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20 Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids of Any Age

By Tiffany Olmstead, Monroe LA Publisher with additions by Anna Hall, Hickory NC Publisher December 12, 2017

Playroom overflowing with toys? Tired of your kids getting the latest trendy plaything they get bored with way too quickly? Think "outside the box" for Christmas presents this year and consider non-toy gifts instead. Check out below our list of ideas to get you started. Many of these have lasting effects that will keep the kids happy (and your home clutter-free) long after the holidays have passed.

  1. Books – School may have a break, but a new book over the holidays will keep your child entertained and educated.

  2. Kitchen Tools – Kids love to cook. Quality kitchen tools last a long time and are durable for kids. They also make great stocking stuffers!

  3. Subscription Boxes – There is something for any age! There are many choices such as makeup, science kits, prepped meals, art, and sewing.

  4. Tickets – Favorite movie releasing during the holidays, local productions, concert tickets, upcoming show productions, sports game tickets, etc.

  5. Magazine Subscriptions – So many to choose from, from toddlers to adults. Choose a topic they are into or introduce them to a new hobby!

  6. Classes/Lessons – Enhance a child's life in sports, performing arts, academic, technology, art, and more. 

  7. Family Vacation, Day Trip or Weekend Getaway – Your family has seen other friends' photos, now it's your turn to turn a dream into reality.

  8. Donation to Favorite Cause or Charity – This may be an option for older children. One way to accomplish could be a handmade gift certificate of a certain amount with "Payable To [blank]" creatively presented, to be executed at a later time with child involvement.

  9. A Calendar – My mother always gave my brother and me a calendar every year. It is a nice tradition that I still look forward to each year.  

  10. Memberships – Several local places offer individual and family memberships. They will think of you all year while they are entertained, educated, and exhausted.

  11. Bath/Body Products - Bubble bath, lotions, nailpolish, chapstick... most of these are not only fun, they smell good and are super practical too!

  12. Dress Up Clothes - Your kids will love pretending and you'll love to see them engage in imaginative, creative play.

  13. A Piggy Bank - There are some fun designs to choose from and it's a great starter lesson in money management.

  14. Audio Books - Who doesn't love having a story read to them?

  15. A Sleeping Bag - If your child doesn't have a sleeping bag, maybe they need a new one. Regardless, this is one gift they are sure to get lots of use out of, during slumber parties, camp-outs or just snuggling around the house.

  16. Art/Craft Supplies - Spark your child's creativity with craft kits or simple art supplies, and treasure the creations they produce!

  17. Games/Puzzles - There are so many great games to choose from and the added bonus is the fun to be had at family game nights! Puzzles are a great choice for solo play.

  18. A Watch - Teach your child to tell time by getting them an analog watch. There are some fun designs and character themes to choose from.

  19. Headphones - With kids spending so much time on electronic devices these days, you'll appreciate not having to listen to all that noise!

  20. A Bathrobe - My tween daughter practically lives in her bathrobe when she's home from school. This was one of her all-time favorite gifts.

Happy gifting!

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