50 Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

Fun Experiences

When you give a child an experience, you give them a gift of memories that may last a life-time. Experience can deepen our connections, provide lessons and laughter — a gift for all of us! Try one of the following:

Go on a nature walk (see Turn Any Walk into a Nature Walk for ideas)
A trip to a fire station
A trip to a water park (if this is a holiday gift and you live in a cold climate, give a coupon along with a bathing suit, goggles, or colorful beach towel to accompany it)
A date to make crafts (include craft-making kit and/or supplies)
A date to get up super-early to watch the next meteor shower (see NASA’s sky events calendar)
A date to go camping (include a sleeping bag, flash-light or other camping need)

Memberships/Season Passes

Memberships and passes are the gifts that keep on giving. These can be fun experiences…multiplied. Consider passes to the following:

Nature Center
Science Center
Museums
Theatre
Aquarium
YMCA

Tickets/Gift Certificates

Movies
Bowling
Skating
Miniature golf
A concert
Roller-skating
A sports event

Classes/Lessons

The gift of developing a skill, or the time and space to explore creativity or competence is a gift that can change a child’s life. Consider classes in:

Art
Karate
Dance
Pottery
Horse-back riding
Sewing
Outdoor Skills
Chess
Musical theatre
Musical instrument

Non-Toy Physical Gifts

The following is a list of items which can be fun, uplifting and enrich children’s beings:

Books (draw inspiration from our list of children’s books which promote gratefulness)
Calendar (help children learn to track their activities and record special dates throughout the year)
Analog wrist watch (teach your child how to tell time)
Piggy bank (great way to teach kids the value of money and increase their appreciation of what things cost)
Photo album
DVDs
CDs of kids music
Craft kits
Science kits
Art supplies
Magazine subscription
Bath Stuff (soap-making kit, bath-time body paint, crayons that write on shower walls, etc.)
Stationary (spend time with your child using their stationary to express gratitude to all the folks who thought of them during the Holidays)

Learning Tools

Educational App (to use on a phone, iPod or tablet) (CommonSense Media rates apps, games, movies and more)
Magic kit
Cookbook & apron
Gardening equipment
Telescope
Magnifying glass
Magnet
Globe