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We* (*excludes Travis) are book people. We* love books. I love gifting books for the kids, especially for holidays, because then we have a variety of books. Bonus: they don’t clutter one’s house/life in the same way toys do (or at all, IMO, but Marie Kondo disagrees).

I came home from Indigo with three books for the kids for Valentine’s Day gifts (one for Will, one for Isla, and one to share — I’ll let you know how the latter turns out in approximately 10 days). Here are some great books about love, self-acceptance, feelings, and Elmo (sorry) to gift for V-Day!

I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont | This was actually a board book Isla received for her birthday (thanks Aunty Dee and Uncle TJ), but if we didn’t own it already, it would definitely be at the top of my list of books to buy! It’s a great book to teach about accepting yourself, even when you don’t understand your emotions. I extra love this because the main character is black and she has natural hair; representation for the win, especially in a book about self-esteem! Get the board book here and the full book here.

The I Love You Book by Todd Parr | Todd Parr books are great for normalizing emotions and differences amongst bodies and families. This little board book is great to show your kiddo just how much you love them, and what love means to you! Get it here.

My Fuzzy Valentine by Naomi Kleinberg | I love Elmo as much as the next parent (assuming the next parent hates Elmo with a passion), but Isla — much to my chagrin — LOVES Elmo. She also loves touchy-feel books; I figured two birds, one book, right? So, Elmo and touchy-feel it is! Elmo is v fuzzy on all the pages, and it’s a pretty cute book (if you can avoid hearing Elmo’s voice reading it to you, that is). I’ve totally sold you on this one, haven’t I? If you’re as desperate as me, you can find it here.

How Do I Love Thee? by Jennifer Adams | Jennifer Adams is the author of the BabyLit books; they’re classics in board book form, and I LOVE them! This one is a reference to Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (you know the one). There are adorable illustrations to go along with the sweet poem, too! Get it here. Interested in her other books? Here’s Romeo & Juliet, Pride & Prejudice, Frankenstein, and A Little Princess.

Happy Valentine’s Day, Little Critter! by Mercer Mayer | An oldie, but a goody, this tale follows Little Critter while he celebrates Valentine’s Day with all of his school friends and makes a Valentine for an extraspecial someone. There are flaps to keep kiddos entertained, and an extraspecial surprise at the end! Get it here.

Do you like to give your kids books or other gifts for holidays, or do you prefer going the traditional route with chocolate and/or candy? Let me know in the comments!