Christmas picture books about giving
December is full of wish lists. These picture books turn it around and look at the other side: sharing what you have, giving something that is not a thing, and what happens when someone only wants to get. They are stories, not lessons, and they work best read together with a small act of giving afterwards.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Our Amazon links go to Amazon UK (amazon.co.uk). This guide is run by Amor Picture Books (Nova Group), publisher of the Amor books. Our own books are marked Our book. How we choose.
How to use these books
- 1
Read, then do one small thing
After Little Robin Red Vest, find one thing at home to give away. A story sticks better when it is followed by an action.
- 2
Make a gift together
A drawing, a card or cookies. Let your child decide who gets it, and talk about it while you make it.
- 3
Ask a question, not a lesson
"Why do you think Pig was so grumpy?" works better than "You should share."
- 4
Notice giving when it happens
"You gave your sister the red crayon. She looked so happy." Name it, without a reward.
- 5
Give time as a gift
The Gift of Nothing is a good start for talking about time together as a present. See also our ideas for gifts that aren't toys.
Sharing and saying thank you
Short stories for the youngest about sharing what you have.
1. Bear Says Thanks
Karma Wilson
- Age 1 - 5 years
- 34 pages
- Board book
Bear has nothing to share at his feast, until he finds out that his stories are a gift too. Board book edition.
Pick this one if your child is little and you want a first book about sharing.
View on Amazon UK2. Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree
Robert Barry
- Age 3 - 7 years
- 32 pages
- Hardcover
A tree that is too tall gets trimmed, and the top is passed on from house to house, all the way down to a mouse.
Pick this one if you want a funny chain story to read again and again.
View on Amazon UK3. Little Robin Red Vest
Jan Fearnley
- Age 3 - 5 years
- 32 pages
- Paperback
A little robin gives away his warm clothes, one by one, to friends who need them more.
Pick this one if your child likes animals and a cosy ending.
View on Amazon UK
What makes a good gift
Stories about gifts that are not bought in a shop.
4. The Gift of Nothing
Patrick McDonnell
- Age 4 - 8 years
- 64 pages
- Hardcover
Mooch wants to give his friend a gift, but what do you give someone who has everything? A short, quiet story about time together.
Pick this one if you want to talk about gifts that are not things.
View on Amazon UK5. Gifts of the Heart
Patricia Polacco
- Age 5 - 8 years
- 40 pages
- Hardcover
A family Christmas where homemade gifts mean the most. Longer, for older preschoolers.
Pick this one if you plan to make gifts together this year.
View on Amazon UK6. The Christmas Eve Tree
Delia Huddy
- Age 3 - 6 years
- 40 pages
- Hardcover
A small, unwanted tree ends up bringing a group of people together on Christmas Eve.
Pick this one if you want a calm, warm story for Christmas Eve.
View on Amazon UK
Giving versus getting
Funny stories about characters who want everything for themselves.
7. Pete the Cat Saves Christmas
Eric Litwin
- Age 3 - 5 years
- 40 pages
- Paperback
When Santa is ill, Pete steps in to deliver the presents. Giving as helping.
Pick this one if your child already loves Pete the Cat.
View on Amazon UK8. Pig the Elf
Aaron Blabey
- Age 3 - 6 years
- 32 pages
- Hardcover
Pig wants every present for himself. A funny, rhyming story about greed that children love to laugh at.
Pick this one if your child laughs at characters who behave badly.
View on Amazon UK9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss
- 64 pages
- Paperback
The Grinch takes every present and learns that Christmas is still there without them. Longer rhymes, good from about 4.
Pick this one if your child is ready for longer rhymes.
View on Amazon UK
Books with a "Publisher" link: age, pages and format come from the publisher's own page. Other ages come from the Amazon UK page for the edition linked. Pages and format refer to the edition linked. If we could not verify a detail, we leave it out. Details checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions parents ask
What are good Christmas books about giving for kids?
Stories like Little Robin Red Vest, Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree and The Gift of Nothing show giving in a way young children can follow.
How do I teach my toddler about giving at Christmas?
Keep it small and concrete. Let your child choose a toy to pass on, help wrap a present for someone else, or draw a card. Then talk about how the other person felt.
Is there a book about a child who only wants presents?
Yes. Pig the Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are both funny stories about characters who want everything and learn something on the way.
Is there an Amor book on this list?
No. None of our books is about giving, so we did not include one.