Baby dolls and toy trucks can only provide so much entertainment for little ones before boredom conquers playtime. Give the kids you love long-lasting, learning fun through craft and hobby books. These literary lessons will engender creativity and may keep the kids preoccupied until New Year's.

"Pet Crafts: Everything You Need to Become Your Pet's Craft Star" by Megan Friday (Walter Foster, 2009) $8.95

"What Can You do With an Old Red Shoe?" by Anna Alter "(Henry Holt & Co., 2009) $6.69

"Get Cooking" by Sam Stern (Candlewick, 2009) $12.23

"Super Simple Art to Wear: Fun and Easy-to-make Crafts for Kids" by Karen Latchana Kenney (Abdo Publishing Company, 2009) $19.49

"Super Simple Clay Projects: Fun and Easy-to-make Crafts for Kids" by Karen Latchana Kenney (Abdo Publishing Company, 2009) $19.49

"Smart Cards about Soccer" by (PlayBac, 2009) $9.95

"American Girls Handy Book" by Lina and Adelia Beard (BN Publishing, 2009) $9.99

"The Kids' Guide to Building Cool Stuff" by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt (Edge Books, 2009) $18.71

"The Double-Daring Book for Girls" by Andrea J. Buchanan and Miriam Peskowitz (William Morrow, 2009) $17.81

"Earth-Friendly Crafts: Clever Ways to Reuse Everyday Items" by Kathy Ross (Lerner Publishing, 2009) $23.94