Think Outside the (Toy) Box: 11 Creative, Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids
The holiday season’s hottest toys have hit the shelves, and children around the world are eagerly adding these coveted items to their holiday wish lists. But how many new toys do our children actually need?
If you are tired of spending your hard-earned money on presents that get played with briefly and then tossed aside, keep in mind that toys are not the only type of gift that parents can place beneath the tree. When doing your holiday shopping this year, try thinking outside the proverbial toy box. You will discover many creative, non-toy gift ideas sure to surprise and delight children of all ages.
1. A Membership. When you invest in season passes or annual memberships, your kids get to visit the places they love all year long. Choose from favorite local destinations like the Saint Louis Zoo, The Magic House, the Saint Louis Science Center, Six Flags or the Missouri Botanical Garden.
2. An Experience. Instead of buying a gift card to yet another store at the mall, why not give a gift certificate or voucher for an experience or activity your child would enjoy? Consider options like bowling, ice skating, horseback riding or indoor rock climbing. Or fill a bucket with tokens from a nearby arcade and promise to visit over the holiday break from school.
3. A Subscription. Popular children’s magazines like Highlights and Cricket help build literacy skills – and they also encourage kids to read for fun. Give your child one copy for Christmas, and then watch his eyes light up each time a new issue arrives in the mail or becomes available for download.
4. Tickets. Tickets to a sporting event like a hockey or football game make a great gift for a tiny sports fan, especially when accompanied by a team jersey. Not into sports? Encourage your kids to embrace the arts with tickets to a play, symphony or ballet. Many local venues like COCA and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis offer short, interactive performances geared specifically towards children.
And if you've got LEGO fans in your house, get them tickets to the LEGO KidsFest that's coming to St. Louis in March. It's a three-day event where all things LEGO will descend upon America's Center, like the LEGO Model Museum, LEGO Fusion, LEGO MIxels, the Brick Battle Zone, the Challenge Zone, LEGO Master Builders, LEGO Star Wars, Creation Nation and lots more.
5. Lessons. From weekly dance or karate lessons to a special parent-child cooking class, kids love the opportunity to learn new things. Wrap up an item they can use for their lessons – perhaps a new leotard for dance or a personalized apron for cooking – to place under the tree.
6. A Coupon Book. Why not turn the tables on those handmade coupon books that kids love to give as gifts? Design a book of your own featuring coupons your children will be excited to redeem. Possible coupon ideas include:
- A Get Out of Chores Free pass
- An ice cream date with Mom or Dad
- A Technology Ticket for extra time using an electronic device
- A chance to stay up 30 minutes past bedtime
7. A Homemade Gift Basket. Instead of buying one large gift, make a themed gift basket comprised of smaller gifts related to something your child enjoys. Raising an avid reader? Build a Book Basket filled with books, bookmarks, a book light and a gift certificate to a local bookstore. Have a movie buff on your hands? Build a Family Movie Night Basket filled with DVD’s, boxes of movie theater candy and, of course, popcorn.
8. A Shopping Spree. For the teen or tween who wants a new wardrobe, a special shopping spree can be a much appreciated gift. Plan to spend an entire day together trying on outfits, having lunch and enjoying some quality, one-on-one time.
9. A Bedroom Makeover. Your daughter may have loved her princess bedroom a few years ago, but does the room reflect her interests now? If she is ready for a change, surprise her with a new set of bedding beneath the Christmas tree. Include accessories like curtains and pillows, and also some paint swatches so she can choose a new color for her walls.
10. A Pet. Give your children the gift of responsibility this year by surprising them with a pet of their very own. Start small with a low-maintenance pet like a fish or a hamster, or go all out and get a puppy or a kitten from the Humane Society of Missouri or Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Keep costs down by asking relatives to give your kids the necessary accessories – such as food, cages and pet toys – as presents.
11. A Gift that Gives Back. Not ready to bring an animal into your home? Make a donation to the World Wildlife Fund at www.worldwildlife.org and you can adopt one in your child’s name. Even better, keep your money local and take advantage of the River Otter Holiday Adoptions that the Saint Louis Zoo is currently offering. For $40, including shipping and handling, the Zoo will send an adoption package that includes a plush river otter toy, a personalized adoption certificate, the recipient's name on the Zoo Parents Donor Wall, an invitation to the Zoo Parents Picnic and more. Save $5 by purchasing and picking up your package at the Zoo Welcome Desk.
Another option is to buy a new pair of TOMS shoes as a Christmas gift and a second pair will automatically be donated to a child in need. When you give a gift that gives back, you also give your children one of the best gifts of all: a reminder that Christmas is about far more than just the presents – toys or not – beneath the tree.
Looking to get #creative with your kid's #gifts this year? We love this article from @stlparent. http://t.co/p7zXcP5BSG
— JuniorAchievementSTL (@JA_STL) December 6, 2014
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Alyssa Chirco is a freelance writer, mother and margarita lover, not necessarily in that order. In addition to writing for STL Parent, she is Contributing Editor at Parenting Squad, and covers parenting, health and lifestyle topics for publications across the country. She recently moved from the suburbs of St. Louis to a small town in rural Jefferson County, where she is learning to survive with no Target or Starbucks in sight. Follow her on Twitter @AlyssaChirco
