20 Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids That Aren’t Toys
If you’ve seen my post about getting rid of 75% of my kids’ toys, you can probably imagine that I don’t have a lot of toys on my kids’ Christmas list this year (we’ll still get them a couple, but trying to find other creative ideas as well). If you’re looking for ideas that aren’t toys as well for similar reasons, here are 20 that are sure to be a hit.
Clothing Ideas
Socks
My kids love fun socks, especially if they’ve got their favorite characters on them!
Pajamas
My kiddos keep outgrowing their pajamas so quick, so we are always looking to get an extra one here or there and they have every character and pattern imaginable!
Shoes
If your child needs new shoes, this is a great opportunity!
Hats
We won’t be getting any new hats because we have so many already, but if we didn’t, this would be perfect. Both my girls LOVE wearing hats!
Dress-Up Cape/Dress/Wings/Etc.
Any sort of dress-up costume accessories are always a hit with my kids and I love seeing what kind of imaginative play it inspires. We have these superhero ones and my girls love them.
Tools
Kitchen Tools
I’ve been encouraging both my girls to help with cooking and baking and this set I bought has been great for us. My girl loves cutting things into the little shapes and the knives actually work pretty darn well and aren’t dangerous for them to touch at all!
Gardening Tools
Gloves, watering can, shovels, etc. is a great idea for those of you who love gardening and want to encourage your child to help you tend to it. This set seems like a perfect starter.
Cleaning Supplies
We’ve had this Melissa and Doug “pretend” cleaning set since my first kid was a toddler and both my girls have loved it so much. Even though it’s just for pretend play, this stuff actually does work and is perfect for smaller children to feel like they are really helping. My 2 year old loves the mop especially and helps me with this chore with so much enthusiasm.
Flashlights/Nightlights
I don’t know what it is about flashlights that kids are so obsessed with, but you can’t go wrong with a flashlight as a gift. Or if they need a new nightlight, that also makes a great gift.
“Experiences”
A Vacation!
Maybe it’s a spring break vacation or a vacation you already were planning on having sometime towards the first half of the year, but use it as a big surprise for your child! Depending on how old they are, this may just be the biggest hit of them all!
Local Events
If there’s a fun local event that is age-appropriate for your child, like “Disney On Ice”, “Paw Patrol Live”, even a concert, etc., this would be the perfect opportunity to surprise them with tickets.
Surprising them with a new local playground
We have amazing playgrounds near us that are just far enough away to not be something we could do on any typical day, but would be perfect to make into an event and drive just a little further to explore and maybe if you have a video or photo of the playground that you could surprise them with and go there a couple days following Christmas (or whenever you so choose), that may just be a huge hit for the younger kids.
Bedroom “Upgrades”
Bedding
If your kids are overdue for some new bedding, think about surprising them with a new set with their favorite character featured!
Tent
So it doesn’t have to go in their bedroom, but a tent anywhere in your house is a huge win. My kids got one like this as a gift and are so obsessed with it, it’s the best for imaginative play!
Art Projects
A Craft
My girls LOVE crafts! So we are probably getting a bracelet kit, but any craft no matter how small or cheap would be a win in their book.
Coloring Supplies
Crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc. Whatever it is, it’s perfect for Christmas.
Coloring Books or Sketchpads
One of my girls is still too young to totally freeform so she’ll get a new coloring book, but my other girl loves her sketchpad and it’s almost totally filled now so she’s due for another.
Chalk
Always love a toy that encourages outdoor play and you cannot go wrong with sidewalk chalk!
Bath
Bath Bombs
Even adults love a good bath bomb, but kids? Instant hit!
Toothbrush
The most perfect stocking stuffer! A new toothbrush! Okay, it’s not the most fun one to finish the list on, but it is a good opportunity to refresh that toothbrush.
I’d love to hear anymore ideas you all have on what else is on your kids’ Christmas lists! Hopefully a couple of these helped! And make sure to treat yourself to one of these parenting books, all of which totally changed my life!
Happy Christmas shopping!
