Is your house like mine, overflowing with too many toys that are either missing pieces or never seem to get played with? Every year, as the birthdays and holidays come around, the toy collection continues to grow. Sometimes this is out of our control. With my daughter’s birthday coming up, this had me thinking about gift ideas that have a longer lifespan, are more practical, or perhaps include a memory making component to them.
Below is a list of 20 non-toy gift ideas that are fun and sure to be a hit for the next holiday or birthday. Keep this list handy and share it with your friends and family.
- New Books
Books are great gifts for children of any age. The options are endless in stores and you can also purchase personalized books online to include the child’s name, which is always fun. There are even books available to record your voice reading the story. Another great idea is purchasing a book and then attaching a gift card to the bookstore, complete with ribbon and a special note.
- Classes
Are there specific classes your child has been asking to take, such as dance or tennis lessons? Maybe they want to learn a new instrument or need swim lessons. Giving classes as a gift is a great way to encourage children to explore their interests and learn a new skill.
- Memberships
One of the best gifts we have received is a membership to a local museum. This has provided many family fun days while exploring. Memberships to the local zoo is also a great gift that keeps on giving to the whole family for an entire year.
- Luggage
Whether it’s a big family vacation or just a trip to the grandparents’ house, children love having their own special luggage for adventures. Rolling suitcases, duffel bags, a backpack with a favorite character on it, or accessories like personalized luggage tags are practical gifts that children can use over and over.
- Movies
This is a great gift for the whole family, whether it’s DVDs to enjoy at home or in the car during long trips. You can get creative with this gift by creating a movie bundle, complete with candy and popcorn, or even attach a gift card to the movie theater.
- Personalized Labels
This is a great gift for kids of any age. They can be used for school supplies, inside of personal belongings like coats and hats, or on toys and water bottles. Personalized labels help keep kids keep track of their belongings. They are fun and can be useful from preschool age all the way up to high school.
- Baking Gift Box
This is the perfect gift for kids who like to bake. You could include baking accessories such as aprons, cupcake liners, spatulas, mixing bowls, measuring utensils, recipes cards or cookbooks, and don’t forget the sprinkles!
- Nature Gift Box
This is for the little explorers. You could include a butterfly net, magnifying glass, jars for catching bugs, flashlights, and binoculars, and even a book about nature.
- Activity Gift Card
There are so many possibilities with this gift. You could include a kid-friendly show or play, miniature golf, or the local pool or water park. Activity gift cards are guaranteed to deliver fun-filled memories for your child and the whole family.
- Restaurant Gift Cards
Eating out can be expensive and usually, it’s the adults that get to choose the restaurant. Giving a gift card to your child’s favorite restaurant or ice cream shop gives them the opportunity to choose.
- Large Outdoor Gift
For this gift, you could personalize a special beach bag with a favorite character or their name. The bag can be filled with summer items such as sand toys, bubbles, water balloons, sunglasses, goggles, swimsuit and a new beach towel.
- Science Experiment Bag
In this bag you can include a science experiment book or simply the instructions to a specific experiment, complete with all the ingredients needed. You can even find complete science kits at your local craft and hobby store.
- Sporting Event Tickets
If your child enjoys sports, there’s nothing like cheering on your favorite team while enjoying some popcorn and a hot dog. Whether it is tickets to your local baseball game or a professional sports team, a gift bundle with tickets and money for concession stands is sure to deliver a fun time.
- Tickets to an Amusement Park
If your child likes to ride rides or slides, this gift is perfect! It can be a fun trip for the whole family, and don’t forget to include some spending money for a special treat like ice cream or a souvenir.
- Craft Supplies
Kids love to create art and you can never have too many supplies. Not to mention that kids love new supplies! Fill a basket or container with items such as markers, crayons, paints, paper, scissors, glue, glitter, stencils, etc. There are craft kits available that include a variety of materials, the perfect gift for your little artist.
- Bedroom Items
Not only is this gift practical, but it is helpful to parents. This could include bedding, wall decor, lamps, sleeping bags, or even furniture. A wonderful give that will be used and enjoyed for years to come.
- Subscription Service
There are several kid magazines out there that you can purchase. Your child will then receive this magazine monthly, a gift that keeps giving for the entire year. You can even get your child a subscription to items like clothing, socks, and books. Whatever fits your child’s interest.
- Education Savings Account
When your kids are little, set aside money that they have received in birthday cards for their education. When they get older and want to spend the money, teach them the importance of saving, spending and giving by dividing the money between these goals.
- Coupon Book
You can create a coupon book for just about anything. This could include an afternoon of baking, getting a special treat on the way to school in the morning, an ice cream date, or trips to the park. The possibilities are endless and kids love cashing in their coupons and making memories with those that they love.
Think out of the box this holiday season! Your children will benefit far more than they would with conventional toys.
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Source:bloomingtonin.citymomsblog.com