Getting ready for this year's holiday season might be stressful, even though it is unquestionably one of the most exciting and anxiously anticipated times of the year. Finding the ideal gift for each friend, associate, or family member can be particularly difficult and time-consuming. The good news is that many wonderful Christmas gift suggestions will make language learners pleased. Look at the list of Christmas gifts for language lovers that we've compiled below if you need some motivation.
1. Anchor Bookmark
I've never seen anything hold textbooks open as these anchor bookmarks do. When reading books in one of my languages or going through language workbooks, I frequently use them.
2. Leuchtturm1917 Dotted Journal
This little, portable diary is available in a range of colors, and dotted pages can be chosen in place of lined ones. I believe that using dots is the ideal alternative for language learners who might be sketching charts or diagrams for our note-taking. (And: using the notebooks will be a pleasure because they look so good.)
3. Crayola Super Tips
For keeping notes and bullet diaries organized, markers are fantastic. But after using every sophisticated marker available, I was surprised to find that Crayola had the widest color selection and the least amount of bleed. (Plus: they are by far the most affordable.)
4. Colored Fine Liners
A range of colored pens or fine liners assists organize notes even better than markers. When making mind maps or sentence diagrams, I like to take notes in a style that makes it easy for me to review them quickly. I give each language its own color when taking notes in many languages.
5. IPA mug
Language students are not all linguists. But if there's someone in your life who enjoys both learning languages and studying languages, they're going to go crazy for this mug. (Although I usually don't get enthusiastic about cheap mugs or merchandise, this cup was created by real linguists.)
6. Vertical stationary organizer
Whatever it is about language learners, our desks are never tidy. Give your language student a stationary organizer as a favor to keep their desk organized (and organize any new pens and markers you got them).
Shop around online because there are a ton of possibilities available in different colors, sizes, and functionalities.
7. Short stories for language learners
Many language students find it difficult to read in the language they are learning. Making the mistake of attempting to start novels right away. There are two superior alternatives, both of which would make fantastic gifts:
The easiest book series on the market is the Short Stories by Olly Richards series, which is available in a variety of languages. These are useful for public school pupils under the age of 16, university students who have only taken one or two semesters of the language, and adults who still find it difficult to communicate in the language.
8. Cookbooks in their target language
It's not simply the languages we love, which is one of the secrets of effective language learners. The individuals and their cultures are to blame. A cookbook is a terrific method to give someone who is learning language access to a fun, at-home cultural and linguistic immersion where they may acquire and practice vocabulary.
9. The Indo-European Cognate Dictionary
One of the nerdier gifts on the list is this one. Nearly all European languages, as well as many Middle Eastern and South Asian languages, share a similar linguistic origin, but you might not know it if you're not familiar with language learning or linguistics. Proto-Indo-European is the name given to the language that our ancestors spoke 10,000 years ago.
The wonderful nerdiness of this dictionary will aid aspiring polyglots in learning multiple languages more quickly by demonstrating the relationships between them. But because it's so technical, I only suggest it as a gift for language enthusiasts who speak or are learning three or more languages.
10. Bullet journal stencils
Your language student may be looking for fresh and attractive methods to embellish their notes if they already have a ton of stationery. Find a ton of creative gift ideas by searching "bullet notebook stencil" on Etsy.
(As a piece of advice, steer clear of letters, numbers, and other things kids can draw themselves. Check out stuff like list makers, monthly trackers, geometric patterns, themed trackers, or wheel planners instead.)
11. Ultralearning
Ultralearning is one of the few books on the market that discusses the useful and usable art of teaching yourself anything; it is more than just a language book. It was one of the best books I've ever read on language acquisition, and one of the many topics the author discusses is how to use scientific learning methodologies to acquire four languages in a year.
12. Noise Canceling Headphones with a built-in mic
Noise-canceling headphones with a built-in mic will help your language student overcome some of their biggest study challenges if they are attending online programs or sharing a home with others. While budget headphones can cost as little as $35 per pair, top brands like Sony or Bose typically cost between $200 and 350 per pair.
13. A Handwriting & Calligraphy Workbook
Does your language student enjoy taking lovely notes? Sharing pictures of notes is becoming more and more common in online communities for language learners. Allow children to enjoy and be creative with their handwriting practice so that learning is not only effective but enjoyable!
14. Language Keyboard Skins
If someone is learning a language written in a different script, such as Russian, Greek, Arabic, or Korean, they will want a new keyboard skin so that when they install new computer hardware, they can see the characters they are typing. Sadly, keyboard skins degrade quickly, so it's a good idea to have extras on hand.
These are currently produced in Russian, Greek, Arabic, Korean, and Thai, but if you're seeking something different, you might be able to locate it by searching "[language] keyboard skin."
15. These Mini Highlighters
You can add them as extras or fillers to a larger gift or use them as a gift box filler. Look how adorable they are.
16. I Speak 6 Languages Game
See who can speak the appropriate words in the right languages in groups of friends or families who speak different languages! You can test your knowledge of several different languages simultaneously in the single-player mode.
17. Language-based Sudoku Book
Without the utility of other gifts, this book is pure fun and does not have any specific language requirements. But because it's so big and challenging, I'd only recommend it for adults and older teenagers.
18. Babel Magazine Subscription
Languages and linguistics are the focus of Babble, a lighthearted, witty, and intelligent magazine. It's the ideal gift for linguists who want to do more than just improve their speaking abilities.
19. Printable Language Planners from Irregular Endings
Because we are aware of our passions, we adore language learners-owned enterprises here! For $16 a pack, Irregular Endings offers a variety of attractive products that you can print at home and assemble into adorable personalized gifts using scrapbooking equipment.
20. Lifetime subscription to uTalk
Rosetta Stone and DuoLingo are likely familiar names. The issue with most apps is that they don't operate and have a very limited number of languages.
On the other hand, uTalk supports more than 150 languages and makes excellent use of learning science. (As a polyglot, I vouch for this software only!) Your language student will get unrestricted access to all of them with a lifetime subscription. (If you're interested in learning more about this app, view my unbiased video here.)
21. Gift Cards to iTalki
Talk is the largest directory of online language teachers on the internet. The likelihood is that the language enthusiast in your life is already enrolled in online courses offered by iTalki.
In general, hiring a language tutor costs $10–20 per hour, but hiring a qualified teacher costs $15–35 per hour (depending on the language). If you don't know that your language student is already using the site, I suggest that you buy at least a $50 gift card so you can pay for multiple classes.
22. Kindle Paperwhite
Kindles are a terrific investment for a language student. First off, their future textbooks and workbooks will probably be far less expensive. Second, students will have access to international books that they could not have sent via snail mail.
Thirdly, Kindle also has several integrated bilingual dictionaries. When a translation is easy to get with only one click, language enthusiasts may read novels much more quickly.
Whichever edition you decide to purchase, I enjoy my basic Paperwhite. (At the time this article was written, that version cost $129.) Anything more pricey looks like it would have too many bells and whistles, which I'm not convinced are necessary for language learners.
23. Language Coaching
When I first started taking my language studies seriously, I encountered many issues that I was unable to resolve on my own. I required a language mentor—someone to show me the way and assist me while I traveled the arduous path ahead.
Find out whether the language enthusiast in your life has a go-to podcast or YouTuber for languages.
Have them check out Language Coaching with Kerstin Cable if they enjoy the Fluent Show. Six sessions with Kerstin helped me with a lot of issues I was having.
You may locate a few hundred more by performing a fast Google search. (Since I don't know them personally, I just won't link to them here.)
24. Language Habit Toolkit
Online course The Language Habit Toolkit serves as a scheduler for language study. The user will gain concrete steps and printable resources as they progress through the course in addition to learning about the effective habits of successful language learners. These resources will assist the user to improve their language learning skills.
25. Fridge magnets
Christmas gifts don't have to be expensive or flashy; what matters most is thoughtfulness. To express your gratitude for your loved ones, a little but thoughtful gift is more than adequate, especially if the item you select is also useful. What could possibly be more useful than a fridge magnet? In addition to serving as mementos, fridge magnets can also be utilized to practice other languages. Of course, we're not referring to your typical refrigerator magnet here. Fridge magnets can now be simply purchased online in a foreign language. These are reusable word tiles in the language of your choice and come in magnetic metal tins.
26. Foreign Language Calendars
Calendars in various languages make wonderful gifts for language enthusiasts. They operate under the same tenet as fridge magnets: exposure and repetition are the greatest ways to learn a language. Today's calendars in other languages include motivational sayings, idioms, fun linguistic or cultural information, and more. Additionally, you can get these calendars online, or even better, you can create your own and have it printed for a genuinely unique Christmas gift.
27. Language Learning Apps
This is the ideal Christmas gift for language learners who also adore mobile technology. Although there are hundreds, if not thousands, of free language learning applications available, only their subscription services allow you to access their best and most valuable features. So how about using one of these applications to make the language learner in your life happy? There are several options available, including bilingual and monolingual dictionaries, vocabulary boosters and flashcards, pronunciation aids, thematic tutorials, phrasebooks, etc. An app for language study is a useful and convenient Christmas gift.
28. Fluent in Three Months
How about fluent in three months as your New Year's resolution? However, "Fluent in 3 Months" is also a best-seller that has already assisted over 100,000 language students in making significant advancements and achieving their objectives. The book is filled with helpful advice on how to learn a language—in fact, any language—and was written by a successful language learner and polyglot. This book stands out from others since it emphasizes "learning to learn" and boosting your self-assurance when taking on the difficult endeavor of learning a new language.
29. Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation Made Easy and Fun
Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are crucial components of every language, even though most language learners detest them. This does not, however, imply that mastering a foreign language through writing has to be tedious. English language learners (and native speakers too!) can benefit greatly from reading books like "My Grammar and I (Or Should That Be "Me"): Old-School Ways to Sharpen Your English" or "Eats, Shoots and Leaves - The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation." You will learn why, when, and how to use proper language, spelling, and punctuation from these books' amusing and unforgettable anecdotes, real-world examples, and entertaining comments.
30. Magazine or newspaper subscriptions
Why not give intermediate or advanced language learners a membership to their preferred magazine if you're seeking the ideal Christmas gift? The most well-known magazines, from Hello to Vogue, have translations available in the major languages of the globe. Foreign language magazines can be quite helpful in assisting learners to expand their vocabulary in a pleasant and fun manner due to their significant visual component. A major newspaper subscription, such as Le Figaro for French language learners, El Pais for Spanish language learners, or Der Spiegel for German language learners, can also aid advanced language learners in improving their reading abilities. There are other options, but a fast Google search will enable you to choose the best option for each learner.
31. Movie Archives
As the type of interactions and dialogues shown in films are frequently a mirror of ordinary language—the language that you can seldom learn from books—subtitled movies are frequently hailed as one of the most effective and entertaining ways to learn a foreign language. The best foreign film collections are now simple to identify and purchase thanks to the expanding presence of online shops.
32. Courses in Cooking
One of the most significant aspects of every culture is food. Understanding the ins and outs of a country's unique gastronomy is a terrific approach to better grasp the local language and culture. Behind every local dish, there is frequently a wealth of history and customs that have been preserved for decades. Why not enroll language learners in a cookery class taught in the language they are studying if you want to give them a particular experience? Weekend cooking classes at well-known locations can be arranged by many language schools in France, Spain, Italy, and other nations. For instance, you can produce a mouthwatering paella in Barcelona or learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch in Rome. All language learners will enjoy this gift because it is an actual delight for the senses!
33. Studying a language abroad
One of the most effective methods for learning a language is cultural immersion. Of course, not everyone can relocate abroad, but brief visits for language study may be an alternative. There are many opportunities to enroll in short-term, intense language programs overseas that run as little as two weeks. Christmas could also be a great time to study a foreign language overseas, especially if you can set up a homestay that will provide students with insightful knowledge of various cultures. The summer is a popular time of year to do this.
34. Online Language Instruction
Unable to pay for an overseas language course? So why not enroll your favorite language student in a course offered online? Since they were initially created, these courses have advanced significantly, and they now concentrate on every practical and theoretical facet of language acquisition, including reading comprehension, oral and listening comprehension, fluency, pronunciation, etc. Online language instruction combines all the benefits of in-person instruction with the flexibility of taking classes when and when it is most convenient for you. Additionally, courses are provided by certified language teachers, and the content can be easily customized to each student's needs and learning preferences. There is simply no greater than that!
Leading online course providers, like Lingoda, go above and beyond by operating engaging virtual classrooms and by fostering online communities of motivated students who help one another as they learn new languages. You don't need to look any further if you're searching for a thoughtful Christmas gift.
