30 Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

When I wrote about giving away most of my kids’ toys before Christmas, I bet I made a lot of people wonder if I would be giving them replacement toys for Christmas.

Here’s the thing – I never want to get back into that spot where I felt like I needed to throw away all their toys again! 

We still plan on giving them Christmas presents….with a little twist.

Anything we get them must either be educational, practical, or provide an experience. Those are the types of gifts my husband and I buy one another anyway; why not the kids, too?

Some may be toy-like, but they won’t just be toys for the sake of being toys. They will have a purpose.

30 Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

Instead of buying toys to refill our playroom, here are some non-toy Christmas gifts we’re considering. I thought you’d like to see the list also in case you want to do the same thing for your kids!

1. Tickets to a play
2. Money notepad (SO cute and practical! Perfect for older kids. Click here for the tutorial >>)
3. Voucher for a family outing
4. Books
5. Kids Bible
6. Basketball or football
7. Shoes
8. Jewelry
9. ABC puzzle
10. Stationery
11. Mini couch or recliner
12. Instrument
13. Guitar lessons
14. Hair bows
15. Movie
16. Music (mp3 or cds)
17. Personalized backpack
18. Bedding
19. New lunchbox
20. Notecards
21. Jewelry Box
22. Basketball goal
23. Tennis racket
24. Special occasion outfit (Easter, Disney shirt)
25. Piggy bank + special coins (like silver dollars or $1 coins)
26. Movie tickets
27. Journal (there’s even a Dude Diary for boys!)
28. Science experiment
29. Pajamas
30. Rollerblades

Do you have any non-toy Christmas gift ideas to add to this list? 

It just occured to me that “toys” that encourage your kids to get exercise are a great alternative as well! They’ll stay healthy and you will feel good about giving them one of these!

7 Fitness Based Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids 

Here are some things my kids have LOVED over the years that would make amazing “fitness-based gifts”:

1. Radio Flyer Tricycle or Balance Bike (younger kids) 
2. Razor Scooter 
3. Swing n’Spin Rope Swing 
4. Jump Rope (this is a sturdy one!)
5. Hula Hoop (this one breaks down for travel!)
6. Rollerblades (adjustable like this one, or not)
7. Tennis Racket

READ NEXT >> Why I’m Giving Away Almost ALL My Kids’ Toys for Christmas (& they’re cool with it)

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