Magazine Subscriptions: Gift Ideas for Kids of All Ages

I don't know about you but my house is over run with toys (and books but I won't complain about that!) With the holiday season upon us, followed by my daughter's birthday, I find myself in a bit of a quandary. Who really needs more toys cluttering their home? But how can you deny your child a celebratory gift? I am quite sure that I am not the only parent that is stuck with this dilemma. So here is a solution that I have found to help lessen the clutter of the holiday season. Give magazine subscriptions as gifts.

Magazine subscriptions are such a wonderful present for many reasons. First, they are reasonably priced in comparison to most toys. They can be as cheap as $12 or as much as about $35 for a year long subscription. Another advantage is that you are able to give a gift that lasts throughout the year. Children love to receive mail and it is a great thrill when that new magazine comes.

Not only are magazines the gift that keeps on giving, but they also promote literacy. Research shows that most children are interested in reading fiction stories, but it is often harder to get kids to read non-fiction selections. Magazines are a great way to help children build that interest. The articles are not long and overwhelming in the way that a book may be and they are usually filled with color pictures, charts, maps and tables.

Even though your toddler or preschooler is not able to read the words on a page, the importance of having a variety of literature for them to explore is very important in their development as readers. Here are some great magazines that will continue to spark an interest in learning for your young child.

Highlights High Five If you are familiar with Highlights Magazine for older kids, this one is similar, but for those younger siblings. It is packed with activities, stories, and fun for children.

National Geographic for Little Kids Animals interest children of all ages. Young children love to look at and learn about baby animals. This magazine is filled with colorful photos, facts and fun for young children.

Ladybug This delightful magazine has stories, activities, poems and more for your young child. It is sure to keep your child entertained and wanting more!

There are many choices of magazines out there for tween boys and girls. From sports to science to history, there is something for every interest.

Sports Illustrated for Kids Just like the adult version, this magazine is packed with sports action. From articles on teams to interviews with players, this is a must for any sports enthusiast.

Ranger Rick The science of animals is the focus in Ranger Rick. Children have the fun of learning about new animals as well as increasing their knowledge about animals that they are already familiar with. This is a great gift for animal lovers.

Calliope If your child is a history buff, this is the perfect magazine for him or her. Your child will have the pleasure of learning about historical world events. Expand your child's knowledge about world history through this engaging magazine.

Discovery Girls We know that girls especially struggle with self esteem and beauty issues in today's world. This magazine is designed to empower young girls and act as an inspiration and support for many issues that they face in their young lives.

So your child has read the magazine several times and you don't want to keep it around to clutter your home. What do you do with the old magazines. Here are some great ways to reuse and recycle your old magazines.

1. Hand Me Downs Nope they are not just for clothes! Give the magazines to the a younger neighbor, cousin or sibling. Local classrooms may even want them for their students to read.
2. Projects Pictures can be cut up and used to embellish various projects for school. Students are often asked to add pictures to reports or create collages. These magazines are great for this.
3. Posters or Art Maybe there is a particular photo that your child loves. You can have him tear out that one page and then hang it in his room or even frame it to hang. If there are several pictures, why not make a collage to display?

There are also multiple options for teenagers, magazines like Teen People, Sports Illustrated and more. So don't discount this option for older kids as well.

Remember that most magazines take 6-8 weeks for processing and delivery. If you are in a pinch and have waited until the last minute to purchase this gift, don't worry! The solution is quite simple. Just head over to your local bookstore and purchase the current issue of the magazine that you have ordered. Wrap it up and present it with a note that they will be receiving this in the mail each month for the next year. Trust me, your gift will be a hit!

**Please note that these are only a small sampling of the magazine choices available for children. Keep the child's interests in mind and then search amazon for ideas. There are magazines for almost every interest.