Choosing gifts for kids is hard! But what if the gifts you choose could also nurture empathy, open-mindedness, and a deeper appreciation for our various neighbors? Gifts that celebrate diversity do just that—and they can make a lasting impact on kids aged 5 to 12.
TLDR; Historicons created a gift guide for kids that highlights diversity (and available on Amazon).
Building Empathy and Understanding
At a young age, children are naturally curious and open to learning. Gifts that reflect diverse cultures, identities, and experiences—like storybooks featuring characters of different ethnicities or toys representing varied abilities—encourage kids to see the world through different perspectives. This builds empathy, helping children relate to others who may not look, think, or live like them.
For example, a puzzle about a person using a wheelchair or hearing aids can help normalize physical differences, teaching kids that diversity is beautiful and valuable.
Strengthening Identity and Belonging
For children from underrepresented backgrounds, receiving gifts that celebrate diversity can affirm their identity and boost self-esteem. Seeing their own culture, language, or family structure reflected in a storybook or toy reminds them that they are valued and that their uniqueness matters.
Furthermore, for children in majority groups, such gifts offer the opportunity to celebrate others' identities, cultivating an inclusive mindset. This balance helps all kids develop a sense of belonging in a diverse and interconnected world.
The Historicons Gift Guide
Gifts that celebrate diversity are more than just toys or books—they’re tools that help children grow into kind, compassionate, and open-minded individuals. By choosing these types of gifts, you’re not only bringing joy to a child but also contributing to a future where empathy and understanding are at the forefront.
This holiday season, consider giving the gift of diversity. It’s a meaningful way to make a lasting impact on the kids you care about—and the world they’re growing up in. Here are some of our favorites (and available on Amazon), compiled by educators and child developmental experts.
Family Dynamics
These selections celebrate diversity starting at home.
Me & My: A Coloring Book for Mom & Daughter by Latoya Nicole
Making a Baby by Rachel Greener and Illustrated by Clare Owen
Girl Power & Beyond
Show young girls and non-binary kids what they can become with these selections that champion the accomplishments of women.
60 Women of STEAM: Coloring Book by Dr. Nadya Sotnychuk and Illustrated by Carina Romeo
Intersection Allies: We Make Room for All by Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council and Carolyn Choi and Illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith
Self Expression
Stonewall Uprising: Coloring + Activity Book by Historicons
My Powerful Hair by Carole Lindstrom and Illustrated by Steph Littlebird
It Feels Good to be Yourself: A Book About Gender Identity by Therea Thorn and Illustrated by Noah Grigni
Generation Queer by Kimm Topping and Illustrated by Anshika Khullar (recommended for teenage readers)
Disability Pride
Not everyone is made physically the same, so these selections highlight why disability is not a bad word.
I Am Not A Label by Cerrie Burnell and Illustrated by Lauren Mark Baldo
The 504 Sit-In: Coloring + Activity Book by Historicons
Black History
U.S. History includes stories that are painful and challenging, and many times they are left out of elementary history books. These selections tell these stories of resilience at an age-appropriate level.
Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford and Illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Let the Children March by Monica Clark-Robinson and Illustrated by Frank Morrison
Something Happened in Our Town: A Child's Story about Racial Injustice by Marianne Celano PhD, Marietta Collins PhD and Ann Hazzard PhD and Illustrated by Jennifer Zivoin
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water by Nikole Hannah-Jones and Renee Watson and Illustrated by Nikkolas Smith
The Little Rock Nine: Coloring + Activity Book by Historicons
We also can't forget our teachers! We highly recommend Rooted in Joy: Creating a Classroom Culture of Equity, Belonging and Care by Deonna Smith PhD. Gift giving doesn't have to be the current it toy. Show the kids in your life you care about their future, and leave a lasting impact on them starting with these selections.
