How to Create a Love Books Box for Kids: Easy Ideas for a Fun Book Exchange

Discover how to create a fun love books box for kids, complete with a themed book, engaging activities, and mailing tips for a memorable book exchange experience.

I can’t tell you how much fun we’ve been having with our Summer Love Books Exchange. 

In this post, I’ll walk you through what we included in our themed book box, ideas for fun add-ins, and tips for mailing it off with care.

Sending a Book Box

There’s something magical about opening a package in the mail—especially when it holds the promise of a good book and a bit of summer fun.

We’re taking that excitement to a new level with a Book Exchange! Whether you’re connecting with friends across the country or surprising a pen pal closer to home, putting together a thoughtful package filled with a favorite book and simple, themed activities is a wonderful way to share the joy of reading.

This book package is part of the Love Books Summer Book Exchange, a fun and inspiring program hosted by The Educators’ Spin On It, bringing families together through stories and creativity.

10 Little Ducks Book Book

My daughter was so excited to send her special 10 Little Rubber Ducks Book Box to Mommy and Me Book Club for our book exchange. My daughter really enjoyed coming up with games and activities to go along with the book 10 Little Rubber Ducks by Eric Carle. Which just happens to be my 1 year olds favorite book right now. We included 10 Activities, Fun for all AGES!

Here’s what our package looked like just before we taped it up. She even came up with the idea to create a duck mailing label.

Do you want to see what we sent? Click Here to see how much fun Mommy and Me Book Club had with our Love Books Box and her 3 children.

Not sure where to start? Try one of these 20 Picture Books and Activity Ideas for your Book Exchange.

Tips for Sending a Book Box with Themed Activities

• Choose a Book That Inspires Activities – Pick a book with a clear theme—like summer, nature, friendship, or adventure—that naturally leads to fun extension activities. Picture books with strong visuals or seasonal settings work especially well.
• Keep Activities Simple and Open-Ended – Include a few low-prep, screen-free activities that complement the book. Think: A simple craft with a photo or example, A small science experiment, A coloring page or drawing prompt, A game or scavenger hunt. Keep directions short and easy to follow for parents or caregivers.
• Include Materials When You Can – Add small supplies needed for the activity—like a glue stick, pom-poms, crayons, or craft foam. Avoid liquids, anything messy, or items that could break during shipping.
• Add a Personal Touch – Include a handwritten note, bookplate, or drawing to help make the experience feel more like a gift. If you’re doing a book exchange, a letter introducing your child can help make a sweet connection.
• Pack with Care – Use a sturdy box or padded envelope. Wrap the book in tissue paper for a festive touch and use resealable bags to organize any small items. Avoid overfilling so nothing gets crushed in transit.
• Check Postage and Timing – Weigh your box at home or at the post office to ensure the right postage. If you’re sending it for a specific occasion, mail early to avoid delays.

Don’t want to mail a package? Try hosting a book exchange with friends locally, here’s how…

Benefits of a Book Box for Kids

• Creates Positive Mail Experiences – In today’s digital world, getting physical mail is a novelty. It helps teach kids about mailing, waiting, and gratitude—all while making learning feel special.
• Encourages a Love of Reading – Getting a new book in the mail adds excitement and builds positive associations with reading. It feels like a gift, not homework—making kids more eager to open the book and dive in.
• Sparks Curiosity and Creativity – Themed activities tied to the book help children engage more deeply with the story. Whether they’re making a craft, exploring a related topic, or acting out a scene, the hands-on fun extends the learning beyond the page.
• Builds Connection and Community – Knowing that another child picked out a book just for them creates a sense of friendship and belonging. If it’s part of a book exchange, it can also open the door to pen pals or shared experiences across distances.
• Encourages Independence and Ownership – Kids love opening something that’s “just for them.” Unpacking their own box, reading the instructions, and completing activities at their own pace helps build confidence and independence.
• Supports Learning Through Play – The combination of literacy and play builds comprehension and retention in natural, joyful ways. It also gives caregivers easy ways to support learning at home—without needing a big setup.

Spoon Book Box

Here’s a closer look at what’s inside our box from Mommy and Me Book Club! She sent us the book Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with the most adorable spoon themed activities.

Who are you sending a Love Books Box to?

Do you want weekly ideas for children’s picture book?
Join our free Virtual Book Club for Kids 

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