> Skip to content

Article  •  17 November 2016

 

Christmas gifts for kids!

From the cute and cuddly to witches and fire giants, not forgetting Hairy Maclary and other family favourites, there’s something to suit every little bookworm this Christmas!

 

Can’t decide? For a helping hand, visit www.penguingifts.co.nz and we’ll pick the perfect gift for you! Here are just a few of our favourite kids’ books this Christmas:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Double Down

The latest book in the phenomenally successful Diary of a Wimpy Kid series! With more than 165 million books in print and available in 49 languages, The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series has tens of millions of fans across the globe. Putting Double Down under the tree is bound to earn you ‘cool’ points!

 

Ranger the Kaimanawa Stallion

The first picture book from Kelly Wilson, star of TV2’s Keeping up with the Kaimanwas – with stunning illustrations by the talented Jenny Cooper (Roly the Anzac Donkey and Jim’s Letters). A heart-warming picture book sure to delight little horse lovers, this is the true story about a stallion rescued from the 2012 Kaimanawa muster, and his real-life journey from wild horse to show horse.

 

Magnus Chase and the Hammer of Thor: Magnus Chase

From the creator of Percy Jackson, another hero on an epic adventure! This is the second book in Rick Riordan’s popular Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series. Think Norse mythology, thunder gods and fire giants. The perfect read for adventure seekers!

 

The Witch's Vacuum Cleaner and Other Stories

Big imaginations require tall tales! Featuring food fights, pirates, wizards and crooks, this illustrated collection of short stories by master storyteller Sir Terry Pratchett is just the ticket! Fourteen fantastically funny stories to entertain and delight.

 

Did you hear a monster?

A delightful monster-themed picture book and CD from the award-winning author of It's Not a Monster, It's ME! This book comes complete with a bonus CD with three songs performed by The Little City Critters, plus a read-along version of the story. Perfect for the little monster in your life!

 

Need some help choosing the perfect gift? Visit www.penguingifts.co.nz, tell us who you're buying for and we'll pick the perfect book! 

More features

See all
Article
Laugh-out-loud books to encourage a love of reading

There is nothing kids love more than a big old belly-laugh, and when it comes to reading, a book full of laugh-out-loud moments can unlock a joy of reading for life!

Article
The Perfect Mother’s Day Brunch

Treat Mum to an amazing meal at home this Mother’s Day! We’ve curated the perfect Mother’s Day brunch using some of our most popular recipes.

Article
The Migrants Author Talks

Join Christopher de Hamel as he travels across New Zealand for a series of author talks, exploring the connections between his South Island childhood, medieval manuscripts and 19th century Aotearoa.

Article
Why readers LOVE Lottie Brooks: Real Reader Reviews

In their own words, younger readers review their favourite Lottie Brooks books and why they love the series!

Article
Your guide to Matt Dinniman's Dungeon Crawler Carl series

Not sure where to start with the Dungeon Crawler Carl series? Find out which to read first, and learn a little bit about each book.

Article
15 of the best vampire books to add to your TBR

Discover some of the best vampire books – from paranormal to gothic and beyond.

Article
10 debut authors share where the ideas for their first novels came from

Learn about the inspiration behind debut authors’ first novels.

Article
Jacinda Ardern to appear at NZ writers festival events

Penguin Random House is delighted to announce that Jacinda Ardern will be doing three book events in New Zealand in April and May.

Article
Books for reluctant readers post-Percy Jackson

They've closed the final Percy Jackson book. Now what?

Article
The best graphic novels for reluctant readers

Graphic novels are the perfect way to get disinterested readers to pick up a book.

Article
Books to keep older kids entertained this Easter long weekend

Easter is coming up, and once the novelty of chocolate wears off, older kids still need something to sink their teeth into.

Article
NZ Booklovers Awards Shortlist 2026

See the Penguin Random House NZ books shortlisted for the 2026 NZ Booklovers Awards

Looking for more articles?

See all articles