours of self-directed fun and ideal for passing time while traveling.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil, eraser, coloring medium of your choice
AGES: 8-11
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1207-0; US $12.99, Canada $15.99
Midnight Creatures: A Pop-up Shadow Search
SHADOW ART, CUT PAPER ART, SPOTTING, STEM, POP-UP
WHAT YOU GET: 10-page hardcover book with 5 pop-up paper cut scenes: The Dense Jungle, The Dark Cave, The Moonlit Woodland, The Deep Ocean, and The Night Birds. As you shine a flashlight through the images it projects animal silhouettes and scenery via light and shadow on the wall. At the bottom of each scene are silhouettes of 5 animals that can be found in the scene and interesting factual information about each.
WHAT I LOVE: It’s absolutely fascinating to watch random shadows suddenly form clear images animals! Fantastic change in medium from typical spotting books, and an inspiration to create shadow art and cut paper art of your own.
WHAT YOU NEED: flashlight, blank wall or ceiling space, dark room
AGES: 3+
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78067-822-1; US $24.95, UK £15.95
I Am Not a Cereal Box: 10 Exciting Things to Make with Cereal Boxes
CRAFTS, RECYCLING, ART, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 48-page paperback book with 10 cereal box projects. Each project has explicit visual and written instructions as well as a suggestion and simple instructions for similar projects. A page of paper cut out accessories is included in the back.
WHAT I LOVE: Wide variety of projects including toys, a puppet theater, a marble run and a guitar. The “Go Further” sections encourage using the skills learned in these 10 projects to make more creative projects. Encourages creative play with things routinely found in your recycling bin, and supplemental items are easily found at home or in local craft stores.
WHAT YOU NEED: cereal boxes (or boxes of a similar shape), cardboard tubes, cardstock scraps, tin foil, paints, paintbrushes, bottle caps, buttons, yarn, sequins, pipe cleaners, tape, glue, scissors
AGES: 6-10
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1242-1; US $8.99, Canada $11.50
Make and Move Mega: Creatures of the Deep
PAPER ART, DEEP SEA CREATURES, 3D MODELS, STEM
WHAT YOU GET: Sturdy box containing pieces to assemble 3D, moving paper models of 5 different deep sea creatures. One instruction booklet with visual and written instructions.
WHAT I LOVE: Completed models are impressive to look at, fun to move, and sturdy. Assembly is challenging enough to feel pride in their construction, but not frustrating. Paper is delicate enough to require user to have good manual dexterity, but strong enough to take apart and reassemble if a mistake is made. Truly do not need any kind of tape or adhesive. Super fun example of engineering!
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 8+
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78627-190-7; US $16.99, UK £10.83
Sticky History of the World
STICKERS, HISTORY
WHAT YOU GET: Paperback book containing 150 stickers, foldout carousel depicting 15 historical periods, a timeline, and brief historical information on each depicted period. Depicted periods are: The Big Bang, The Age of the Dinosaurs, The Neanderthals, The Romans, The Greeks, The Egyptians, The Sumerians, The Vikings, The Middle Ages, The Aztecs, The Discovery of the New World, The United States of America (1776 CE), The 20th Century, The 21st Century, and the Space Age.
WHAT I LOVE: Fantastic illustrations with lots of fun details, some of which are quite funny. You can arrange the stickers as historically accurately or inaccurately as you desire. Excellent way to bring some playfulness to your history studies.
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 6-9
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78627-037-5; US $14.99, UK £12.99
Discovery Globe: Build-Your-Own Globe Kit
GEOGRAPHY, CRAFTS, 3D PAPER MODEL, CULTURAL AWARENESS, HISTORY, HABITATS, SPOTTING
WHAT YOU GET: A box containing press-out globe pieces, dowel, plastic connector, globe stand, and 48-page World Explorer’s Guide. Guide contains written and illustrated assembly instructions plus 17 sections providing further information about icons found across the globe; these sections range in content and include geographical, historical, environmental, and cultural topics. This information is then followed by a question that requires referencing the globe to find the answer. Also included in the guide is a “Can You Find Them?” section full of additional icons to spot across the globe. Answer key and glossary included at the back of the guide.
WHAT I LOVE: Once assembled, you have a 18.5 inch, sturdy and fully spinning globe, plus the pride of putting it together! Assembly is relatively easy as each piece is well labeled and tabs securely interlock. Assembled globe spins smoothly and holds up well to my children’s enthusiasm. The World Explorer’s Guide provides hours of educational entertainment and is sure to stimulate further interest in learning more about our world.
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 8-12
PURCHASE INFO: Candlewick Press; ISBN 978-0-7636-9748-8; US $22.99, Canada $30.99
Amazing Puzzles: 150+ Timed Puzzles to Test Your Skill
PUZZLES, MAZES, SPOTTING, COLORING, DOT-TO-DOT
WHAT YOU GET: 196-page paperback book with over 150 unique and varied puzzles that increase in difficulty as the book progresses. Many contain elements that allow the reader to color the image. Each has a “Beat This!” time to add an additional layer of challenge. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Each puzzle has fun, colorful illustrations that vary in theme and style. Variety of puzzle styles, playful illustrations, and increasing difficulty keep the book engaging. Great for hours of self-directed fun and ideal for passing time while traveling.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil, eraser, colored medium of your choice
AGES: 8-11
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-11206-3; US $12.99, Canada $15.99
I Am Not an Egg Carton: 10 Amazing Things to Make with Egg Cartons
EGG CARTONS, RECYCLING, CRAFTS, ART, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 48-page paperback book with visual and written instructions for 10 projects using egg cartons. Each project has a follow-up suggestion with simple instructions for similar projects. A page of paper cut-out accessories is included.
WHAT I LOVE: Wide variety of projects that include toys, costumes, and musical shakers. The “Go Further” sections extend the creative ideas beyond the 10 main projects. Encourages creative play with things routinely found in your recycling bin, and supplemental items are easily found at home or in local craft stores.
WHAT YOU NEED: egg cartons, colorful paper, colorful cardstock, tissue paper, glue, tape, scissors, tin foil, paints, paintbrushes, ruler, straws, bottle caps, buttons, feathers, lollipop sticks, string, google eyes
AGES: 6-10
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1245-2; US $8.99, Canada $11.50
I Heart Haring Activity Book
ART, ART HISTORY, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 64 full-color page activity book featuring the work of Keith Haring. Historical information and insights into Haring’s art are included throughout. Following each featured work of art is a related activity prompt and space for completion.
WHAT I LOVE: Haring’s art is super fun and accessible, making it ideal for an activity book. Activities include writing prompts as well as visual art prompts. Excellent way to extend the gallery experience and explore pop art.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil, eraser, colored media of your choice
AGES: 6+
PURCHASE INFO: Mudpuppy; ISBN 978-0-7353-4400-6; US $12.99
The Superhero Adventure Playset
SUPERHEROS, PAPER MODELS, IMAGINARY PLAY
WHAT YOU GET: Hardcover book that opens to reveal a fold-out carousel playset with 3 scenes (Super City, Fire Caves, and Doom Laboratory) and a storage pocket containing 12 fold-out paper characters (mix of heroes and villains).
WHAT I LOVE: This is a deceptively compact book that packs hours of creative, self-contained fun. Clever design uses a velcro strap to secure the book in its compact closed position or in a stable, upright, expanded position. Character descriptions provide enough information to spark interest but leave plenty of room for imagination. And the art is fantastic!
WHAT YOU NEED: nothing
AGES: 6+
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78627-024-5; US $22.99, UK £16.99
Star Quest: Extreme Puzzle Challenges for Clever Kids (Puzzle Masters)
SPACE, STEM, PUZZLES, MAZES, DOT-TO-DOT, COLORING
WHAT YOU GET: 64-page activity book with intricate mazes, dot-to-dot puzzles, and color code images. Each page is perforated so that it can be removed neatly from the book for easier handling. Opposite each challenge are 4 fascinating space facts. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: This is the perfect activity book for any space-loving kid! Intricate images make these puzzles more interesting than the standard dot-to-dot or color code images. Included facts are an excellent blend of educational information and fun trivia tidbits.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil, eraser, colored pencils
AGES: 8+
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1159-2; US $9.99, Canada $12.50
Brain Gaming for Clever Kids: More than 100 Puzzles to Exercise Your Mind
PUZZLES, SUDOKU, MAZES, WORD LADDERS, BATTLESHIPS, MINESWEEPERS, MEMORY GAMES, STEM, LOGIC PUZZLES
WHAT YOU GET: 192-page paperback book with 101 puzzles of increasing difficulty and varying design. Answer key and scratch workspace in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Perfectly sized for travel, it’s lightweight and fits easily in a backpack or handbag. Great for hours of independently directed fun. Excellent variety keeps it interesting as you progress through the book.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil and eraser
AGES: 8-12
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1237-7; US $6.99, Canada $8.99
A-MAZE-ING Animals: 50 Mazes for Kids
MAZES, ANIMALS
WHAT YOU GET: 50 animal-themed mazes of increasing difficulty. Five difficulty levels with each maze labeled accordingly. Answer key in back.
WHAT I LOVE: Fantastic, brightly colored art makes every page fun and unique. Wide variety of maze designs and challenge levels keep the book interesting as you progress. Humorous details in the art add an extra layer of fun.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil and eraser
AGES: 9-12
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-0994-0; US $6.99, Canada $8.99
Space Racers: Make Your Own Paper Rockets
SPACE, ROCKETS, 3D PAPER MODELS, CRAFTS, STEM
WHAT YOU GET: Sturdy box with Rocket Fact Files booklet, Instructions booklet, and Rocket Models booklet. Model pieces are made of press-out paper contained in the model booklet. Rocket Fact Files booklet contains historical and scientific information about the 8 rockets represented in the models. 2 rocket models remain blank for your own designs. Instructions are primarily visual with occasional written text.
WHAT I LOVE: These intricate and detailed models create truly spectacular paper replicas of real rockets. Rocket Fact Files booklet has information about general rocket science and the specific rockets modeled which creates a fascinating educational dimension. Rockets are given star ratings to indicate the level of difficulty to assemble, and the instruction booklet opens with a review of general techniques used across models. Detailed and intricate models provide fantastic sense of accomplishment upon completion. Model pieces are safely stored, clearly labeled and well organized in their booklet.
WHAT YOU NEED: glue, paintbrush, glue spreader, popsicle stick, pencil
AGES: 8+
PURCHASE INFO: Laurence King Publishing; ISBN 978-1-78627-039-9; US $29.99, UK £18.75
I Heart Art Activity Journal
ART, ART HISTORY, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 64 full-color page activity book featuring a variety of masterwork pieces from the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco. Historical information and artistic insights are included with each piece. Creative prompts and workspace follow each masterpiece.
WHAT I LOVE: Fantastic variety of art including paintings, textiles, and sculpture from around the world. Activities include writing prompts as well as visual art prompts. Excellent way to extend the gallery experience and a fun way to expand your art history knowledge. Would be a superb homeschool addition.
WHAT YOU NEED: pencil, eraser and colored media of your choice
AGES: 6+
PURCHASE INFO: Mudpuppy; ISBN 978-0-7353-4206-4; US $12.99
I Am Not a Toilet Paper Roll: 10 Incredible Things to Make with Toilet Paper Rolls
TOILET PAPER ROLLS, CRAFTS, RECYCLING, ART, CREATIVITY
WHAT YOU GET: 48-page paperback book with visual and written instructions for 10 projects using toilet paper rolls. Each project has a follow-up suggestion with simple instructions for similar projects. A page of paper cut-out accessories is included.
WHAT I LOVE: Wide variety of projects that include toys and holiday decor. The “Go Further” sections extend the creative ideas beyond the 10 main projects. Encourages creative play with things routinely found in your recycling bin, and supplemental items are easily found at home or in local craft stores.
WHAT YOU NEED: empty toilet paper rolls, tape, glue, colorful paper, colorful yardstick, finger paints, paintbrushes, scissors, string, tin foil, glitter, lollipop sticks, pens, pencils
AGES: 6-10
PURCHASE INFO: B.E.S. Publishing; ISBN 978-1-4380-1244-5; US $8.99, Canada $11.50
Thank you to the following publishers for participating in my Holiday Gift Guide and supporting my blog: B.E.S. Publishing, Candlewick Press, Laurence King Publishing, Mudpuppy, and Ryan Sias with HMH.
Read. Learn. Repeat. 