While toys remain popular holiday gifts for children, growing number of alternatives that children will enjoy just as much as new toy but won’t add to the clutter. Even better, many non-toy gifts lead to enriching experiences, learning, and valuable family time.
- Magazine Subscriptions. There are magazines about just about everything from Thomas the Train and Princesses to junior versions of Sports Illustrated and National Geographic. Older children might also enjoy magazines for about their hobby, weather it is playing guitar, building with Legos, or gaming. You can wrap the first issue for the child to open during the holidays.
- Art Gift Set. Children probably won’t be excited about a set of crayons but the gift of materials that they don’t usually use will be greeted with enthusiasm. You also can always assemble one of your own: Get a large container and go to town with things like googly eyes, pom poms, beads, glue, stickers, paints. Personalize it with your child’s name and watch the fun appear.
- Show Tickets. Many children are very excited at the prospect of seeing a live performance, whether it is a play, band, or event such as the circus or Disney on Ice. Look at the schedules in your area to see what will be playing in the coming year. If you are able, buy tickets to wrap. If the performance you want to see is later in the year wrap small token related to the performance, such as a clown nose or mini-guitar, and wrap it with a note explaining its significance.
- Classes. Is your child a drama queen? Sports fanatic? Music aficionado? Sign them up for a class that will allow them to do what they love once a week. Get something your child needs for the class, such as a tutu or soccer ball, to wrap. Did I mention Art Fun Studio art and craft classes?
- Activity Passes. Chances are there is somewhere your child loves to go to play. It might be somewhere you go regularly or somewhere she has only visited once for a birthday party. Whether your child loves giant moon bounces, a play area with tons of dress-up clothes, bowling, laser tag, an amusement park, or even a special playground that is not on your regular route, buy (or make) a few passes good for trips throughout the year.
- A New Skill. Has your child expressed interest in learning something new? There are child versions of just about anything your son or daughter needs to learn a new skill. Some ideas include beginner sewing and knitting kits, child-proof cameras, kid-safe cooking kits and cookbooks with recipes children can make themselves, took kits appropriate for children, books about learning sign language and children’s gardening kits.
- Room Decorations. Kids love it when their rooms reflect who they are. A new picture to hang related to their current interest is a good choice, weather it is Star Wars, Princesses, or soccer. Kids also love seeing their names displayed, so unique art that spells your child’s name makes a great gift. Options range from custom calligraphy to alphabet photography.
- Craft or Science Box. Even parents who know little about art or science can give their children the tools they need with boxes that contains everything a child needs to complete an impressive art of science project.
- Their Own Artwork Display. Children create a lot of artwork throughout the year. Use the holidays as an opportunity to show them how much you value their creativity. Frame one or two of your child’s best pieces and hang them after your child opens their gift. As an alternative to the traditional frame, try photographing your child’s artwork and printing it on a canvas through an online site like Shutterfly.
- Museum Memberships. Many children love trips to their local children’s museum or zoo. Give the gift of multiple return visits throughout the year with a membership to whichever museum your child enjoys the most.
