For years I've wanted to share some gift ideas for Little House fans. But writing deadlines and trying to limit the ideas make that hard! I'm happy to say the list is finally here!
Charlotte Doll
My aunt made an incredible Charlotte doll for me. I'm still amazed by the detail. Though the Little House museums sell Laura dolls, I never felt they were as described in Little House in the Big Woods. You can read all about my Charlotte doll and learn how to contact my aunt if interested. You can also get others through some of the museum stores. Or maybe you'd rather have Ma's china sherperdess?
Storiarts Fashion
Storiarts carries scarves, gloves, and more with the actual words from stories printed on the product. Please note: The tote bag is not the book advertised. On the tote, it says "Little House on the Prairie." However the text is from Little House in the Big Woods. I don't know if it's like this for all of their products. (I do own fingerless gloves from this site and like them.)DIY Printable Little House Pop-Up Book
Print out and assemble this Little House pop-up book.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Mugs and Prints
Laura's Engagement Ring
You can get a replica of Laura's engagement ring from the museum in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. (I could not find it in the store, so I would suggest you call or email the store to ask about it.) I hear it is a lovely, high-quality ring.Little House Gifts for Children
For a young fan, start with a Little House box set (affiliate) if your reader doesn't already have his or her own set.
Add something to play or pretend with like Lincoln Logs, wooden toys, a bonnet (or full costume), or a bucket. (Please note: You can buy smaller sets of Lincoln Logs, but based on my own family's experience, we prefer the large set.) Older readers might appreciate an old-fashioned leather diary/notebook or the opportunity to make professionally-printed name cards.
Finish off the Little House gift set with The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide. It's perfect for curious readers, who want to know more about history or the real Laura Ingalls Wilder. It comes with 75 Live Like Laura and Live Like Almanzo activities to explore.
Another idea for children would be clothing to dress up. I made a dress, apron, and bonnet for my daughter. Boys might love a straw hat and suspenders.
Little House-Related Books
There are so many books out there. I've talked about some here on the blog before. I'm going to try to keep this list short! (These are affiliate links at no additional cost to you if you use them to make a purchase.)
For those who are research-minded, I recommend The Beautiful Snow by Cindy Wilson and Pioneer Girl by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
For those who want to read Laura's other writings, I recommend Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farm Journalist: Writings from the Ozarks (edited by Stephen W. Hines) and The Selected Letters of Laura Ingalls Wilder (edited by William Anderson)
For children who already have a Little House book set, I recommend they also read a book from another perspective such as Prairie Lotus by Linda Sue Park and my book The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide. The LIW Historic Home and Museum gift shop has SIGNED COPIES in stock (last I knew)!
Though The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide is written with children in mind, adult fans of the books have also loved it. (Just take a peek at the reviews.) I hope you'll consider adding it to your holiday gift set for any Little House fan! If your local bookstore doesn't carry it, just ask for it by name. Message me if you want a signed book plate!
Fans of the Little House on the Prairie television show who are people of Christian faith will appreciate Wendi Lou Lee's A Prairie Devotional: Inspired by the Beloved TV Series.
Little House Holiday-Focused Gifts
Little House Advent Calendar
Add your own mini pioneer treasures to each drawer or enjoy the star ornaments in this countdown to Christmas. I hear it sells out quickly. I was told to pre-order it. I've heard from a few people who LOVE their calendar. High quality.
Baby Grace Covered Wagon
These covered wagons are simple and delightful, especially for fans of Little House on the Prairie TV show. Actress Wendi Lou Lee makes these covered wagons.Little House Book Ornaments
These Little House book ornaments are available from the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum. I have purchased museum-specific ornaments.What would you add to this list? Please tell me and all the readers in a comment below! As much as possible, please support the Laura Ingalls Wilder museums by shopping through their museum stores. It's a great way to support Wilder's legacy while shopping. If you don't see something--just ask them!
May your holiday season be blessed!
~ Annette
Annette Whipple is a nonfiction children's author. Learn more about her books and presentations at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.
I'm going to confess something and I hope it isn't too bad! i have to confess that, from the time I adopted Laura as something of a muse, inspiration, and sometimes template for my own life, I have been "possessive" of her. Like she's "mine!" Can anyone relate? I don't want to share her!
ReplyDeleteOh, that's sweet! I might be more the opposite...I want others to know all about the real Laura!
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