How to Choose Magazine Subscriptions for Children

A magazine subscription is a surefire choice for a gift. Initially, children may be unsure about what this gift means, but once they figure out that something new and exciting will come to them and them alone in the mail, they'll be thrilled - and they'll think of you once a month, at the very least.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Magazines For Kids

1. Investigate your recipient's interests - ask parents, teacher, siblings and friends if you're not sure. Is he or she a would-be scientist or explorer? A budding athlete? A fan of logic puzzles? There are magazines out there to speak to and foster just about every interest, from finance to fashion to poetry.

2. Consider a general interest magazine, especially for a reluctant reader. With a mix of stories, puzzles, riddles, jokes and projects, there's sure to be something that appeals.

3. Take your recipient's age into account. Most magazines, like kids' toys, are for a specific age range. For example, "Muse," the Smithsonian magazine for children, is designed for ages 8 to 14.

4. Go to a good-sized bookstore or newsstand if you're unsure of this territory.

5. Check through the selection and gather ideas.

6. Write down the phone numbers or Web site addresses of the magazines you're interested in.

7. Order online, from the list below, or by phone; or fill out a subscription card and mail it with a check.

8. Make sure you give the correct addresses for both billing and delivery.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy the current issue and wrap it as your gift. Small children have a hard time conceiving of what a subscription is; this will make it more concrete.
• In bookstores, children's magazines may be in the children's section, in the magazine section, or sorted and shelved by topic - ask for help if you don't find what you're looking for.
• Check with the parents to make sure the subscription has started, and ask them to tell you if there are any problems. Circulation departments are not faultless, and parents may feel hesitant about letting you know if there's a problem, but you don't want a forlorn child thinking that it was you who forgot.

[mscricmag]

on 2/25/2009 www.cricketmag.com offers great educational magazine subscriptions!

on 11/22/2005 Our young son avoided reading; nothing we did to encourage him to read voluntarily worked. Then, we had him pick some magazines for subscriptions. He did (not the literary kinds we'd have chosen) and he became an avid reader. Even comic books are a start!