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{"id":1536,"date":"2021-11-06T07:36:30","date_gmt":"2021-11-06T14:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/charlottemasoninternational.com\/?p=1536"},"modified":"2024-08-29T21:38:42","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T04:38:42","slug":"charlotte-mason-homeschool-gift-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/charlottemasoninternational.com\/charlotte-mason-homeschool-gift-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Charlotte Mason Homeschool Gift Ideas"},"content":{"rendered":"

Whether it’s the holidays or the start of the year that’s just around the corner, you know what that means: gift-giving time! Although we clearly don\u2019t want to feed the commercialization of Christmas and other holidays, it\u2019s still a good time to think about what kind of gifts we want for our Charlotte Mason homeschooled kids, both for our own Christmas stockings and also when family members ask us for our wish list throughout the rest of the year. <\/p>

Here are some of the best gift ideas for Charlotte Mason homeschool families: <\/p>

Living Books as<\/strong> Gifts for Homeschoolers<\/h2>

Living books are clearly a must-have in any Charlotte Mason homeschool, but it\u2019s not always easy to ask for books from family members who may not be familiar with the philosophy. For example, although we love books in our family, we refrain from asking family members for books, unless we are able to specify what books. Yes, I know we can casually mention that we want \u201cclassic books,\u201d but there\u2019s still the chance that they might get abridged versions! <\/p>

The easiest way is to give them a list of options (or to send them this blog post!) Depending on the budget and which books you don\u2019t have yet, here are some timeless living books and sets that the whole family can enjoy:<\/p>

Living books for preschoolers<\/strong><\/h3>

If you have preschoolers, here are our suggestions of a good start for your library: <\/p>

Eric Carle books<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Eric Carle books<\/a><\/strong> are a great start to any home library! If you don’t have these books yet, it makes it easy for family and relatives to think of what to give your kids once you send them over to a known author. Consider specifying your choice of authors rather than telling them you would like “children’s books,” because, unless they’re familiar with CM, you will likely end up with lots of twaddle books that you will only end up giving away.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Beatrix Potter Books<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Beatrix Potter books<\/a> <\/strong>are another favorite read-aloud for a Charlotte Mason preschool<\/a>! If your child isn’t used to being read to, it may take some time to appreciate the language in these excellently-written stories, but once they come to know Peter Rabbit and his cousins and all the other animals in these tales, they will quickly become beloved friends.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne<\/a><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Winnie-the-Pooh<\/a><\/strong> is another favorite for preschoolers, but make sure you buy the original versions by A.A. Milne. The Disney versions are twaddle according to Charlotte Mason standards! <\/p><\/div><\/div>

Virginia Lee Burton books<\/a><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Virginia Lee Burton books<\/a><\/strong> are great to read aloud to preschoolers. All our boys loved them, especially Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel<\/a>, and we would heartily recommend it to any home library! <\/p><\/div><\/div>

Living books for early to mid-elementary <\/strong><\/h3>

For children in early or mid-elementary, you might want to take a look at these: <\/p>

Billy and Blaze by Clarence William Anderson<\/a> for beginning readers<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Who says that beginning reader books have to be boring? We’ve found the Billy and Blaze series<\/a> <\/strong>an engaging set of books. The theme of having a horse to take care of also endears it to children of any generation.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

James Herriot’s Treasury for Children<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

James Herriot’s animal stories<\/a><\/strong> are among our most beloved stories. My second son especially loved it as part of his Year 1 science lessons. The true accounts of how animals behave make them engaging for little ones. Plus you get the bonus of excellently-illustrated pictures that kids never tire of looking over again and again!<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Little House on the Prairie<\/strong> by Laura Ingalls Wilder<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Whether you choose to use these books as literature selections or as free-reads, we highly recommend the Little House on the Prairie series<\/a><\/strong> for any home library! Laura Ingalls Wilder effectively paints a picture of life during the pioneer days, through the eyes of her younger self. We have a more detailed Little House on the Prairie review<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n

<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Living books for mid-elementary to middle school <\/strong><\/p>

Mid-elementary to middle school homeschoolers will definitely enjoy the following book sets: <\/p>

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

C.S. Lewis’s Chronicles of Narnia<\/a><\/strong> is a favorite series for a family read-aloud, with magic and fantastical elements that will surely stir up your child’s imagination. As a read aloud, these are great for anyone from grade school up; for your children to read these themselves, they’re ideal for ages 9 and above.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

The Borrowers Collection by Mary Norton<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

These dynamic tales of little people called “Borrowers<\/a>” who try to survive on little items “borrowed” from human “beans” are full of laugh-out-loud incidents. Your children will also enjoy the creativity and inventiveness that the borrowers call upon in order to thrive.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

The Great Brain series<\/strong> by J.D. Fitzgerald<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

The Great Brain<\/a><\/strong> is a classic tale of a young confidence-man in the making will tickle your funny bones as Tom swindles his friends and younger brother JD all over again. We recommend this for older elementary or middle school so you will have the chance to discuss why some of the stunts he pulls aren’t a good idea.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/p>

Anne of Green Gables set by L.M. Montgomery<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Anne of Green Gables<\/a><\/strong> is a beloved classic tale of the 11-year-old orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with the Cuthberts is a great coming-of-age series that both boys and girls can learn from. With every book, Anne grows older and more mature, and the series moves on even to her having her own family.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/p>

Living books for middle school to high school <\/strong><\/h3>

If you have children in middle school or high school, we recommend the following options: <\/p>

The Chronicles of Prydain<\/strong> by Lloyd Alexander<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

The Chronicles of Prydain<\/a><\/strong> is another fantasy series that will get you at the edge of your seats, follow Taran, an Assistant Pig-Keeper, as he grows through adventures against evil. With every sequel, the book includes more serious themes, including finding one’s own destiny and being faithful to it. We highly recommend this for middle schoolers and older.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Sherlock Holmes set by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

In Sherlock Holmes<\/a> <\/strong>by Arthur Conan Dolye, the world’s most beloved detective will surely stump readers with the ways he uses logic to solve crimes. Although the stories can be entertaining for younger ages, we believe middle school to high school will have your children at a more “ready” place to understand the logic behind his reasoning, and they will also be less sensitive to the numerous murder cases that Holmes works on.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Jane Austen books<\/a><\/strong> <\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Jane Austen books<\/a><\/strong> are a great addition to any home library, particularly if you have older daughters. We recommend any new reader to start with Pride and Prejudice<\/em>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Little Women book set by Louisa May Alcott<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

In the Little Women collection<\/a><\/strong>, Louisa May Alcott effectively portrays an idyllic, yet challenging, coming-of-age time for four sisters. If you haven’t read the full series, we highly recommend you to do so, following the girls’ marriage and Jo’s foray into raising up her boys.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Art materials for CM Homeschoolers<\/strong><\/h2>

Art materials are great gift ideas, because they always get used up! If friends ask you what they can get your kids and you don\u2019t feel comfortable asking for specific books, consider mentioning that your children draws and paints a lot and that art supplies are always appreciated! <\/p>

Some ideas include: <\/p>

Colored Pencils<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Colored pencils are a good way to start nature journaling, because it allows you to show the texture more than crayons do. PrismaColor<\/a> is a well-known brand trusted by most artists, but it can be a bit pricey. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, try the next item in this list: <\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

For relative beginners, Faber-Castell colored pencils<\/a> is one brand that we trust and use ourselves as a family. This set in a tin container is a great choice for bringing along on nature walks. <\/p><\/div><\/div>

Watercolor Paints<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Watercolor paints<\/a> are another great medium to use for art and nature study. Consider experimenting with different art media for your children. If you’re not familiar how to use them yourself, the Internet is filled with training videos. \ud83d\ude42<\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/p>

Nature study and science experiment tools <\/strong><\/h2>

Items that can help you do nature study are also a good option for relatives to get your kids. If they are not familiar with nature study, you can share a little bit about it, or just mention some example items that you can use. <\/p>

These can include: <\/p>

Binoculars<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

Bird study is one of our favorite branches (pardon the pun) of nature study, and investing in a good pair of binoculars<\/a> is crucial! Pair it up with a field guide, a regular schedule, and you’re good to go.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Microscope<\/a> <\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

The CM method of doing science includes a lot of hands-on experience, and having your own microscope<\/a> allows you to enter the world of the minute details!<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Telescope <\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

For studying astronomy, consider adding a telescope<\/a> to your arsenal.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/p>

Handicraft materials for CM homeschoolers<\/strong><\/h2>

The Charlotte Mason method also emphasizes the importance of handicrafts, so items that can be used in a handicraft are a great gift for a student homeschooled with the CM philosophy. <\/p>

Here are some of the most common supplies that can be used for a variety of handicrafts: <\/p>

Yarn<\/strong> craft<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

This yarn and crochet set<\/a> is great for someone who wants to learn crochet, as it comes with free crochet\/amigurumi (these are little crocheted stuffed toys) patterns. <\/p><\/div><\/div>

Crochet hooks<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

If your child already knows how to crochet, or if you know how to crochet and can teach him or her, consider this complete sethttps:\/\/amzn.to\/3yVxSZw<\/a> that comes with its own case. That means it’s easy to bring around and whip out anytime, anywhere!<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Knitting needles<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

This complete knitting needles set<\/a> is a great gift for the budding knitting enthusiast. Again, we love that everything is in it and it comes with a case, too, to make it easier to keep and organize.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Macrame set <\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

Macrame is a very versatile handicraft; you can start with making friendship bands and progress up to more complicated patterns. We recommend this macrame set<\/a> either for someone who’s starting out with macrame or someone who already has some experience, as it comes with rings and wooden beads that will definitely add to the charm of knotted pieces of art, such as wall hangings or plant hangers.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Wood whittling set<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Who says handicraft is just for girls? This wood whittling set<\/a> is a great gift for boys. Usually, we start off teaching our children carve with soap, then candles, before they start on wood.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Leather works set<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

The CM method recommends learning to work with different materials. Could leather be your next handicraft focus? This leather works set<\/a> helps you get started with everything you need right in it.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Weaving loom <\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>

Weaving can be a good handicraft for younger children, but even as they grow older, they can learn to make nice patterns on their work. Getting a ready weaving kit<\/a> makes it easier to get a project up and running!<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Musical instruments<\/strong> for homeschoolers<\/strong><\/h2>

Most homeschoolers devote time for learning a musical instrument. But because musical instruments tend to be expensive, here we\u2019ve listed down some good choices for first learning an instrument, and hopefully it can be within a family member\u2019s budget!  <\/p>

Recorder<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

The recorder<\/a> is a good way to introduce a child to a musical instrument. Kids as young as 7 years old can learn to play this instrument.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/p>

Harmonica<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

A harmonica<\/a> is also a fun instrument to introduce to your children. All they need is to know how to blow and how to suck in their breath through their mouths!<\/p><\/div><\/div>

<\/p>

Ukulele<\/strong><\/h3>
\"\"<\/figure>

The ukulele<\/a> is a great introduction to stringed instruments, partly because its size makes it easy for little fingers to reach and form chords.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Special courses<\/strong><\/h2>

The great thing about our online world nowadays is that we get to access so much learning! Here we list some good courses that can serve as a nice Christmas gift for homeschooled students: <\/p>

Online Handicraft or Art Classes <\/strong><\/p>

If you want to sign your child up for online craft classes<\/a>, CreativeLive currently offers lots of options, including: <\/p>