It's the holidays and family members are asking for gift ideas for your kids. Or maybe you need non-toy gift ideas for a child's birthday. We've all been there, so we’ve come up with some solutions - a few “out of the box” party and gift ideas that will surely put a smile on any child's face and keep the unnecessary “stuff” out of the house!
Host a party for charity! Talk with your child before sending out the party invitations about a charity or cause that is special to them. Do they want to help sick kids, animals, homeless people, senior citizens, or the environment? Find the organization's "wish list" and request an item or small monetary donation be brought rather than a traditional birthday present to the honoree. Include that information on your invitation.
Gift an experience! Is there a class, camp or activity that the boy or girl really wants to participate in? A gift certificate or materials for this purpose could be the way to go. An art class with a friend would be lots of fun!
Who wouldn’t want an elephant (or another really cool zoo animal!)? ”Adopt-an-Animal" gives the recipient a sense of pride and responsibility. Check out your local zoo or animal shelter for information on their animal adoption opportunities.
Let’s go to the movies! Give a Red Box or video store gift certificate with some popcorn and treats for family movie night in or one to a movie theatre for a night out!
Inspire their inner Picasso! A box of art supplies - paper, markers, crayons, etc. - is simple, doesn’t take up much space and sparks creativity.
Tickets! Check local venues for upcoming performances and gift tickets to a show, sporting event or concert to enjoy together.
Books and gift certificates always fit! Use a book as the gift AND the card. Write a little note inside the cover then sign and date it. Gift certificates to movie theaters, bowling alleys, mini-golf, bounce houses, kid's play places, ice cream or fro-yo parlors are also fun to give and receive.
The gifts that keep on giving! Annual memberships to your local museum, zoo or playplace... craft crates, science club or magazine subscriptions... There are lots of wonderful options that will allow the child to enjoy a favorite place on multiple occasions throughout the year or receive goodies spaced out over upcoming months.
Coupons! Create a few vouchers kids can redeem for fun activities together or special perks such as staying up past bedtime, being excused from a chore, or playing your child's favorite game.
Cook up some fun! Print out a kid-friendly recipe your child will enjoy preparing with your assistance and gift it with all the required ingredients.
Travel! Plan a family vacation or even just a night in a nearby hotel for a quick getaway. Along those lines, last Christmas, my mother-in-law gave us a gift certificate to Great Wolf Lodge to enjoy during the winter months.
These are only a few suggestions to get you started. The sky is really the limit when you start to look at unique gift options.
Share some of your own thoughts and ideas with us in the comments below!
