10 Art Books That Make Perfect Christmas Gifts for Kids
With the holiday season approaching, many parents are searching for Christmas Gifts for Kids that are meaningful, screen-free, and genuinely fun. If you’re looking for something creative that keeps kids engaged long after the holidays, my Art Books for Kids series offers a wide range of drawing, tracing, and grid-activity books designed to build confidence and spark imagination.
Every book is fully hand-drawn by me—no AI art, no shortcuts—because I want kids to learn from artwork created with intention and personality. Whether your child loves animals, robots, dinosaurs, or silly characters, you’ll find something below that fits their interests perfectly.
Here are 10 books that make fantastic Christmas Gifts for Kids, grouped by drawing style so you can pick the best match for your young artist.
1. Shape Drawing Challenge
The Shape Drawing Challenge book is one of the most creative and open-ended titles in my collection. Kids take simple shapes—circles, triangles, blobs, squiggles—and transform them into cartoon characters using their imagination. It’s part drawing lesson, part creativity exercise, and it’s endlessly replayable.
This book is a top pick for Christmas Gifts for Kids because it encourages out-of-the-box thinking and requires almost no instruction. Kids can fill the pages however they want, discovering new characters each time they revisit the shapes. If your child loves doodling or storytelling, this book offers a perfect blend of structure and freedom.
How to Draw Series Picks
The How to Draw books teach kids to draw in six simple steps. Each character begins with basic shapes and builds gradually into a complete cartoon. These books are ideal for beginners aged 5+ and are among the most giftable titles for the holidays.
2. How to Draw: Cartoon Robots
This book guides kids through drawing playful robot characters—each designed with bolts, antennae, gears, and personality. Kids love robots because they can be designed in so many ways, and this book helps them understand structure without limiting creativity.
It’s a top recommendation when parents ask for Christmas Gifts for Kids that combine imagination with skill-building.
3. How to Draw: Cool Stuff 2
This sequel book features an exciting mix of themes—dinosaurs, animals, robots, people, aliens, and more. It’s perfect for kids who don’t want to stick to a single subject and enjoy variety in their drawing projects.
If you’re unsure which theme your child likes best, this is an excellent all-purpose option for Christmas Gifts for Kids.
4. How to Draw: Cartoon Cats & Dogs
One of the sweetest books in the series, this title offers 50 cartoon pets to draw in six easy steps. It’s great for younger artists, animal lovers, and kids who want to draw cute, expressive characters. With friendly faces and simple shapes, this book makes drawing feel approachable from the very first page.
Trace Then Color Series Picks
The Trace Then Color books are perfect for younger kids learning hand control. They trace the outline of each character and then color it however they want. The combination of tracing and coloring makes these books ideal Christmas Gifts for Kids ages 3–7.
5. Trace Then Color: Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff
Packed with magical characters, this book is a favorite among kids who love fantasy themes. Mermaids, unicorns, fairies, cute animals, and other whimsical characters fill the pages, all designed to be fun and simple to trace.
6. Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals
This book includes a collection of animals with big expressions and fun poses. From turtles to hippos to lions, every character is designed for easy tracing and lots of imaginative coloring.
For families looking for creative Christmas Gifts for Kids that don’t require drawing experience, this book is an ideal choice.
7. Trace Then Color: Cool Stuff
Much like its How to Draw and Grid counterparts, this book mixes multiple themes—robots, aliens, dinosaurs, animals, creatures, and more. The variety keeps young artists excited as they flip through the pages, and tracing helps build foundational drawing skills without pressure.
Draw by Grid Series Picks
The Draw by Grid books offer a slightly more structured approach. Kids copy each drawing one square at a time, helping them learn proportions and visual accuracy. They’re ideal for kids who like puzzles or step-by-step logic.
8. Draw by Grid: Cartoon Dinosaurs
Dinosaur-loving kids will enjoy turning squares into T-Rexes, triceratopses, pterodactyls, and more. The grid method makes even the more detailed dinosaurs feel manageable.
This book makes great Christmas Gifts for Kids who love prehistoric creatures or who want a challenge that still feels fun.
9. Draw by Grid: Silly Faces
This book is full of expressive cartoon faces—happy faces, grumpy faces, goofy faces, surprised faces—each built through the grid-drawing method. It’s great for kids who like character expression and want a new way to build drawing confidence.
10. Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals
One of the most imaginative books in the series, this title includes mutant animal hybrids—quirky, funny, and full of personality. Kids use the grid to recreate these wild cartoon creatures, improving their concentration and attention to detail.
If you’re aiming for Christmas Gifts for Kids that encourage creativity but still feel structured, this book belongs in your holiday list.
Why These Books Make Amazing Christmas Gifts for Kids
Across all 10 books, here’s what makes them especially great Christmas Gifts for Kids:
- They’re fully screen-free activities
- They keep kids focused, creative, and entertained
- They help build real drawing confidence
- All artwork is hand-drawn, not AI-generated
- They offer a large range of themes for all interests
- They’re accessible for beginners but fun for older kids too
- They make wonderful stocking stuffers or bundle gifts
Whether you choose one book or create a themed set, these titles give kids something meaningful and hands-on to enjoy throughout the holidays—and long after.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for Christmas Gifts for Kids that encourage creativity, imagination, and artistic growth, the books above are some of my strongest recommendations. Each one offers a unique way for kids to draw, learn, explore, and express themselves, all while enjoying fun characters and friendly designs.
Thanks for taking a look at this year’s holiday picks, and I hope they help you find the perfect creative gift for the young artists in your life.
Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 80 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”
