When it comes to choosing gifts for kids, there’s a world beyond the traditional toy aisle that can be both exciting and enriching. Non-toy gift ideas open up opportunities for learning and exploration.
From hands-on experiences to fostering creative expression, these alternatives aim to provide more than just entertainment. Whether it’s engaging in educational activities, discovering new hobbies, or sparking an interest in literature, the following list offers a diverse range of thoughtful gifts.
By exploring these options, you can find presents that not only bring joy to kids but also contribute positively to their overall growth and development.
Here are 25 gift ideas for kids that are not toys:
- Books: Choose age-appropriate books or a series that aligns with their interests.
- Art Supplies: Crayons, markers, colored pencils, sketchbooks, and paints can inspire creativity.
- Board Games: A fun and educational board game suitable for their age group.
- Puzzle Sets: Jigsaw puzzles help with cognitive development.
- Educational Kits: Science, math, or DIY kits that encourage learning through play.
- Musical Instruments: A beginner’s instrument like a ukulele, keyboard, or a small drum set.
- Outdoor Gear: Items like a kite, frisbee, or a jump rope for active play.
- Sports Equipment: A soccer ball, basketball, or a set of tennis rackets.
- Gardening Kit: Seeds, small gardening tools, and pots for cultivating plants.
- Personalized Items: Customized backpacks, water bottles, or stationary with their name.
- Cooking Set: Child-friendly cooking utensils and recipe books for aspiring chefs.
- Subscription Boxes: Services that deliver age-appropriate activities or projects monthly.
- Kid-Friendly Cooking Class: Enrollment in a local cooking class for children.
- Movie Night Package: A collection of family-friendly movies, popcorn, and cozy blankets.
- Tickets to an Event: Concerts, theater shows, or sports events suitable for kids.
- Interactive Globes or Maps: Educational tools to learn about geography and countries.
- Science Museum or Zoo Membership: Access to educational and entertaining outings.
- Outdoor Adventure Gear: Binoculars, compass, or a bug-catching kit for exploring nature.
- Art or Music Lessons: Enroll them in classes for painting, drawing, or musical instruments.
- Personalized Jigsaw Puzzle: Create a custom puzzle with a picture of their choice.
- DIY Craft Kits: Craft projects that allow them to make their own creations.
- Journal or Diary: Encourage writing and self-expression with a personal journal.
- Gift Cards: Allow them to choose their own items, perhaps for books, music, or clothes.
- Interactive Learning Apps: Educational apps that make learning fun.
- Camping Gear: A child-sized sleeping bag, flashlight, or camping set for outdoor adventures.
Remember to consider the child’s age, interests, and any specific preferences when selecting a gift.
Do children need to receive toys as gifts?
No, children do not necessarily need to receive toys as gifts. While toys can be a source of entertainment, joy, and can contribute to a child’s development, there are various other meaningful and valuable gift options. It’s essential to consider the child’s interests, age, and developmental stage when selecting a gift.
Alternative gift options that are not toys include experiences, educational materials, books, outdoor gear, art supplies, and more. Gifts that promote learning, creativity, and exploration can be just as enriching for a child as traditional toys.
What are some fun experiences I can gift my child instead?
Here are 20 fun experiences you can consider gifting to a child:
- Theme Park Tickets: A day at a local theme park or amusement park.
- Zoo or Aquarium Visit: Tickets for a day of exploring different animals.
- Concert Tickets: Attend a kid-friendly concert or musical performance.
- Movie Night Out: Take them to a cinema for a special movie screening.
- Sporting Event Tickets: Watch a live sports game together.
- Art or Science Museum Visit: Explore interactive exhibits at a museum.
- Outdoor Adventure: Plan a day of hiking, biking, or exploring nature trails.
- Ice Skating or Roller Skating: Enjoy a day of skating at a local rink.
- Mini Golf: Play a round of miniature golf for a fun and active experience.
- Bowling Night: Take them bowling for a friendly competition.
- Indoor Trampoline Park: Bounce and play at a trampoline park.
- Escape Room Experience: Challenge them with an escape room adventure.
- Dance or Music Classes: Enroll them in introductory dance or music lessons.
- Cooking Class: Attend a kid-friendly cooking class together.
- Pottery Painting Session: Get creative with a pottery painting experience.
- Wildlife Safari: Go on a safari or wildlife tour, if available in your area.
- Planetarium Show: Explore the wonders of the universe in a planetarium.
- Water Park Day: Spend a day at a water park for some aquatic fun.
- Train or Boat Ride: Take a scenic train or boat ride together.
- Camping Trip: Plan a family camping trip for an outdoor adventure.
Experiences often create lasting memories and can be more meaningful than material gifts. Tailor the experience to the child’s interests and preferences for a truly special and enjoyable gift.
Subscription box gifts for kids
Subscription box gifts for kids offer a delightful and innovative way to bring joy and excitement into a child’s life. These thoughtfully curated packages are designed to cater to various interests, ensuring that each delivery is a source of discovery and engagement. Here are 10 subscription boxes created specifically for kids:
- KiwiCo: Offers age-appropriate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) projects for various age groups.
- Little Passports: Provides monthly packages that take kids on a virtual global adventure, exploring different countries and cultures.
- Raddish Kids: A cooking subscription box that delivers a new culinary adventure to your doorstep each month, complete with recipes and cooking tools.
- Bookroo: A book subscription service that delivers curated, age-appropriate books for children to encourage a love of reading.
- Bitsbox: Focuses on teaching kids how to code with a monthly box that includes coding projects, activities, and games.
- Kidstir: A cooking and recipe subscription box designed for kids, featuring easy and healthy recipes along with kitchen tools.
- Brick Loot: Perfect for LEGO enthusiasts, this subscription box delivers custom-designed, exclusive LEGO sets and accessories each month.
- Green Kid Crafts: Offers eco-friendly and STEAM-themed projects, including science experiments and art activities.
- Tinker Crate by KiwiCo: Focuses on science and engineering, providing hands-on projects and experiments for curious kids.
- Sensory TheraPlay Box: Designed for children with sensory processing needs, this subscription box includes therapeutic toys and activities.
These subscription boxes provide a variety of educational and entertaining activities, catering to different interests and age groups.
What hobbies can I introduce my child to as a gift idea?
Introducing your child to new hobbies can be a wonderful gift that fosters creativity, skill development, and a sense of accomplishment. Here are some hobbies you can consider:
- Drawing and Painting: Provide art supplies and encourage your child to explore their creativity through drawing and painting.
- Reading: Gift a selection of age-appropriate books or start a monthly book club for your child.
- LEGO Building: Invest in LEGO sets to stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Gardening: Create a small garden together with kid-friendly plants and gardening tools.
- Cooking and Baking: Introduce your child to the joy of cooking with easy and fun recipes.
- Music: Explore musical instruments, and consider music lessons or a beginner’s instrument like a ukulele.
- Outdoor Exploration: Foster a love for nature through activities like bird watching, hiking, or stargazing.
- Photography: Provide a simple camera and encourage your child to capture moments and explore photography.
- Board Games and Puzzles: Engage in strategic thinking and problem-solving with a variety of board games and puzzles.
- Coding: Introduce basic coding concepts through online platforms or coding toys.
- Sports: Explore different sports activities such as soccer, basketball, or tennis.
- Model Building: Build models together, whether it’s airplanes, cars, or ships.
- Dance: Enroll your child in dance classes or explore different dance styles together.
- Origami: Learn the art of paper folding and create various origami figures.
- Chess: Teach your child to play chess, encouraging strategic thinking and patience.
- Science Experiments: Try simple and safe science experiments at home to spark curiosity.
- Collecting: Encourage collecting hobbies such as coins, stamps, or trading cards.
- Yoga: Explore kid-friendly yoga routines to promote physical and mental well-being.
- Magic Tricks: Introduce your child to the world of magic with simple magic tricks and illusions.
- DIY Crafts: Explore various crafting activities, from making friendship bracelets to creating paper crafts.
When introducing a new hobby, consider your child’s interests, preferences, and age to make the experience enjoyable and rewarding.
Why we like non-toy gifts for kids
Choosing non-toy gifts for kids often stems from a desire to offer experiences and opportunities that extend beyond the transient joy of traditional playthings. Here are a few reasons why many people appreciate non-toy gifts for kids:
- Meaningful Experiences: Non-toy gifts often provide kids with experiences, such as museum visits, outdoor adventures, or educational activities, fostering meaningful memories.
- Educational Value: Many non-toy gifts focus on learning and skill development, contributing to a child’s cognitive, creative, or physical growth in a more intentional way.
- Reduced Clutter: Non-toy gifts, especially experiences or consumables, contribute to a clutter-free environment, addressing concerns about excessive toys taking up space.
- Long-lasting Impact: Some non-toy gifts, like books, musical instruments, or educational subscriptions, have a more enduring impact on a child’s development compared to temporary entertainment provided by toys.
- Personalization: Non-toy gifts can often be more personalized, catering to a child’s specific interests, hobbies, or preferences.
- Environmental Considerations: Choosing experiences or items with a longer lifespan may align with a preference for more sustainable gift-giving and a reduced environmental impact compared to disposable or short-lived toys.
- Encouraging Hobbies: Non-toy gifts can introduce children to new hobbies or interests, opening doors to potential lifelong passions.
- Quality Family Time: Gifts that involve experiences or activities often encourage quality family time, providing opportunities for bonding and shared enjoyment.
Ultimately, the appeal of non-toy gifts lies in their potential to offer lasting value, promote growth, and create memorable moments for children.