10 Fun Non-Toy Gifts for Kids
With November here many parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles find themselves thinking about the upcoming holidays. In the blink of an eye it will be that time of year again, when families gather together, eat traditional holiday foods, bond, and exchange gifts. When it comes to gifts for kiddos, this can require some thinking out of the box.
Most children have a room packed full of toys and electronics. In light of this, you may want to give them something different this year; gifts that won’t end up in the bottom of the toy box and doesn’t require batteries.
Here are ten thoughtful gift ideas for kids that aren’t toys:
- Books – Head to the local book store and pick up a few classics or some new favorites. Book series have come a long way since we were kids, and there is bound to be a boxed set that will have the kids in your life excited to lose themselves in a book.
- Magazine Subscriptions – There are many magazine subscriptions available for kids and kids get really excited about getting mail with their name on it!
- Lessons – Think music, gymnastics, karate, dance, swimming, or any other type of activity that your youngster would enjoy learning.
- Tickets – The options are endless when it comes to tickets. Purchase tickets to a movie, a museum, a play, a sports game, or another kid friendly event.
- Season Passes – Many places sell season or annual passes for kids, adults, and families. Check out local theme parks, museums, the zoo, and more. Often times these passes pay for themselves in 2-3 visits and you get to use them as much as you want until they expire.
- One Time Activities – Skip the toys and give kids a gift certificate to a fun activity or place. This could be a certificate for bowling, game room credits, mini golf, ice skating, or the local kid’s themed pizza place.
- A Craft Kit – Children of all ages love crafts. Pick an age appropriate one and put together a craft basket or kit.
- Outdoor Goods – Fishing poles, camping gear, and sports equipment are all great non-toy gifts.
- A Snack Basket – In our home we have a huge selection of healthy foods, fruits, and vegetables, and vary rarely will you find anything even close to junk food in the cabinets. Due to this, my kids look forward to the rare occasions when they get a sugary drink or snack. Consider bending the rules this holiday and giving your kiddo a little basket of treats that you don’t normally purchase. Don’t be surprised when they decide not to pop open that soda, and instead save it for family movie night or another special event.
- A Pet – There are many kinds of pets that your child might be excited to receive this holiday season. Keep the pet age appropriate, and try to pick one that they can help care for and feed. Not ready to take on a puppy, kitten, fish, or bird? Consider an ant farm or sea monkeys.
Are you planning to buy toys for your kiddos this holiday season, or will you be looking for non-toy gifts? Do you know of another fabulous gift idea that we forgot to include? If so, please leave a comment and let us know what we forgot and what type of gifts you’ll be going with this year. Don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter too!
