11 Creative, Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

Thinking Outside the (Toy) Box

Tired of spending your hard-earned money on presents that get played with briefly and are then tossed aside? Keep in mind that toys are not the only type of gift that kids love to receive.

Next time you’re gift-shopping for a birthday, holiday or other special occasion, try thinking outside the proverbial toy box. You’ll discover many creative, non-toy gift ideas sure to surprise and delight children of all ages.

1. A membership. When you invest in season passes or annual memberships, your kids get to visit the places they love all year long. Choose from favorite local destinations like zoos, wildlife centers, amusement parks, water parks and children’s museums. 

2. An experience. Instead of buying a gift card to yet another store at the mall, why not give a gift certificate or voucher for an experience or activity your child would enjoy? Consider options like bowling, ice skating, horseback riding or indoor rock climbing.

3. A subscription. Popular children’s magazines like Highlights and Cricket help build literacy skills and encourage kids to read for fun. Give your child one copy as a gift, and then watch his eyes light up each time a new issue arrives in the mail or becomes available for download.

4. Tickets. Tickets to a hockey or football game make a great gift for a tiny sports fan, especially when accompanied by a team jersey. Not into sports? Encourage your kids to embrace the arts with tickets to a play, symphony or ballet.

5. Lessons. From weekly dance or karate lessons to a special, parent-child cooking class, kids love the opportunity to learn new things. Wrap up an item they can use for their lessons so they will have a related gift to open.

6. A coupon book. Turn the tables on those handmade coupon books kids love to give and design a book of your own featuring coupons your children will be excited to redeem. Ideas include:

· A “Get Out of Chores Free” pass

· An ice cream date with Mom or Dad

· A “Technology Ticket” for extra time using an electronic device

· A chance to stay up 30 minutes past bedtime

7. A homemade gift basket. Instead of buying one large gift, make a themed gift basket comprised of smaller gifts related to something your child enjoys. For an avid reader, build a book basket filled with books, bookmarks, a book light and a gift certificate to a local bookstore. For a movie buff, create a Family Movie Night Basket filled with DVDs, Netflix or Roku subscriptions, movie theater candy and popcorn.

8. A shopping spree. For the teen who wants a new wardrobe, a special shopping spree can be a much-appreciated gift. Plan to spend an entire day together trying on outfits, having lunch and enjoying quality, one-on-one time.

9. A bedroom makeover. Your daughter may have loved her bedroom a few years ago, but does it reflect her interests now? If she’s ready for a change, surprise her with a new set of bedding. Include accessories like curtains and pillows, and throw in paint swatches so she can choose a new paint color for her walls.

10. A pet. Give your children the gift of responsibility by surprising them with a pet of their very own. Start small with a low-maintenance pet like a fish or a hamster, or go all out and get a puppy or a kitten.

11. A gift that gives back. Not ready to bring an animal into your home? Donate to the World Wildlife Fund at worldwildlife.org to adopt one in your child’s name. Or buy a new pair of TOMS shoes and a second pair will be donated to a child in need.

Alyssa Chirco is a mother of two who writes about parenting and family life. Every year, she buys her children fewer and fewer toys as gifts.