I was a voracious reader as a kid, and when the holidays came around one of the gifts I always looked forward to was a new boxed set of books. There's something magical about a collection of books, especially if they come tucked into their very own box.
Many of these sets are only available for a limited time, which gives them an extra special touch. For avid young readers, this is a gift that will bring them joy for days to come, and for a kid who hasn't yet found the book that inspires them, a special set might be just what they need.
This year there are some wonderful new boxed sets and collections for a range of ages; here are some I think young readers will love. If you're looking for other gift ideas, check out our editors' holiday gift picks, where you'll find more recommendations for kids or anyone on your list.
Kate DiCamillo: Six Classic Novels by Kate DiCamillo
This box is unique in that it isn't a set of books in a series, but rather six of beloved author Kate DiCamillo's best-selling and award-winning novels. This one is perfect for kids who want variety, from the story of a brave mouse and a princess in The Tales of Despereaux to the Newbery-winning Flora and Ulysses, the delightful tale of an unlikely superhero told in text and comic-style graphic sequences. Ages 8-12
Dog Man Series 9 Books Collection Set by Dav Pilkey
This collection of all nine Dog Man books will be a thrilling gift for young graphic novel enthusiasts, and even kids who don't think they like reading have changed their tune once they get started on one of Dav Pilkey's delightful books. Every one of these Dog Man books has been a best seller, and author Dav Pilkey has received raves from parents who credit his books with inspiring their kids to read. Ages 7 and up
The Young Adventurer's Collection [Dungeons & Dragons 4-Book Boxed Set] by Jim Zub and more
Dungeons & Dragons has well and truly made a comeback, and the immersive game is just as popular now as it was decades ago. If you have a young fantasy enthusiast on your holiday gift list, this set of books will give them an introduction to D&D adventures and a comprehensive primer on some of the key elements they'll find in the game: creatures, magic, characters, and locations. Ages 8-12
Hogwarts Library: The Illustrated Collection by J. K. Rowling
It would be tough to have a holiday season that doesn't include a new Harry Potter set of some kind, and this year it's a box of three gorgeously illustrated companion books that make up the Hogwarts Library: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Quidditch Through the Ages, and The Tales of Beedle the Bard. This boxed set can do double duty for gift giving, since it's also perfect for the adult Harry Potter fan (or fans) in your life. Ages 8 and up
The Complete Skywalker Saga: Little Golden Book Library by various authors
Two classic series of childhood—Star Wars and Little Golden Books—come together in a special boxed set for the youngest Skywalker fans. The nine books in this boxed set correspond to each of the nine movies, retelling their stories for the younger audience. This collection works beautifully for both children who have not seen the movies yet but want to be a part of the Star Wars conversation, and for those who've seen and loved the films. Ages 2-5
