by Judith Willson

Created on: November 17, 2010

Many children have a deep-seated fascination with bugs, and the more crawly they are the better.  Spiders are a particular favourite and can provide the inspiration for many delightful gifts.  Just check that nobody in the family suffers from arachnophobia before you start gift-wrapping all those spider themed gifts.

A giant radio controlled tarantula 

This is an ideal present for those younger spider lovers (nine and younger).  You can buy presents like this cheaply in bargain outlets, the de-luxe version in toy shops, or ones to suit all budgets online.  The best ones cost about thirty dollars, although try Ebay for bargains.  Don’t forget the batteries.  There is nothing so disappointing as a giant radio controlled tarantula that won’t move. 

A microscope and spider slides

Budding scientists might like to have a closer look at spider parts.  Simple microscopes are an educational and fascinating gifts.  If you have any technical knowledge you can make a set of slides yourself (find a dead spider or a cast spider skin) but may prefer to buy some ready made.  Your spider lover will be thrilled to see just what spiders look like magnified a hundred times.

A real spider

This is a gift only to be given by, or through consultation with, parents.  Even pet bugs are a responsibility and if junior gets bored of their new pet it is the parents who have to look after it.   However if this seems appropriate and you are sure the child won’t use their new pet to terrify younger children with, then consider a pet tarantula along with tank and equipment.  It is beyond a doubt the best possible present for the true spider lover.  Get the child to do their homework as regards care and handling though. 

Spider knickknacks

Because spiders are so surprisingly popular you can buy almost anything with a spider motif, from t-shirts to bedding sets.  Boring but useful gifts like school supplies might seem far more interesting to the child if they are covered in remarkably realistic spider pictures. You can also buy spider candies, spider candles, spider plates, and pretty much anything else you can imagine.

Spider books

The serious spider lover will want to learn more about their eight legged friends and there are plenty of top quality spider books out there, from pop-ups aimed at the under-fives to those naturalists use for identification.  There is also plenty of fiction starring spiders for all age groups.  The classic children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web, stars a spider as the eponymous heroine.

Spider gifts are an excellent choice for a child who really does not want yet another Barbie doll or football.  They are gender neutral, can be educational, and just scary enough to be exciting. 

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