“Do you remember the joy of flipping through the pages of a new book or magazine as a child? What about solving a sudoku or crossword at the kitchen table with a grandparent? Those quiet moments of discovery and imagination are unforgettable and can be just as meaningful today. Reading from paper improves focus, comprehension, and memory retention compared to reading from screens—especially for young readers—and gives you a mobile hobby for almost any setting.

In today’s screen-dominant world, there’s a special comfort in turning the pages of a magazine or book—one that a chilly metal eReader just can’t replicate. This holiday season, share that same joy with a loved one and improve their year to come.

A Timeless Gift in a Digital World

Whether it was solving puzzles, exploring hidden picture scenes, or marveling at vivid photos of animals and nature, magazines like Highlights and National Geographic Kids left so many lasting impressions for children in the past that they have earned a place in our present lives. Designed to spark curiosity, learning, consider a magazine subscription this Christmas for a young reader in your life. They offer incredible value—months of entertainment and education for a single, budget-friendly purchase—and gifting them couldn’t be easier. Most magazine subscriptions can be set up online in just minutes and delivered directly to the recipient’s mailbox, providing a recurring surprise long after the holiday season has ended. You can introduce kids to the excitement of rushing to the mailbox while giving also them something to care for, treasure, and share, plus the benefits go beyond the emotional.

Researchers from Princeton and UCLA found that subjects who wrote their notes on paper retained more of what they heard and were able to conceptualize the subject matter more effectively, as writing engages the memory and cognition centers of the brain in a different way than typing. Students are more likely to write down key points as information is processed rather than simply taking dictation since writing is slower than typing.  Since we use screens for social purposes and entertainment, we get used to absorbing online material, much of which was designed to be read quickly and casually, skimming content without much effort. We then tend to use that same approach to on-screen reading with harder material that we need to learn from, to slow down with, to absorb more carefully. It’s also easy to get distracted by the infinite number of opportunities available online.

The Best Gift for Everyone

Finding the right present for older or more traditional relatives can feel like a challenge. They often have the ability to purchase anything they night need or prefer—but what about something more practical and familiar. That’s where a newspaper subscription can shine—it’s a thoughtful, useful gift that brings interest every day and harkens back to days past.

For those who struggle with navigating technology or have poor eyesight, the large, clear format of a printed newspaper is much easier to read and use than the small text and cluttered interfaces of digital platforms. Printed newspapers allow readers to effortlessly flip to their favorite sections, find articles at a glance, and avoid the distractions of pop-ups and endless scrolling. Plus, the games included—crossword puzzles, word searches, or Sudoku—are simple to dive into with a pencil and can even be worked on together with family members, fostering connection.

There’s also a unique thrill in the tactile experience of print. That little dopamine rush when the newspaper lands on the driveway in the morning or appears in the mailbox is a daily delight that no push notification can match. And for those who enjoy a touch of humor, here’s a perk you can’t get from digital news: yesterday’s newspaper can double as a tool to house-train the family puppy.

By giving the gift of a newspaper subscription, you’re offering more than information—you’re delivering a sense of tradition, connection, and daily enjoyment, wrapped in a form that feels personal and accessible. It’s a practical yet meaningful way to show you care.

Make It Personal, Make It Memorable

The best gifts are those that leave a lasting impact, both educationally and emotionally. By giving the gift of paper this holiday season, you’re not just offering entertainment; you’re sharing the joy of discovery, nurturing young minds, and creating opportunities for connection.

So, as you check off your holiday list, consider giving something that warms the heart and ignites the imagination. This year, share the magic of paper with the loved ones in your life—the same magic you cherished as a child. After all, the best gifts are the ones that tell a story.”