Roald Dahl gifts have always been easy wins in our house. His stories weren’t just books we read once and moved on from, they were the ones that got quoted at dinner, reread before bed, and turned into inside jokes.
Over time we’ve picked up a mix of bookish keepsakes, silly games, and a few genuinely useful finds inspired by Matilda, the BFG, and Willy Wonka. The best ones didn’t just look cute, they got used again and again.
If you’re buying for a child who loves Dahl’s world (or a grown-up who never quite left it), these are gift ideas that feel thoughtful without being over the top.
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Gift Ideas Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Most Loved Stories
From books and Mad Libs to puzzles and small keepsakes, these gifts are inspired by Dahl’s most memorable characters.
Roald Dahl Paper Apple
We once gifted this to my son’s teacher and it was a total hit, crafted from actual Roald Dahl book pages, this apple-shaped decoration is both literary and heartfelt. You can even add a custom message on the leaf, making it ideal for end-of-year or Roald Dahl Day surprises.
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Revolting Things to Touch and Feel
This book lives up to its name, it's gloriously gross. Kids will love the weird textures (think scratchy rats and slimy things), and it’s a perfect sensory pick for early readers who aren’t quite ready for full chapter books.
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Shapes Board Book
When my son was a toddler, this was one of the few books we didn’t mind reading over and over. It’s colorful, clever, and a gentle intro to the world of shapes through characters like the BFG and Matilda. Great baby shower or preschooler gift.
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Matilda’s How to be a Genius
This one’s packed with little puzzles, tricks, and “genius” tips, very Matilda. My son spent hours trying to stump us with some of the brain teasers. It’s especially great for kids who love outsmarting the grown-ups (in a good way!).Add our Matilda coloring page too!
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Tonies Matilda Audio Play Character by Roald Dahl
If you already have a Toniebox, this character tile brings Matilda’s story to life with narration that’s actually enjoyable to listen to (even on repeat). It’s been a favorite quiet-time activity in our house and makes a nice screen-free storytelling option.
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The Twelve Days of Christmas
We used this during winter break last year, and it kept the festive chaos fun and creative. Full of crafts, recipes, and jokes, it’s perfect for kids who love hands-on activities and want a Dahl-inspired spin on the holidays.
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Whoppsy-Whiffling Joke Book
This joke book is a go-to for car rides and lunchbox laughs. Some jokes are genuinely clever, others gloriously groan-worthy, but all very Dahl. We’ve ended up memorizing a few just from hearing them so often.Why not add a handmade Roald Dahl bookmark to color in too for a personalized treat.
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Mad Libs
This one turns even the most reluctant writer into a comedian. It’s easy to set up, takes minutes to play, and always ends with ridiculous stories that get read aloud more than once. Great for quick laughs without screens.
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Matilda Playing Cards
These are more than just cute, my son actually learned card games using this deck. The illustrations are fun, and the quality holds up. Great stocking stuffer or party favor for any little bookworm.
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Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory Socks
These are the kind of small gift that still feels personal. Soft, wearable, and covered in familiar Wonka details, they’re an easy win for kids who like subtle book-inspired pieces they can actually use.
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Revolting Rhymes
This is one of those read-aloud books that works just as well for adults. The fairy tales take sharp, unexpected turns, and the rhythm makes it fun to perform. It’s slightly dark, very clever, and never dull.
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Roald Dahl’s Book of Ghost Stories
A good step up for confident readers who want something eerie but not overwhelming. The stories build tension without going too far, which makes it a solid seasonal pick for kids testing their bravery.
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The Witches Mad Libs
Perfect for fans of The Witches who enjoy a bit of chaos. It’s simple, fast, and surprisingly good for vocabulary practice without feeling like schoolwork. Ideal for rainy afternoons or group play.
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Roald Dahl’s Revolting Recipes
This cookbook leans into the messy, playful side of Dahl’s world. The recipes are approachable, and the novelty factor makes kids more willing to help in the kitchen. It’s less about perfection and more about having fun together.
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The BFG Fun Box
A sturdy keepsake tin that feels more substantial than it looks. It works well for storing little treasures, notes, or themed goodies, and it doubles as part of a gift set if you want to build something around it.
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The World of Roald Dahl Mad Libs
A broader take that pulls characters from across his books. It works well for mixed-age groups and keeps things moving during family game nights. The humor lands because it’s rooted in stories kids already know.
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Roald DAHL Framed Picture Poster Print
A simple reading-nook addition that feels thoughtful rather than flashy. The quote is recognizable without being overused, and it works as subtle decor for a bedroom or classroom space.
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Matilda Jigsaw Puzzle
The artwork makes this feel like more than just a puzzle. At 500 pieces, it’s challenging enough to be satisfying without dragging on, and it’s a quiet, screen-free activity that still connects back to the story.
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Top Trumps Card Game
We took this Roald Dahl game on a road trip and it became an instant favorite. It’s packed with fun facts about Dahl’s characters and is a great way to sneak in some reading while still feeling like play. Ideal for siblings or classmate gift swaps too.
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Why Roald Dahl Gifts Still Work
Roald Dahl’s stories have a way of sticking. The characters are bold, the humor is slightly outrageous, and there’s always a clever twist.
That’s what makes Roald Dahl gifts easy to buy. They connect back to books kids already love, whether it’s Matilda’s confidence, the BFG’s kindness, or the chaos inside Willy Wonka’s factory.
For readers who return to those stories again and again, even a small themed gift feels personal.
Last Updated on 12 February 2026 by Clare Brown
