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.
RELATED POST:
Why I’m Giving Away Almost ALL My Kids’ Toys for Christmas (& they’re cool with it)
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!
- Tickets to a play
- Money notepad (SO cute and practical! Perfect for older kids. Click here for the tutorial >>)
- Voucher for a family outing
- Books
- Kids Bible
- Basketball or football
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- ABC puzzle
- Stationery
- Mini couch or recliner
- Instrument
- Guitar lessons
- Hair bows
- Movie
- Music (mp3 or cds)
- Personalized backpack
- Bedding
- New lunchbox
- Notecards
- Jewelry Box
- Basketball goal
- Tennis racket
- Special occasion outfit (Easter, Disney shirt)
- Piggy bank + special coins (like silver dollars or $1 coins)
- Movie tickets
- Journal (there’s even a Dude Diary for boys!)
- Science experiment
- Pajamas
- 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”:
- Radio Flyer Tricycle or Balance Bike (younger kids)
- Razor Scooter
- Swing n’Spin Rope Swing
- Jump Rope (this is a sturdy one!)
- Hula Hoop (this one breaks down for travel!)
- Rollerblades (adjustable like this one, or not)
- Tennis Racket
More from WhatMommyDoes
- 18 Best Ways to Give Money as a Gift
- No Bake Cookie Dough Truffles
- Why I’m Getting Rid of Almost ALL My Kids Toys Before Christmas!
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Lena Gott
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Heather says
11/10/2018 at 7:44 PMI love these tips!! Last year for Christmas, my kids played with their toys for about a month and then the toys were forgotten about or broken. This year, I have asked for non-toy gifts from family and friends and I plan on doing the same. I love this list!
Lena Gott says
11/12/2018 at 8:10 AMI am already brainstorming non-toy gifts this year! The kids won’t care either way and it will make my life much easier. 🙂