Well before the shopping extravaganza that is Black Friday, toy fever kicks in. Our little ones' requests for the latest dolls or video games are pretty much inevitable. But not every gift they receive this holiday season has to come shrinkwrapped in a box. Not even the most prized one! And hey — it might be nice to actually surprise our kids this year. We rounded up 10 of the best, most creative non-toy gifts out there for kids.
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We all know that kids expect a lot during the holidays. Sometimes their Christmas wish lists can be pages and pages long. But we don't always want to give them a pile of presents that they'll either 1) open, play with once, and then never look at again or 2) complain about by saying they wanted a different one and then we need to go back to the store. Or maybe we just don't want our kids to focus on material gifts!
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Either way, a non-toy gift can be good way to get the kids learning something or out of the house; it can also be a fun way for everyone to spend time together. Plus, no need to buy gift wrap! So read on and take a look at these great gifts ideas that folks should invest in this holiday season — it might just start some new holiday traditions!
Classes
Whether musical instrument lessons, ballet, or art classes, gifting your child with classes can show how much you care about their most beloved skills and interests — and help them foster new ones!
Subscriptions
As obsessed as your kiddo may be with your iPad, they may also enjoy receiving their own magazines in the mail — or even subscription boxes that deliver curated books or crafting materials on a regular basis.
Experiences
A special, well-planned, and hyped-up day trip to a petting zoo, an ice skating rink, or to a special museum may make for memories that last a lifetime! You could even make coupons or special certificates for a "variety pack" of experiences like these that your child would enjoy the most.
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A Special Cooking or Baking Day
What's not to love about baking up a pie, cake, or batch of cookies? If your little ones have a special place in their hearts for spending time in the kitchen, you could put together a mini-"foodie" package for them — gifting delicious ingredients with a plan for baking them up together or setting a date to choose their favorite recipe, go shopping for ingredients, and make a delicious dish.
Art or Craft Supplies
Art supplies (think watercolors, a drawing pad and special pencils, or crafting materials) aren't toys, but they could definitely be something kids can cherish — and use to express themselves creatively — for years to come!
'Spa' Day
Depending on how old they are, planning for an at-home or even in-salon beauty day — think mani-pedis (nail art!) — can be a gift you and your kids will both enjoy!
Puzzles
An age-appropriate puzzle could offer your child the opportunity to build on brain development and problem solving, not to mention a feeling of accomplishment once they've completed it! And it's a great rainy or snowy day activity everyone can participate in.
Clothes or Costumes
Bearing in mind what will suit your little one's style and sensibility, consider an awesome hoodie, a t-shirt with their favorite character on it, a flashy pair of shoes, or even a costume for playing dress up could be a functional and fun gift for your child to enjoy all year round!
Books
Don't underestimate the magic and absolute joy that the right books can bring kids! Even a special trip to the bookstore or library could be part of a literary adventure.
A Big Event
Whether you're talking concert tickets or a trip to an amusement park, a big "game plan" to look forward to can make for gleeful anticipation and an incredible experience for everyone in the family!
