Grandma's Bag of Stories, by Sudha Murty
Short Indian stories, one at a time. Perfect for children who are just starting to read on their own.
Sudha Murty has more books for this age, so you can build a series.
Books
Books for 8–12 year olds, in Hindi and English
Good books in both Hindi and English. To build a reading habit, start with comics and short stories, then move to longer books.
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Up to ₹500
Tinkle Digest
Comics with Suppandi and Shikari Shambu. Even reluctant readers enjoy them.
One digest makes a good return gift; give two or three for a birthday.
Panchatantra stories (Hindi)
Illustrated Hindi stories, each ending with a lesson. The easiest way to start reading in Hindi.
Choose a large-print edition; it's easier for young readers.
Akbar and Birbal stories (Hindi)
Short, funny stories about Birbal's cleverness. Children love retelling them to others.
Reading one story together at bedtime makes a good habit.
Premchand's stories for children (Hindi)
Famous stories like Idgah that also appear in school Hindi textbooks. Good Hindi and good values together.
Read Idgah together around a festival.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
The first book of the magical series. Once they start, children will ask for all seven.
Available in Hindi (Paras Pathar) and English.
Malory Towers, by Enid Blyton
Friendship, pranks and adventures at a boarding school. A favourite series for girls who love stories.
If they like the first book, the full 6-book set is worth it.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
A diary-style book full of drawings and jokes. Even children who don't like reading finish it.
It's a long series; start with book one.
The Blue Umbrella, by Ruskin Bond
A gentle story about a village girl in the hills and her blue umbrella. A short book with a big lesson.
There's a film too; watch it together after reading.
₹1,000–2,000
₹2,000–5,000
Roald Dahl box set
Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The BFG and more in one box. A whole year of reading.
The 15-book set gives the best value; paperback is fine.
Harry Potter box set (7 books)
The whole series in one box. Few gifts build a reading habit better.
Buy the full set only if they enjoyed book one.
Gift guides
Diwali Gifts for 8–12 Year Olds
Five budgets, with hand-picked options in each.
21 picksReturn Gifts Under ₹300
Instead of plastic toys that break in a day, small gifts that get used.
11 picksGifts for Girls 8–12
Story books, dress-up and craft are big favourites with girls this age.
20 picksGifts for Boys 8–12
Boys this age love all kinds of toys: cars, blasters, building sets and sports.
16 picksScreen-free Diwali activities
10 things to do together at home
10 ✓