Activity Book Gift List! Inspire Writing, Drawing and Creativity!

Activity books are not boring!

If your only experience of activity books are the sticker books or maze books that you find in supermarkets then these books will really wow you! 

Now there is nothing wrong with a cheap sticker book filled with super heroes or fairies (in fact my kids have loved these books), however the books I am recommending today do even MORE than keep the kids busy for a little while.  These books will inspire your kids to draw, write and to to create, use their imaginations and learn (in a fun way)! 

These books do come with a warning label (ok just a precaution from me) that some parent involvement may be required for younger kids.  This is actually a huge bonus with side-by-side drawing such a great opportunity for learning, bonding and nurturing. I don't see this as a negative!

OK,  so what makes these books so good?!

​For younger kids:

1. ​DIY ABC by Eleonara Marton - The illustrations in this ABC board board are fantastic.  Kids are encouraged to draw, write and even cut in this book (eg. draw the ants in the ant hill, cut the grass).  Find this at  Amazon  or the Book Depository. 
2. The Usborne Big Doodling Book by Fiona Watt - This books prompts doodling and imagination.  Similar to the DIY ABC book but for slightly older children.  Add features to drawing prompts and decorate.  Find this at  Amazon  or the Book Depository. 
3. Fingerprint Activities Animals by Fiona Watt - We have been long time fans of theEd Emberley finger print books (check them out if you haven't seen them before).  This book works on a similar principle with ideas to add doodles and drawings to finger prints. The bonus with this book is that it comes with the ink pad already attached so no further materials are needed.  Finger printing is a wonderfully fun and creative way to encourage finger isolation and fine motor manipulation too! Find this at  Amazon  or the Book Depository. 
4. Lots of things to find and color! by Fiona Watt - As you can see, I'm a huge fan of Fiona Watt and Usborne books! This book has beautiful line drawings ready to find and color (colour - if you are Australian or British).  This books encourages visual perceptual skills with scanning, figure ground and discrimination all used to find certain clues given to you by the prompts.  ​ Find this at  Amazon  or the Book Depository. 
   
   

​Journals and Mindfulness

1. Draw and Write Journal for Kids by Creative Kids - This book encourages some introspection and reflection (eg. draw what you did today).  Scaffold lines are provided (ie. additional lines) to encourage letter sizes and spacing so this makes a great book for those wanting to work on handwriting skills at home! This book also encourages general doodling and drawing to personalize the book for your child. Find this at Amazon or theBook Depository. 
2. My First Gratitude Journal by Creative Kids - An introductory book for kids who have never written in a journal and may not have "reflected" before.  Kids are encouraged to think about the people in their lives and to be thankful. Younger kids may need help with recording their thought and feelings.   Find this at Amazon or the Book Depository. 
3. Start where you are: A Journal for Self Exploration by Meera Lee Patel - This book features inspiriting quotes in hand lettering.  It asks open ended questions and prompts your child to think about what THEY think and feel.  This book is suited to older kids (10 years and older).  Find this at Amazon or the Book Depository. 

​For Older kids:

1. How To Be and Explorer of the World by Keri Smith - With a focus on art and science, this book sends your child on a adventure to be an explorer of the world.  Your child will collect things, analyze them and document the details. Find this at Amazon or theBook Depository. 
2. FNSH THS BK by Keri Smith - This book is genius! It draws kids in with a mystery and a challenge to help to finish the book! Essentially this book is a series of small writing and drawing challenges to prompt your child to observe their surroundings and put it down into the book! Find this at Amazon or the Book Depository.   If you like these two books by Keri Smith, check out her other books too (Amazon Link)! 
3. 712 more things to draw by Chronicle Books- A series of drawing prompts that range from a nose to a paperweight to a dust bunny! A fun book to do with your child! Find this at Amazon or the Book Depository. 
4. 642 Things to Write About by Chronicle Books - The writing version of the book above may appeal to the those already keen to write or to teenagers (and adults).  Find this at Amazon or the Book Depository. 
5. Make Buildings - Inspire the future architect in your child! They will learn about different shapes and features of famous buildings.  Your child will experiment with drawing their own buildings too.  Find this at Amazon or theBook Depository. 
6. Word Play by Chuck Whelon - Comics! Your child might be a reluctant writer and reader.  This book contains a series of pictures with empty speech bubbles.  It is up to you child to think about the dialogue they can add to bring these comics to life. Find this at Amazon or the Book Depository.  

​Would you like to take a quick look inside some of these books?  Here is a short video to show you three of the books we are working through! 
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Don't expect your kids will work through these books cover to cover in one sitting. 

I have encouraged my kids to date their entries into these books so that they can pick them up and put them down again. My DD has been working on "712 Things to Draw" with Mr YKOT for several years and that's ok!  It is a great way to reflect on how their drawing changes as they grow older and mature.  My DS has just started "Make Buildings" with Mr YKOT.  Shh don't tell anyone, but my nieces and nephews will be receiving some of these books for Christmas this year!

This article contains affiliate links, however I really love these books! Many of the Amazon links will also give you an inside look of the books as well.. 

​Have you seen any of these activity books? What do your kids think? 

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