48 Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids (Updated!)

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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.

WHAT CAN I GIVE INSTEAD OF TOYS?

There are so many options for gifts to give that aren’t toys! Once I sat down and started thinking about it, I came up with 30 non-toy gift ideas for kids very quickly.

Anything we get them now 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?

In fact, this type of more unconventional Christmas presents might make it even easier to come up with ideas for your kids this year!

For example: This holiday season, instead of giving a Disney stuffed toy, maybe go see Disney On Ice. Or instead of getting a dragon figurine, you could buy a dragon LEGO set they have to put together.

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

40 NON-TOY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR KIDS (Holiday Gift Guide)

Instead of buying toys to refill our playroom, here are some ideas of Christmas presents that are not toys we’re considering. I thought you’d like to see the list I made in case you want to do the same thing for your kids!

1. Tickets to a local play

Whether you are going to see a live Christmas performance or something that is more specific to their interests, watching a live play is a mesmerizing experience! You might even have a local children’s theater where you can watch a performance done entirely by kids.

Not sure what’s available in your area? Just Google something like “tickets to an event near me” or “local live theaters near _____ (city)”

There are a lot of high schools that put on seasonal plays and the ticket sales go to the arts programs there. These are often good and would make a great way to gift something that also gives back to the youth in the area.

2. Money notepad

Who doesn’t love getting money? This is SO cute and practical! It’s perfect for older kids and teens. Click here for the tutorial >>

I used the same technique to make a notepad like this for my sister that was customized with her name on it. The idea is useful in many ways, not just for money.

3. Voucher for a family outing

Kids LOVE to have the chance to make decisions. My kids thrive on being able to pick the destination of our family outings. Give them a voucher that lets them have the ability to choose what you do (or choose between 3-4 ideas)

It’s a great way to let the kids have some control over the activities they do, but in a safe way. (we know how kids often choose off the wall things that are either undoable or way too expensive)

4. Books

I’m a HUGE promoter of books! Reading opens up new worlds for kids in so many different ways, and it’s fun!

For pre-readers, I recommend BOB Books or classic Dr. Seuss.

Fun read-aloud books recommendations include The Book With No Pictures, books by Mo Willems, or any of the Seuss Learning Library books.

For books that teach lessons, I recommend The Berenstain Bears or The Best Behavior Series books.

And finally, for early chapter books, I recommend The Magic Tree House series, Ivy + Bean Series, The Ramona Collection, or the Stink series.

5. Kids Bible

Kids love to model their parents and explore on their own. Giving them their own (kids version) Bible lets them do both!

6. Sports Balls

Whether your child loves Basketball , football, soccer, or another sport, give them the practical gift of their own ball to play with.

I like to get both a regular version and a soft version, just in case they end up in the house.

Kids have a blast playing actively and will never outgrow a sports ball.

7. Shoes

Kids go through shoes so fast! My kids love getting new shoes. Need New Shoes + Love Getting New Shoes = Pretty Perfect Non-Toy Gift Idea!

Even my teen nephew loves this one. Now he will send me lists of shoes he wants and I choose one to get him for Christmas.

8. Jewelry

If you have kids that love jewelry, get them a piece of their own this year. It will make their day!

There are so many cute options on Amazon or Etsy to make them personalized and special.

9. ABC puzzle

Puzzles are a great gift to give kids because it keeps them busy, quiet & engaged, and learning.

Start with an ABC puzzle for little ones, then move on to different or maybe harder puzzles.

The wood and fantasy puzzles available nowadays are phenomenal. They blow me away with how beautiful they can be.

10. Stationery

Encourage reading and writing skill development with stationery.

Help your kids find a Pen Pal to write back and forth with – they’ll love getting the personal mail and you’ll love how their reading and writing grows!

Cute stationary sets and pens are a fun gift to receive.

11. Mini couch or recliner

Getting your child a mini size couch or recliner that folds out to a mat is a hit in the making. It’s practical because they can use it when reading in their rooms or watching TV with the family. But it’s fun because it changes shape and use (they can even nap on it!)!

12. Instrument

Whether it’s a guitar, keyboard, ukulele or some other instrument, giving your child the gift of music is mind-expanding!

13. Guitar lessons

Take it a step further and give your child music lessons so they can play their new instrument! Learning to read and play music is like learning another language and helps with brain development.

14. Hair bows or hair clips

Do you have a child who loves playing with hair or having their hair styled? Give them a bunch of different colored bows or hair clips and watch the fun begin! You can even get a mannequin head for them to practice on!

15. Movie

I did this for years! I would give my kids a new movie that they hadn’t seen before. We found some wonderful favorites that we watch over and over again (still!) this way! Movie night is always a winning gift, and one that can be redone many times–> a gift that keeps on giving.

16. Music

Whether you give mp3, CDs or even a streaming subscription, children are drawn to music. Embrace it!

17. Personalized backpack (etsy link)

Does your child need a new backpack? A personalized backpack makes a great Christmas present that’s not a toy. Plus, it’s much harder to lose a backpack that has your name on it!

18. Bedding

Pick out some sheets or a new blanket or bedspread with your kids favorite colors or characters on them for a favorite non-toy gift idea.

19. New lunchbox

Have you seen a child get a new lunchbox recently? Isn’t it insane how quickly kids lose their lunchboxes or they develop holes or the zipper stops working? Go to the store and have them pick out their top 4 choices then surprise them with it.

20. Note cards

Boys and girls, alike, enjoy fun note cards – you can get special ones they can send to their friends (yay for practicing reading and writing skills!) or pick up upcoming birthday party invites. There are tons of possibilities with this one.

21. Jewelry Box

This likely appeals to girls more often than boys, but it’s a very practical (and fun) way to keep play jewelry off the floor or keep real jewelry safe.

22. Basketball goal

You can get a stand up plastic goal that’s great for toddlers or go for the over-the-door rim and let preteens and teens go wild shooting hoops. It’s a great way to help kids work through emotions, develop skills and get some exercise!

23. A watch

My kids don’t wear watches, but they are each getting one this year! We are getting to the point where they constantly ask what time it is or need to do something at a certain time, so they are getting watches to help them keep track of time on their own and improve their punctuality and independence. 😊

24. Special occasion outfit (Easter, Christmas, Family Disney shirt)

Have a family trip (to somewhere huge like Disney) coming up? Make special family t-shirts and give them out as holiday gifts this year. Or purchase a special occasion outfit for Idea #1 or another special occasion and give it to them.

25. Piggy bank + special coins (like silver dollars or $1 coins)

Start teaching kids the necessary (and often overlooked) skill of saving money by giving them a piggy bank. Let them start off with saving some special coins that they don’t see every day. Did you know you can get $2 bills at the bank.

26. Movie tickets

Is there a movie your family has been wanting to see? Get movie tickets and go see that movie on the big screen while you munch on some popcorn! We don’t do it often at all, but my kids LOVE going to the movies! For an extra special treat, check out your local IMAX theater.

27. Journal/Diary (there’s even a Dude Diary for boys!)

I love this because having a journal or a diary is a great way to work on reading and writing skills at the same time as working on processing emotions and storytelling. There are so many options available, so you are can be sure you find one they love.

28. Science experiment

Add in some STEM learning with fun science experiments! With kits covering so many different types of experiments, you can find one that interests your child.

29. Pajamas

How about some cute Christmas or holiday PJs? Or maybe your child’s favorite character? This is a simple, fun gift that the kids will love and will get a lot of use!

30. Magazine subscription

We have done this for years, and I’m already searching for this year’s magazines. My kids love getting a piece of mail with their name on it, and I love that they get something once a month that keeps them entertained, reading, and learning! Ideas of magazines that we have loved include National Geographic Kids, Ask, Highlights, Ranger Rick.

31. Fun Socks

With so many to choose from, the hard part will be narrowing down the ones to buy. Kids love to express themselves and fun socks are a great way to do that!

32. Personalized Stationery

Who doesn’t like having something with their own name on it? Encourage your kids to write notes to people on their very own personalized stationary!

33. Membership to a favorite location (zoo, museum, children’s museum, etc)

Is there somewhere you go on a regular basis that you could buy a membership for? We get our kids memberships to the museum and go check out the new exhibits when they come out. It’s a terrific activity for bad weather or cold days and creates fun memories!

BONUS>> Many of the museums participate in a sharing membership where belonging to one gets you free or reduced access to hundreds of other ones. We found this out when we joined our local Life and Science chapter, they have over 250 associated museums around the world we can go to for free!!

34. Art Supply Kit

Does your child love to draw or color? Get them an art supply kit and watch their creativity flourish!

35. Voucher for a one-on-one outing of their choice

This is one of my personal favorite non-toy gift ideas for kids! It’s especially interesting to kids because it gives them 100% of the time and attention of their parents. My kids thrive on having one-on-one time with a parent. Give them a voucher to pick an activity for a one-on-one outing with Mom or Dad.

36. Sleeping bag

Whether it’s for camping out at home in the family room or out in the woods, kids LOVE “camping out” and sleeping in sleeping bags.

37. Calendar

Maybe it’s a calendar with kittens on it or a homemade calendar with family photos, just pick something that’s meaningful for your child and go with it. This non-toy Christmas gift idea can be especially beneficial for kids in the 6-9 year-old range who are starting to develop a sense of longer time periods and want to see how long it is until it’s someone’s birthday or when you’re going to leave for that special vacation.

38. A Digital Camera

See the world through your kids’ eyes and watch them thrill in discovery with a camera of their own!

39. Bean Bag Chair

Such a classic! This was one of my favorite things as a kid. You can now even get one that hides your kids’ toys.

40. Something for their room

Do they need a lamp, alarm clock, or shelf (for books or LEGO creations)? Perhaps an organizing caddy to help keep their art or hobby supplies under control.

It just occurred to me that non “toy” gift ideas for kids that encourage them to get exercise are a great alternative as well! I love giving my kids things to help them stay healthy and active!

8 FITNESS BASED NON-TOY 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

Encourage your toddlers to get outside and get fresh air while also teaching them pedaling and balance skills to help them learn to ride a bike!

2. Razor Scooter

Maybe your kids prefer to stand up rather than sit down…get them a scooter and watch them hit the road!

3. Swing n’Spin Rope Swing

It’s party time! Bring their friends over and watch them play for hours with this super fun rope swing.

4. Jump Rope

Give them a jump rope then YouTube some tricks they can practice and learn how to do. Then just watch the exercise happen!

5. Hula Hoop (this one breaks down for travel!)

I don’t think it gets any more “classic” than a hula hoop, and for good reason. It’s super fun for kids and adults too! Make it a contest to see who can hula longer.

6. Rollerblades (adjustable like this one, or not)

A great form of exercise, not to mention tons of fun!

7. Tennis Racket

Tennis is a terrific exercise, and a fun + cheap activity that friends can enjoy together or the entire family can do as a group.

8. Plasma Car

When my kids were toddlers and slightly older, they used this toy every. day. I am not kidding! When they were really small, we kept this in an enclosed space (fenced porch or inside the garage. Then they got to the point where they would do this up and down the driveway and down the sidewalk. Our Plasma Car provided HOURS of fun on a regular basis!

P.S. These are all eco-friendly!! They are kids powered, not battery powered.

There you go! I hope this list of 48 fun and practical non-toy Christmas gift ideas gives you some ideas for great non-traditional Christmas presents for kids this year! What I love about this list is that they ideas are all high quality. They are thoughtful as well as useful and your gift recipient will feel the effort and love that went into the gifts.