So you are here because either, A. Your children don’t play with the many toys they already own (raises hand)? Yup, I’ve been there too. B. Maybe you are searching for a gift for a “minimalist” family and need some ideas. And my favorite , C. You’re just tired of cleaning up all that dang clutter.
I feel ya.
Whatever has brought you here, I welcome you!
Let’s figure out what to get these kids that makes everyone happy.
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Do kids need lots of toys to experience Christmas?
When my daughter was 3 years old, I bought into the idea that I needed to have her REALLY experience Christmas by allowing her to “unwrap” lots of gifts.
The more gifts the better!
But, a few weeks after Christmas, those same toys would be forgotten; buried under her bed and deep within her closet.
Nope.
I couldn’t do it anymore.
Sure, I could have implemented a toy rotating system. But, that was too much dedicated time AND space. Space that I was trying to clear out, and time that I was dedicating to decluttering the other areas of my house.
Why should you chose non-toy gifts?
When you choose to go with a more “minimalistic” approach to Christmas gift giving your are helping your child:
- Use their imagination
- Increase child-centered play.
- Conquer boredom
- Develop their own creativity
- Its clutter -free
You will be helping your child to learn to enjoy experiences, rather than “stuff”. Isn’t that what we all want on our minimalist journey?
What should you buy instead of toys?
If toys are bogging you and your family down too, there are plenty of other unique Christmas gifts you can get for the kids. You just need to know the right questions to ask yourself and the right answers to tell others who may want to gift items to your children.
- What do they need?
- What do they want?
- What will they read?
- Is it educational?
- Does it provide an experience or memories?
Where can you find non toy gifts for kids?
If you are looking for the most unique gift ideas you can usually find great creative gifts on Etsy, local small businesses, or you can do a quick google search to find family friendly places near you.
Experience gifts for kids:
These are the gifts that will offer your child an experience to grow them creatively, or will provide them with beautiful memories. This gift is usually absolutely-clutter-free.
1. Lessons/classes
Can you think of something your child is interested in or perhaps something you would like them to try? Dance, music, obsession over Pokémon? You can find lessons or classes related all over the internet.
- Outschool– You can find almost ANY class on here. We have tried a few classes, and I am obsessed!
- Piano kids -Piano lessons for kids 3-5 years old.
- Hoffman Academy– Piano lessons for kids ages 5 +
2. Monthly subscription boxes
Monthly subscription boxes have been all the rage with many adults I know. But, did you know there are TONS of kid friendly subscription boxes too?! From cooking, to woodworking, girls only boxes, and stem boxes. There really is something for every kid.
- Kiwico– Offers a creative variety of options for children 0+.
- Little Passports– Budget friendly, ages 3+.
- Raddish kids– For the budding Chef, Ages 4+.
- Cratejoy– This website is the Daddy of all subscription boxes. It’s fully dedicated to helping your find the perfect subscription box for ANYONE all ages include (grown up gifts too)!
3. Opened-toy gifts for kids
The title of this article is non-toy gifts for kids. But, I just could not resist my urge to talk about them. An open-ended toy gift is very different from your “traditional” toy that has lights, sounds, and all the bells and whistles.
…With opened toys you may not even realize it is an actual toy.
Mr. Rogers once said, “Play is really the work of childhood”. I fully believe this statement, and I believe that open-ended toys provide a lot of creative and imaginative thinking.
What is an opened ended toy?
An open ended toy is a toy that has multiple uses.
Open-ended toys allows children to make their own decisions during their play time.
A video game console is the opposite of an open-ended toy because it literally only has one purpose, to play the game (whatever the end result of the game may be).
An open-ended toys gives children the opportunity to really use their imagination and build their creativity in ways a traditional toy does not provide.
Examples of open-ended toys for kids
In our home we have collectively (with the help of my 6 year old daughter) moved toward more open-ended toys, than traditional toys. We own several of the open ended toys mentioned below.
Balance board– There are unlimited ways to use this; a race track for cars, a bridge for dolls, a puppet center. We just bought this one for our kids. Sometimes the balance board is also referred to as a ‘wobble board’.
Nugget– This “popular” toy has made some waves in the media for its cult like following of moms. It’s essentially a kids couch that can be moved into just about anything you can dream up, just look at their instagram account; We own one nugget and are planning on buying another!
Alternatives to the Nugget- Foamnasium creates similar foam climbing furniture as the Nugget kids couch, The Figgy is similar, but you have the option of purchasing 2 rectangle bolsters and it has waterproof liners for the covers (unlike The Nugget).
Bean bag chairs– You can get 3 different types, the traditional bean bag filled with little beads, a 2 in 1- stuffed animal storage bean bag (Great for minimizing your kids stuffed animals), and lastly, an extremely soft memory-foam bean bag.
Stepping stones– These are great for creating an obstacle course with all the open ended toys mentioned above. We currently own this one these balance pods, because it’s inexpensive and has a sensory component if used without shoes.
Balance beam– We bought this balance beam from Target, but amazon has some great ones as well.
3. Memberships gift ideas for kids
Membership gifts are gifts that you pay for ahead of time for a certain period of time. Memberships can include local places or organizations.
Examples of memberships places:
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center
- The YMCA
- The local zoo
- Local theme park
- Local aquarium
4. Unique gift ideas for minimalist kids and families
Savings account or stock: Why not start them ahead, early in their little lives by opening up a savings account or buying stock on their behalf?
Outdoor play: Outdoor simplicities such as a water sprinkler, we use one like this, you can buy a bird feeder, seeds, and great a book about the local birds in your area. If you want to go really big in this area, a bounce house is always a win (Check your local Facebook marketplace, that’s how we scored this one for $50).
Music: Does your child enjoy music? Maybe set them up with a streaming subscription like Spotify or Apple music either on their phone/ipad (if they have one) or onto one of your devices for them to occasionally use.
Donations: You could donate to your local shelter or food kitchen with your child, or other local organization close to your heart. Me and my daughter like to look the through the World-Vision Gift Catalog together and discuss what area she would like to donate to. It’s a nice teachable moment to discuss and reflect on how very fortunate we are and how we can bless others.
Custom/ personalizations: Custom items can be a fun and heartwarming gift, there are so many neat customizations you can now do; like funny, ‘Face socks‘, or custom picture blankets, Jewelry personalizations, customized clothing or accessories.
I hope that I was able to give you some new ideas on non-toy gifts for you child or someone that is dear to your heart. Also, these ideas aren’t just for kids. When it comes to gift-giving these ideas can be put into practices. A few years ago I gifted a good friend of mine and membership to Costco for her baby shower, because she needed to stock up on baby essentials.
Have you ever given a unique Christmas gift to someone? If so, let me know what it was? I love hearing new ideas!
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