My kids are so spoiled…there I said it.
They have so many more toys and opportunities than I had growing up and while that’s what I want for them, I don’t want it to go overboard…and it has before.
I remember putting all the kids Christmas gifts in a pile and it formed this huge mountain that overtook the living room. I had become THAT mom. The mom who overdid it on presents. I wasn’t spending a lot of money, because I had learned how to get fantastic prices, but they simply didn’t need it all and quickly their hearts became about STUFF.
The following year, I saw their hearts turn negatively very quickly, expecting all they wanted and more. It was very difficult for me to say, “NO.” For me to stop MYSELF from buying something JUST because it was a good deal and my kids would LOVE it. But I care more about their hearts than physical possessions and so, I’ve been on this journey, each year cutting back since then. The first year being the hardest for me AND the kids…and now, here we are this Christmas and they have but a few presents saved aside, nothing fancy or large, just a simple fair amount of gifts ones that won’t clutter their bedrooms, which is a whole ‘nother story!
We sat down this year as a family and created this list together. Almost all of these ideas come directly from kids, so you are sure to get the kids in your life the right gift. My kids had a lot of fun putting this list together for you, and I hope you find it very useful and practical.
Top 50 Non Toy Gifts for Kids
- Jacket
- Buy a Star {usually comes with a certificate} and get a Telescope so they can see it!
- Watch {so they can learn to tell time}
- Gift Card to Their Favorite Store
- Piggy Bank Full of Pennies {teaching to count}
- Bible
- Special Christmas Ornament Every Year Tradition {each year buy them each a different ornament for the tree; when they are older, they will look back and love it!}
- Personalized Wall Decal for Their Room
- Amusement Park / Water Park Season Pass
- New Dress or New Suit
- Coloring Book & Markers
- Notebook & Pen
- Necklace / Bracelet Set
- Play Dough
- Dress Up Costumes
- Eye Mask for Sleeping
- Games
- Art Set {#1 Best Selling on Amazon, Darice 120 pc set, is currently on sale from $69.95 to $9.45!}
- Bubble Bath / Bubble Crayons
- Craft Kit {Great for Creating Memories}
- Lilla Rose Hair Clip
- Special Diary with a Lock {this is the one my daughter has; it’s even prettier in person}
- Books
- Redesign Their Bedroom (new curtains, decor, bedding, clock, lamp, etc.)
- Children’s Magazine Subscription
- Puppy / Kitten {New Family Pet}
- Bathroom Set for Their Bathroom {soap dish, shower curtains, towels, etc.}
- Zoo / Aquarium Season Pass
- DVD Player for Car
- Children’s Camera {Girl / Boy}
- Personalized Water Bottle for School
- Wii U Game Console (this is what we did this year for our family plus a few smaller gifts)
- Laptop for School Homework (kill two birds with one stone)
- Cooking Set (apron, small hand tools, etc.)
- Girl’s Purse or Boy’s Wallet
- Bean Bag Chair {in their favorite character}
- Overnight Bag or Suitcase {in their favorite character}
- Beauty Set (pretend makeup for girls or pretend shaving kit for boys}
- Gardening Set
- Pajama’s
- iPad {great for school work / learning}
- Snacks Basket {make a gift basket with all their favorite food treats}
- Calendar {they said this so they can know what day it is; very clever}
- Homemade Coupons {free back rub, free dinner of their choice, free hug, free spa with mom, etc.}
- Jewelry Box
- Stationary Kit
- Open a Savings Account in Their Name
- Dish Set {Place Mat, Bowl, Plate, Fork, Knife, Spoon, and Cup in Their Favorite Character}
- Picture Frame with Their Name on it {Make a printable and frame it: if their name is George, put the letters diagonal and write a sentence for each letter about them}
- Sewing Kit
- Blu Ray Movie
- Trampoline
Okay, I know I went a couple over, but we came up with a lot of ideas. 🙂 What unique and creative ideas do you have for a non toy gifts for kids and toddlers? Do you give your child toys for Christmas or alternatives like non-material gifts? Why or why not?
