Non-toy gifts are the perfect option to shift from stuff and material gifts to give. We know kids love toys and we love giving them things that they feel they just can’t be without.
However, if we are honest with ourselves, we know where these toys end up; under their beds, or shoved in their closet, never to be played with again.
If you are looking for a solution to help reduce the number of toys in your home, then you will want to consider giving experiences as gifts to your children this year.
Why give gifts that aren’t toys?
Your kids will remember an experience more than remembering what gift they got on their 5th birthday from you. Toys are easily forgotten or easily thrown away because they were never played with or broke easily.
When your child gets a gift that isn’t a toy but an experience like a trip to the ice cream shop, movie night in your backyard, or a fun weekend away camping, then you have created a life-long memory that they will have forever.
Giving gifts that aren’t toys don’t have to be an experience; there are several other options check them out below!
17 Gift Ideas That Aren’t Toys
1. Photo Album
If you are tired of buying toys that do not get played with, then invest your time and money into a photo album to share with your child of their events and memories from the previous year. You can make a scrapbook or use a photo site like Shutterfly to help you create this photo album.
2. Movie Tickets
Purchase gift vouchers to your local movie theater. Let your child pick a date to redeem them. They will likely save them for a movie they have been waiting to see in the theater.
3. Coupon Book
You can make your own coupon book to give to your kid to include things you know they would love to redeem their coupons for. Some ideas to add to your coupon book would be:
- Extra TV time
- Later bedtime by 30 minutes
- Candy bar at the grocery store
- Milkshake after school
- Read a book to mom
- Play baseball with dad outside
4. Monthly Subscription Box
You can search for so many different ideas to order your child as a monthly subscription box. You can also find one that sends them not only monthly but quarterly if you want them more spread out. Some monthly subscription boxes to consider are crafts, books, clothing, and STEM.
5. Family Outing
Plan a family outing that will enable your child to share memories that will last forever. Maybe plan a picnic at a local park that has food trucks set up. Let them choose their favorite food truck and then enjoy eating together in the park’s grassy field.
6. Museum Membership
I am sure you have a local child’s museums or places that kids love and can explore that have an annual membership you can purchase. This is a great gift idea that isn’t toys because they can be reused repeatedly and make memories of each visit together as a family or with friends.
7. Fast Food Gift Cards
These are perfect as they can be used over a couple of weeks or months, depending on the value. Let them cash in their fast-food gift cards when they ask for a sweet treat or an alternative dinner.
8. XBOX Live Membership/Game Pass
If you are wondering what gift to give that isn’t a toy to an older child, look into the Xbox live and/or game pass membership. This will allow your child to have access to games and even to play with their friends online.
9. Dress Up Clothes
Filling up your child’s dress up wardrobe is an inexpensive gift that isn’t a toy. Try adding to their dress-up clothing some aprons, shoes, boas, hats, scrubs, and all sorts of other items they would enjoy dressing up with.
10. Travel Gear
If your family likes to travel or has an upcoming trip this year, consider giving your child their own luggage, toiletry bag, and even travel pillow. You can also order a personalized luggage tag to make it a bit more special.
11. Butterfly Kit
If you are searching for gifts that aren’t toys but are still fun, you should deffinately get a butterfly kit. Experiencing nature up close is a great gift that can help your child observe and interact with nature on a regular basis.
A butterfly kit is something they can watch as the caterpillars morph into butterflies. Make the releasing of the butterflies a special day!
12. Special Article of Clothing
Gift one piece of clothing you know your child has really been wanting. It could be a fancy dress, a style of jeans, a piece of jewelry, or a professional athlete jersey.
13. Digital Camera
This will be a great way to see the world through your child’s eyes. You will find a perfectly priced digital camera for cheap that will be perfect for the age of your child. If they have an interest in photography, you may want to spend a bit more on the camera.
14. New Bedroom Decor
My daughter always wants to decorate her room a bit differently. Save these new comforter requests or art to hang for a gift-giving moment. If your child wants to change up their room decor, save it for their birthday.
15. New Supplies
These could be art supplies, sports equipment, or baking items. Just depending on what your child is interested in, you can always stock them up on something new they love to do.
If they are into art, buy them the expensive colored pencils or canvas they have been eyeing. Saving these purchases for a gift makes them more special and helps your child appreciate the gift more.
16. Garden Tools
Purchase some new garden tools, seeds, and all things your child will need to grow and nurture a new garden. Maybe even buy a few fruit-producing plants so they can see the fruit of their labors.
17. Summer camp
If your child is born in spring or summer, a week at summer camp can make your child extremely happy. It’s something that they will remember for a lifetime.
And if their birthday is during fall/winter, you can always plan a weekend trip for the family – just let them choose where they want to go!
Which gift are you thinking of giving to your kids this year that aren’t toys?