Kids Gifts that are Better than Toys
The holidays are here again! Even if you have just a few more gifts to buy or haven’t even started your shopping yet, this blog is for you. We wanted to share 12 gift ideas for your kiddos that aren’t just the latest toy on the shelf! Check them out below:
1. Movie Tickets/Plays
Movie tickets can be a great gift for your kids that your whole family can enjoy; throw in some popcorn and it can be a fun family outing! Some kids might even enjoy tickets to a play, whether a local theater production, or for those closer to NYC, maybe even some tickets to Broadway.
2. Sports Games/Concerts
One of our favorite places to go as a kid was the baseball game so why not give your kids some of those memories (don’t forget the peanuts! 😜). Whatever major sport is in your city: football, basketball, hockey, etc. this could be such an awesome way to enjoy an experience together.
I am sure your kids, especially your older ones, have a favorite band that they would love to see in concert. And for the younger ones Disney on Ice or Bluey’s Big Play are such fun live shows for the whole family to enjoy!
3. Tickets to an Amusement Park/thrill seeking Adventures
Another gift experience can be tickets to your local amusement park or some other thrilling activities like goin zip lining or heading to the trampoline park! If you're looking for something a bit quieter, bowling or mini golf can be great calmer activities for the family.
4. Subscriptions
The gift that keeps on giving! Subscription boxes are a unique gift that can encourage your child's interests and teach them about new things every month. Here is a great article with some of the top rated kids subscription boxes for 2023. Magazine subscriptions like Highlights or National Geographic are perfect for kids practicing reading and learning about the world; magazine subscription ideas.
5. Memberships - Zoo/Aquarium
Depending on what is in your area a membership to the zoo or aquarium can be a great gift for the whole family. These memberships can be shared with your nanny and grandparents so that even when you are at work your kids can enjoy visits to some of their favorite places!
6. Favorite Snacks/Drinks
We all know that kids love to eat and would never say no to some sweets! Some of their favorite candy or favorite snack can be a great gift that is inexpensive too! Another idea is giving them a gift card to their favorite place to eat so that you can visit together as a family (this could even be McDonalds, we know our kids love happy meals 😅).
7. Books/Audio Books
Books are a great gift for any child no matter what age (and adults too!). For kids who aren’t as avid readers consider audio books which are a great alternative!
8. Classes (cooking/music/pottery/etc,)
Are any of your kids interested in some of the arts such as cooking, music, or drawing? Specific classes to teach them more about their passion is such a sweet way to foster their creativity and invest in what they love!
9. Musical Instruments
Along with the classes mentioned above, getting your child a musical instrument that they can practice with is a really special gift. Just make sure you are ready to listen to them practice or have a good place that they can play that won’t disturb the rest of the house (think drums or off-key trumpet playing all day)
10. Arts & Craft Supplies
Simple arts & crafts supplies are perfect additions to your home, ok maybe not the glitter, but popsicle sticks, yarn, glue, coloring books, paint, felt, pipe cleaners, etc. are all simple supplies to foster creativity in your little ones!
11. Camping Must Haves
Maybe you aren’t the outdoorsy type but I bet your kids would love a small tent (even just to use indoors) and their very own sleeping bags. Whether they use it inside or outside a tent/sleeping bag can be a gift that fosters adventure and imaginative play!
12. Family Games/Puzzles
Perfect for the whole family and ideal for winter weather, board games and puzzles are never a bad gift idea. Whether it’s one of the classics like Candy Land or you try out some of these new ideas in this list here (40 Best Family Board Games) board games and puzzles are a simple gift that can provide hours of fun!
Do you have any other great gift ideas for kids that aren’t just toys? Dm us on Instagram; we would love to hear them!
As always, thanks for reading! Stay tuned for more blog posts and don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly family newsletter here, follow us on Instagram, or like us on Facebook for more content!