Looking for a gift for your Spanish language student or someone who simply loves learning and speaking Spanish? The ideal gift will provide both enjoyment and an opportunity to improve command of the new language. Try these suggestions, many of which can be found at local bookstores, and all of which can be found online at companies like Amazon.com.
Purely Educational Spanish Language Learning Gifts
Spanish language students, even those who take classes regularly, can benefit from a supplemental learning program, translation gadget, or resource book. Here are some ideas:
Spanish learning software – students can study at their own pace with Rosetta Stone or Fluenz. Both are excellent software programs, but they are also both very pricey. Other, less expensive, programs include Learn to Speak Spanish by Individual Software, Inc, and Instant Immersion Spanish by TOPICS Entertainment, both under $40.
Spanish for the car – for audio programs that provide an introduction for beginners or a ready review for students already in the know, try Drive Time Spanish [Living Language, 2009], Behind the Wheel Spanish [Behind the Wheel, 2008], or Learn in Your Car Spanish [Penton Overseas, 2006].
Spanish/English electronic translators and dictionaries – Spanish students and travelers alike will appreciate something a bit more techie but extremely useful. These gadgets allow the user to type in a word or phrase in either language and instantly bring up the translation. They come in a variety of prices and can be purchased at any large bookstore or via Amazon.com.
Spanish Language Resource Books – a theme Spanish resource book can take the language student beyond day to day instruction. Try these titles for something a little different:
- The Street-Wise Spanish Survival Guide by Eleanor Hamer [Skyhorse Publishing, 2008]
- The Big Red Book of Spanish Idioms by Peter Weibel [McGraw-Hill, 2004]
- Dirty Spanish by Juan Caballero [Ulysses Press, 2008]
- Laugh and Learn Spanish Featuring the #1 Comic Strip “For Better or For Worse by Lynne Johnston and Brenda Wegman [McGraw-Hill, 2003]
- 101 Spanish Riddles by Rafael Falcon [McGraw-Hill, 2001]
- Medical Spanish Made Incredibly Easy [Springhouse, 2008]
- Practical Spanish for Law Enforcement by Lou Savelli [Looseleaf Law Publication, 2007]
- Working Spanish for Teachers and Education Professionals by Gail Stein [Webster’s New World, 2007]
Fun Spanish Language Gifts
Spanish language learning shouldn't be all work. Consider these gift suggestions to lighten the load for the Spanish learner on your list.
Spanish language movies – popular titles include as Like Water for Chocolate (1992) and The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), both produced in Spanish.
Books of Spanish poetry – try something by Pablo Neruda or Federico Garcia Lorca
Favorite picture books in Spanish – even adults will enjoy Dr. Seuss’s Un Pez, Dos Peces (One Fish, Two Fish) or Huevos Verdes con Jamon (Green Eggs and Ham) or Shel Silverstein’s El Arbol Generoso (The Giving Tree) in Spanish. For a bigger challenge turn to the Harry Potter series for titles like Harry Potter y la Piedra Folosofal (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone).
Spanish Word of the Day Calendars - Living Language puts out several calendars featuring Spanish words and phrases. Berltiz publishes a Spanish Phrase A Day calendar.
Magnetic poetry kit in Spanish - these fun little word sets can be used to build Spanish phrases and poetry on the refrigerator or any magnetic surface.
Games in Spanish – try Scrabble or Monopoly, both offered in Spanish by Milton Bradley.
Subscription to a favorite magazine in Spanish – several popular titles are offered in Spanish, including People, Cosmopolitan, and Readers Digest. Or give a subscription to a Spanish-language and lifestyle magazine such as Alma or Siempre Mujer.
When shopping for Christmas, birthdays, or other gift-giving events, think fuera de la caja (outside the box) and choose something that will entertain and enrich the Spanish language student for a long time to come.
¡Felices Fiestas!
Margaret M. Williams - Margaret M. Williams (Peggy) has been a teacher for over 25 years. She currently teaches first grade in a classroom that combines native ...
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