I heard this idea recently that I had to share.  I think it would be sooo cute for grandparents to give to their grandchildren…or, even just to your own little ones.  It’s to record your OWN voice reading stories on CD and include them with the actual book for a gift!  My kids LOVE having stories read to them, and truth be told…I’m tired a lot.  How cool would it be if they could have their parents or grandparents voices on CD to pop in any time mom is too tired to read?  Not as good as being read to in person, but still…pretty darn cool.To put this together you will need a few things…
So, first you need a microphone for your computer to record your voice, such as the really popular Logitech H530 Headset.

You’ll need a multi-media program, such as Nero, that will enable you to record your voice and then burn it to a CD.

 

Some blank CD’s…
and some CD labels to cutify (that’s my new word, meaning “cuten up.”  Oh, “cuten” is also a new word, meaning “make cuter.”  Is “cuter” a word?? Or is it “more cute?”) the front and add the title.  These Memorex labels come with a software that can be downloaded on the internet to help you design them.  Or, sometimes programs like Nero (shown above) also have a CD label thinger-ma-dinger…or, I think there are tons of options, if you want more…just google it.
I know some people like to record multiple stories on one CD, but I like the idea of one story per CD and then somehow attaching the CD to the inside of the book.  I’m thinking slip the CD into a quart size Ziploc bag and then attach the bag to the inside of the book so that it can still zip closed.  It will give the kiddos somewhere to keep the CD safe and it will stay with it’s matching book.
 Alright, so now you need some mad reading skills and some killer books.  A while back, my S-I-L did a fun post on “The Lost Art of Storytelling“ where she gave lots of great ideas on improving your story telling skills.  Read over that and then pick some great books!
 A few favorite books of my kids…

You Are Special by Max Lucado

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback

We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen

Tikki Tikki Tembo by Blair Lent

The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman

It would even be super neat to have an actual novel read on CD…the last one my kids enjoyed was Mrs. Piggle Wiggle.

Anyway, these audio CDs and books would be perfect as Christmas or birthday gifts!
 Later!

For gift ideas for everyone on your list, check out the Gift Ideas tab and be sure to pin Gift Idea Central, to keep the whole collection in one place.