5 Reasons Books are the Best Gifts for Multilingual Kids

Books are my favorite gift to give for any occasion, especially for families raising multilingual children.

Although kids are often more excited about getting toys, books are always my go-to gift.

This is because gifting books sends a clear message that literacy is important.

For multilingual families, gifting books in the minority language is particularly special.

In monolingual countries like the United State, books in other languages are hard to come by.

Therefore, gifting a children’s book in the minority language suggests that the gift givers have gone out of their way to find these books!

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Here are 5 more reasons books are the best gifts for multilingual kids:

1. Books are good for your brain

This is a no brainer!

Books teach facts, stimulate imagination, and expand our understanding of the world.

In addition, reading aloud improves listening and speaking skills significantly.

2.  Books broaden vocabulary that might not otherwise be in your everyday conversation

Think about your typical conversations with your children.  How much time do you spend coming up with each sentence?  Not much, right? 

Since we just say what we have to say, we typically don’t deliberate over our words compared to writers.

Through books, we get to read and hear thoughtfully selected adjectives and eloquent sentences that stretch our vocabulary!

Try this: How to Make the Switch from Dominant to Minority Language

3.  Books are necessary for creating a language learning environment

Multilingual families living in monolingual countries, such as in the United States, often struggle with maintaining minority languages.

Chances are that your kids see signs and words primarily in the dominant language.

In our family, Chinese and Korean are the minority languages, and our kids only see those languages at home.

However, when children are surrounded by words in the minority language, they will be more likely to ask, wonder, and talk about it.

Therefore, building a home library in the minority language is essential to fostering a love of learning.

Offer a variety of books to motivate your child to read!

Explore this: Luka Reading Robot is a Game Changer for Bilingual Chinese-English Families

4.  Books are environmentally-friendly and non-toxic

Honking plastic toys are huge a pet peeve of many parents!

Unfortunately, popular toys tend to be noisy and annoying, unimaginative, and outgrown quickly.

As a result, when kids stop playing with them, all of the extra plastic ends up in the landfill.

Thankfully, books are relatively green!

Explore this: How We Transformed Our Play Area / Homeschool Room – Before and After Guide

5.  Books can be reopened again, and again, and again!

When you finish reading a book, it’s not over!  I love re-reading books with my children and seeing what things they notice on the second, third, and other future reads.

Different pictures may catch their eye, and they ask new questions about the storyline!

In summary, books are the best gift for multilingual kids!  What are your family’s favorites?  Please share in the comments below!

More Chinese books for kids

• For all book recommendations, explore our favorite Chinese books for kids!
• If you’re wondering where to buy children’s books, click here for the best online Chinese bookstores!

Holiday shopping guide for kids

If you’re shopping for holiday gifts, check out our educational gift guides!

• Ultimate Gift Guide for Kids Learning Chinese!
• 10 Best Toys For Children That Promote Creativity and Learning
• Favorite Jigsaw Puzzles for Kids of All Ages
• The Best Human Anatomy Toys and Science Gifts for Kids
• Favorite Educational Montessori Toys on Etsy

Happy learning, friends!