As I've shared in the past, we don't have a lot of toys at our house and we have pretty specific standards for the kinds of toys that we keep at our house. As a result, many people have asked for ideas of non-toy and consumable gifts.
So I put together a list of some of our favorite non-toy gift ideas. My kids helped me come up with their favorite ideas. I thought it might give you some ideas as you're thinking of gift ideas for your kids or any kids you need to buy for this Christmas:
1. Books
While books do take up space, they can be easier to store, much less messy, and very worthwhile. Plus, it encourages your kids to be reading and learning. You can see some of the books we've read the past few years on boards on my Pinterest Page.
2. Magazine Subscriptions
Magazine subscriptions like Ranger Rick, Clubhouse, or National Geographic for Kids can be a lot of fun. My kids LOVE getting magazines as gifts because it means they'll get fun mail every month all year long! Then you can recycle them or pass them on when you're through with them.
{Experimenting with Fizzy Sidewalk Chalk}
3. Bubble Bath or Sidewalk Chalk
My children have so much fun with bubble bath and sidewalk chalk, but it's not something that I usually am going to spend money on. It can provide lots of fun - and is completely consumable!
4. Time Together
What about planning a special date with your child instead of buying them a gift? This takes time, but it is often very meaningful and memorable.
5. Treats
Is there a special food item your kids love? Maybe juice boxes or fruit snacks or animal crackers? Give these as a special treat instead of toys.
6. Craft Supplies
Craft supplies can provide hours of creative play and fun! Here's a great idea for a snail mail craft kit. Or, check out this Handmade Craft Box idea.
7. Colored Pencils & Coloring Books
My kids have spent hours coloring this past year. I think it helps that I love coloring, too! Here's one of the Coloring Books our girls have especially loved this past year. And here are the colored pencils that we adore (they are super pricey but might be a great gift for an older child that really loves art and coloring!)
8. Gift Cards for Restaurants/Treats
A gift card to a restaurant or ice cream shop your child loves is a fun gift. And if your kids are like my kids, they think that getting to use their own gift card to pay is just about the best thing ever!
9. Memberships to Local Attractions
If you have some local museums, a zoo, or other fun places that offer memberships, consider buying a membership as a gift. These are pricey, but can provide hours of fun, memories, and entertainment. Best of all, they take up zero space in your house!
10. Subscription Boxes
Our kids all got a subscription to craft kit boxes last year for Christmas and their birthdays (check out Doodle Crate, Kiwi Crate, and Tinker Crate) and they love, love, loved them! It was one of their favorite gifts ever. If you have LEGO lovers at your house, check out LEGO's Pley membership - Kathrynne got this as a gift and has loved it, too!
What non-toy gift ideas do you have?
Related: Dealing With Toy Overload, Four Weeks of Frugal Family Fun, and Consumable Gifts for Christmas.
