Choose a gift for a child other than toys (meaningful gifts they will love!)

Many parents realize that they are immersed in toys only when it is too late. Of course, toys are wonderful ... educational , creative , open up the whole world of play, but today we want to share with you the best gifts that are not toys. Play is essential when it comes to a child's development, so we would never discourage playing with toys, but we just try not to put TOYS in the focus of what our children get. Of course, there is room for toys . They are great options for children during the holidays , fun birthday gifts and sometimes fun to play ... You can not limit yourself to buying toys , as well as your relatives and friends, but let's not forget that too many toys can play a bad role.

If a holiday or birthday is approaching and you are again wondering what to buy your child, consider a gift that is not a toy , but an experience , for example.

Too many toys?

If you also regularly have to donate , throw away or collect piles of toys , then this article is for you. You enter the children's room and wonder where to start and soon realize that the room is full of toys that your children rarely play with. But they want toys . They see them in the store or in a friend's house and feel as if they can't live without them. You don't want Christmas or birthdays to be just for toys . Every parent wants their children to overcome the "demand" for toys and to have "I want" to help others, "I want" to create memories, "I want" to see the real reason for the season. Children have so many things. Too many things. (Not just the kids ... we have too many things.) Toys, toys and more toys. Trucks, cars, barbita, lego, princesses, animals, dinosaurs, dolls, guns, trains. Although every parent would enjoy this opportunity to give their children so much. When do you say enough is enough? When do you say no when you know you can say yes? Don't you want our children to know that giving things is not just toys. I know it's fun for kids to have new toys , but we don't want them to stop appreciating (or remembering) what they're given because it's become so routine for them.

What to do with all the toys?

Have you ever thought about how to involve the child in the cleaning of toys? You know that Christmas or your child's birthday is approaching. You know it will get a lot of toys. Prepare early. Think of scenarios: for example, a week or two before Christmas, bring home a large bag and say that you need to prepare the toys (which are superfluous or with which your children are ready to part) so that Santa Claus can take it and take it to other children who don't have much. Teach them to donate.

What if ... we stop buying?

What if instead of buying so many toys, we invested our money in memories ?

Here are some non-toy gift ideas to get you started:

  1. Make them a photo album with memories of the year (use an album where there is a place where you can write and share why you loved this moment.)
  2. Photo cup - make a cup for each child with photos. It doesn't sound like a super exciting gift, but I think the kids will be very happy with the idea.
  3. A money box in it. If you give them a coin every night to refill it, it will make them happy for a long time.
  4. Personalized book . This is one of the coolest ideas we've come across. It is suitable for birthday gifts and other special occasions, as a way to remember what happened this year. Magazine subscription. As a child, you must have subscribed to a children's magazine and were looking forward to each new issue.
  5. Membership in a local museum (we have a children's museum nearby and the kids love it! It's a super fun place where they can explore and learn.) It will provide your kids with great days full of unforgettable memories. Membership means you can walk as often as you want and it only pays off after a few visits.
  6. Event tickets. Theater, concert, staging, performance - one of the few things we can think of and your children would remember as an experience.
  7. A book for drawing or coloring ... and a small art kit to suit her. Gifts for arts and crafts are always a hit because everyone enjoys them.
  8. Netflix membership. If your children are the right age, this would be a great gift.
  9. Take them somewhere. Go hiking , picnicking , anywhere you can think of. The time spent together will be unforgettable.
  10. Lessons in local fitness, art studio, dance studio, football training… whatever they do. Lessons and courses are a very successful gift idea and your children would appreciate it.
  11. Visit to an amusement park.
  12. Library subscription card.
  13. Clothes - children are not thrilled, but every parent will appreciate it. To enhance the effect of your gift for clothes (many children, especially girls, will scream with delight), look for something special that you would not normally buy for them. Maybe it's an item that is a little more expensive than the desired store or something they've been looking at for months. Whatever it is, if you're giving a gift to someone other than your child, always include a gift receipt so they can exchange the size (or style!) If needed.
  14. Shoes - kids go through shoes so fast!
  15. Own kitchen tools. There are children who want to be in the kitchen all the time and help.
  16. Sewing kit or cake decorating kit (ideal for children starting a new hobby). You can also give them the first sewing machine!
  17. "Toy with five senses" ... something to smell (soap), something to hear (tickets for a play), something to taste (favorite cookies from a bakery), something to look at (a book), something to touch (new winter gloves) .
  18. New bath towel or bathrobe.
  19. Put on your clothes - it's nice when children play and use their imagination. Give them your old prom dresses, wedding dresses, etc.
  20. Your favorite book from the time you were their age. Read it again with your child (or grandson) and then talk about it.
  21. Board games that kids will love. Don't stop playing with your children, they will appreciate it.
  22. Socks - children LOVE to wear fun socks!
  23. Movie about the car . If you have a TV in the car, a movie about the car is perfect!
  24. Headphones - are now a very current accessory for every teenager.
  25. Room decor - for example, paintings for children's rooms (or personalized things to hang in their room.)
  26. "Your day" - give your children a day to choose what they want. Call it "Your Day." Give them a big poster with a bunch of different ideas.
  27. A favorite idea for family gifts would be to take a family vacation over the weekend . You can give a note to your children with the inscription “Take your swimsuit! We are going…. (where are you) for the weekend! "
  28. Money ... in one-dollar bills. Give the child ten one-dollar bills and see a huge smile on their face!
  29. Drawing lessons.
  30. Slippers.
  31. Something about their room - For a child, their room is just that - their room and they love to personalize, decorate and decorate it to make their own. So give away some fun accessories that can add, or think of a children's playroom and what can make it more comfortable, tidy or more exciting!
  32. Decorative pillows or bedroom set. Think of a themed or fun gift in this regard.
  33. Photo frame or picture - works of art.
  34. Alarm clock - Help your child understand in time that it is important not to be late and use an alarm clock. Choose a fun character, one that helps them stay in bed (we highly recommend a simple stop light that easily stops the clock ringing), or one that helps them get out of bed (hello, teens!)
  35. Playhouse or tent - The children's playroom is not complete without a fun hiding place to stay alone with. A place where they can hide with a book, giggle with friends and hide from their little siblings.
  36. Toy Box - It's a little ironic that a toy box is on our list of non-toy gifts, but if you're here and reading this guide, chances are your kids are really using a little toy space to take over your house. A beautifully crafted toy box can not only solve the mess problem, but it can also be a wonderful piece that can be passed down from generation to generation.
  37. Children's chair - Provide your child with a comfortable place to rest, relax or read on his own, perfectly proportioned chair.
  38. Sunglasses - children's eye protection is an invaluable and necessary gift for all ages ... even babies!
  39. Clock - Your kids will feel so grown up with their own clock (and it's great to know when it's time for dinner). Choose fun digital for younger children and analog for older children.
  40. Handmade hair accessories - Girls will be delighted.
  41. Beautiful earrings or necklaces are also not a bad gift idea.
  42. Suitcase or travel bag / backpack - For children traveling (whether it's to exotic destinations or just to grandma's house), owning your own luggage and supplies can be really convenient.
  43. Bike or scooter - What kid doesn't dream of a new bike ?! This makes it an extremely functional but exciting gift that will surely be used for a long time. And in today's age of technology, this is a sure way to get your child out into the fresh air.
  44. Flashlight - Do not underestimate the power of an ordinary flashlight. This can be a gift that makes building the fortress and the "monster" much more fun.
  45. Children's umbrella - A seriously useful gift that would go brilliantly with a new raincoat or a cute pair of rubber boots.
  46. Wallet - Whether real or not, children LOVE to play with money. For young children, the wallet serves as a great prop for imaginary games such as a shop and restaurant, and they feel so grown up that they have one like dad or mom. They also like to use it for their real money when they go out to buy something, and the responsibility of caring for it is a great skill to teach your child. For older children, it becomes a more modern item that will travel with them for everyday use.
  47. Adventures - These adventurous experiences are sure to be a big hit and many of them are ideal for older children and teenagers who are "above" children's things.
    • Traveling by train
    • Horseback riding
    • Hot air balloon lift
    • Driving a racing car
    • Adventure with obstacles
    • Helicopter or plane ride
    • Rock climbing
    • Rafting