The 5 Best First Bibles for Children (Christmas Gifts to Last a Lifetime)

There are few Christmas gifts more meaningful than a child's first Bible. It's a gift that plants a seed of faith, a treasure that can be revisited for years, and a source of comfort and wisdom. A child's first Bible is where they first meet the heroes of the faith and learn the story of God's love for them.

But choosing the right one can feel like a big responsibility. You want something they will actually look at, with pictures that capture their imagination and words they can understand.

To help you find a truly special gift to place under the tree, we've curated this guide to the 5 best "first Bibles" for children. From durable board books for tiny hands to captivating storybooks for young readers, this list has the perfect starting point for their lifelong journey with God's Word.

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The best first Bibles for children are age-specific: a simple Board Book Bible for toddlers, The Beginner's Bible for preschoolers, the Jesus Storybook Bible for connecting all of Scripture to Jesus, the NIrV Adventure Bible as a first full-text Bible, and The Action Bible for engaging visual learners.

At a Glance: The Best First Bibles for Children

1. The Candle Bible for Toddlers

Best for: Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

A toddler's first Bible needs to be two things: simple and tough.

The Candle Bible for Toddlers is perfect on both counts. Its chunky board book format is built to withstand enthusiastic little hands, while the bright, friendly illustrations and single-sentence-per-page stories introduce the most foundational Bible characters and events in a way that even the youngest child can grasp.

• Why it makes the list: It’s the perfect, durable introduction to the Bible for the very youngest readers.
• Features:
  • Sturdy and durable board book pages.
  • Simple, colourful, and gentle illustrations.
  • Covers 60 core Bible stories in very simple terms.

A Perfect Start for Little Hands: The Candle Bible for Toddlers

"I love for the young child to be able to hold his or her own story book in their hands because they begin to ponder the pictures and the words they have heard previously and that is how they begin to incorporate it into their heart." ★★★★★

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2. The Beginner's Bible

Best for: Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

For over 30 years, The Beginner's Bible has been the trusted starting point for millions of children. Its enduring popularity is down to its winning formula: vibrant, classic illustrations and simple, engaging text that retells over 90 Bible stories. It's the perfect next step after a board book, offering more detail while still being incredibly accessible for preschoolers.

• Why it makes the list: It's a timeless classic and the gold standard for a first storybook Bible.
• Features:
  • Bright, memorable, and child-friendly artwork.
  • Easy-to-read text, perfect for reading aloud.
  • A comprehensive collection of beloved Bible stories.

The Timeless Classic Storybook: The Beginner's Bible

"I love this Bible! It has wonderful illustrations, simple text and it gives the Bible reference for each story so that adults can look it up and read more if they wish. The stories are told simply but well, so that they are a pleasure to read. Both my children had a copy, and enjoyed listening to the stories as young children and later reading them for themselves. It contains the majority of Bible stories expected for this age group too - so they can find pretty much any story "in their Bible"." ★★★★★

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3. The Jesus Storybook Bible

Best for: Early Readers (Ages 4-8)

There is a reason why the Jesus Storybook Bible is a modern classic, beloved by parents, pastors, and children alike. Its unique gift is how it connects every story—from Noah to David to Daniel—to Jesus. Subtitled "Every Story Whispers His Name," it beautifully illustrates how the entire Bible is one big story about God's love and rescue plan. The writing is poetic and the illustrations are whimsical and full of emotion.

• Why it makes the list: It's the best Bible for helping a child understand the overarching narrative of Scripture.
• Features:
  • Beautiful, award-winning writing by Sally Lloyd-Jones.
  • Expressive and captivating illustrations.
  • A powerful, Christ-centred message throughout.

Every Story Whispers His Name: The Jesus Storybook Bible

"I bought one for a baby's dedication and also one for myself. I read it all through and recommend it to anyone of any age. Brilliantly written and illustrated." ★★★★★ Find Out More ►

Make it a Complete Gift: Pair this beautiful book with [The Jesus Storybook Bible Advent Activity Book] for a perfect seasonal package.

4. The NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers

Best for: Independent Readers (Ages 6-10)

There comes a moment when a child is ready for their first "real" Bible, with the full text of all 66 books. The NIrV Adventure Bible is the perfect choice for this transition. It uses the New International Reader's Version (NIrV), which is based on the NIV but uses shorter sentences and simpler language, making it perfect for early readers. It’s also packed with fun, full-colour features that make exploring the Bible an exciting adventure.

• Why it makes the list: It's the UK's bestselling children's Bible and the best "first full-text Bible" for a child to own.
• Features:
  • The full text of the Bible in the easy-to-read NIrV.
  • Full-colour "Jungle Safari" features about life in Bible times.
  • "Words to Treasure" call out key verses to memorize.

Their First Great Adventure: NIrV Adventure Bible for Early Readers

"I bought 3 of these (in different designs) for each of my children. The colour pages, clear layout and easy to read translation mean they can all read it (age 5,6 and 8). It’s been a real blessing reading the scripture together and watching them fall in love with Gods word." ★★★★★ Find Out More ►

5. The Action Bible

Best for: Visual Learners & Comic Book Fans (Ages 10+)

If you are buying for a child who loves comics and graphic novels, The Action Bible is an absolute game-changer. It presents over 200 Bible stories in a dramatic, action-packed, comic-book style. The illustrations are dynamic and compelling, drawing children into the epic scope of God's story. It's a brilliant way to get reluctant readers excited about the Bible.

• Why it makes the list: It is the most engaging and visually exciting Bible for children who are visual learners.
• Features:
  • Epic, comic-book style illustrations.
  • Covers all the major stories of the Bible.
  • Fast-paced narrative that kids love.

God's Word Like Never Before: The Action Bible

"My son can’t stop from reading it and also is fascinated with the pictures." ★★★★★ Find Out More ►

A child's first Bible is a foundational gift. It's the start of a conversation and an adventure that will last their entire life. By choosing one that is engaging, beautiful, and right for their age, you are giving a gift of eternal value this Christmas.

Looking for more ideas? Explore our Ultimate Christmas Bible Gift Guide for recommendations for everyone on your list.