Inside: If you’re thinking about Christmas and realizing your kids have more than enough toys, this growing list of non-toy Christmas gifts for kids will get you started on your list of non-toy gift ideas.
We’ve ARRIVED: that amazing time in a parent’s life when your last kid ages out of the “toy, toy, toy” stage of childhood.
With the exception of her ongoing stuffed animal obsession, her Christmas list now looks a whole lot more like the adorable Christmas movie Noelle where every kid asks Santa for an iPad for Christmas.
And yes, in case you were wondering, we’re seriously considering it.
But getting to that stage does leave you wondering…what exactly do I get my kid for Christmas now? What do I even DO when I’m not buying toys for Christmas?
Kids don’t technically need Christmas gifts, of course, but it’s tradition. Even if you’re rocking a minimalist Christmas like we do, you’ll want at least a few quality gifts per kid under the tree.
This list will help get the wheels turning when you’re wondering what exactly do you get kids for Christmas when, for whatever reason, you’re skipping the toy aisle entirely?
Related: Maximalist Child, Minimalist Parent – The Advice I Wish I’d Had Ten Years Ago
45 Non-Toy Christmas Gifts for Kids
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Most American kids have waaaaay too many toys already. They honestly don’t need more.
But if your kids aren’t quite out of the toy stage, maybe compromise? Do 1-2 toy gifts and 1-2 of these ideas?
Or a friend uses the “want, need, wear, read” poem every year for her kids for Christmas. The one toy gift could easily fit into the “want” category, leaving room for everything else.
One other tip if you’re going toy-free this Christmas: whatever you do, do not bring ANY toy catalogues into the house! They will be your downfall.
(For the record, everyone has a different definition of “toy”…I worked with a narrower definition and wasn’t super strict when I made this list. If it’s not a doll, LEGOs or Furbie, it’s a non-toy, mmmmm k?)
Now onto the list of non-toy Christmas gift ideas…
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1. Smartwatch
For parents wanting to hold off on getting their kids a smart phone, smart watches can be a great alternative! Younger kids also love digital watches like THIS one (although fair warning – they can still be toy-like).
If you’re not quite there yet, but your child loves listening to music, an MP3 player is a great alternative.
Related: 15 Perfect Second-Hand Gift Ideas (The Earth & Your Wallet Will Thank You)
2. iTunes Gift Card
Are you shopping for an older child who wants to buy music, games or tv shows? An iTunes gift card can make a great gift.
If you have a BJ’s or Costco membership, you can usually buy them there at a discount.
3. Digital or Polaroid Camera
Another pseudo-experience gift because kids love taking pictures! If you’re not comfortable with them using your expensive camera, get them their own digital camera for kids.
(Bonus: your phone will stay clear of randomness.)
For older kids who are capable of taking better photos, you might consider a polaroid camera. Just keep in mind purchasing more polaroids can be expensive.
4. Helmet
Maybe they already have a ride-on something (bike, scooter, hoverboard), but they’ve outgrown their helmet?
A helmet makes a great non-toy Christmas gift!
5. Puzzles
Same idea as board games – puzzles are experience gifts that can keep on giving. They are also super easy to give away or swap with other families who love puzzles.
One winter, my three-year-old did the same five puzzles again and again and again.
My oldest has gone through several puzzle phases, doing all the puzzles from our collection over the course of several days.
You could even purchase puzzles from thrift stores! Just make sure to count the pieces before you leave the store: there’s nothing worse than a puzzle with ONE missing piece.
6. Book Light, Lantern, or Flash Light
Kids adore lanterns, book lights, flash lights. Anything portable with a light, they dig it!
These can be used in hide and seek, in forts, and at bedtime. Plus, they double-up as a great back-up light source for power outages (you should have one per bedroom, at least).
Related: Small Gift Ideas for Kids That Aren’t Junk ($20 or Less)
7. Indoor Teepee or Tent
This would go really well with the last gift! And maybe the next two as well?
IKEA has a super affordable, collapsible circus tent option. Or you can go with a higher end Pottery-barn style Teepee, if your budget allows.
8. Kindle
You can only fit so many physical books in a small space.
Or maybe you travel frequently or live permanently on the road (the RV life is so popular these days!).
A kindle is a great way to give them access to whatever they want to read – from the library or by purchasing ebooks from the vendor of your choice, which are often much cheaper than physical books.
THIS paperwhite kindle comes with a built in booklight!
9. Bookstore Gift Card (or Books)
If your kids DO love to read physical books, getting them a book store gift card can be a great gift, instead of giving them books you’ve picked out.
Plus, you get an additional experience out of it when you go to the store to shop for books.
(If you already know they want particular books, you can give those books, instead.)
10. A Pet
You could make this the whole Christmas theme! Buy pet essentials and wrap them up individually – then do the big reveal after all the pet gifts are unwrapped.
(Can I recommend cats? We got two this year, and they are soooo much easier than dogs!)
11. Sprinkler or Trampoline
If you’re giving in the spring or summer, or if you live in a climate with year round warm weather, a sprinkler for outdoor water play makes a great “experience” gift that keeps on giving.
They’re small, relatively inexpensive and easy to store compared to big and bulky pools or water slides. Just be mindful of turning off the water when they’re done using it.
While it’s definitely the pricier choice, an outdoor trampoline has been by far one of the most used gifts our family has ever received. My kids used it daily for years!
You can also replace various parts separately over time as they wear out.
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12. Chalk (Indoor or Outdoor)
We love chalk in our house! Again, anything consumable makes for a great gift.
Bath chalk can be great for long winters to extend bathtime – a.k.a. Playtime – just a little bit longer. Outdoor chalk makes a great spring/summer/fall gift.
Try painting a chalk wall in your house for year round, all weather chalk fun!
13. Audible Membership
Two of my five kids adore audiobooks. We use the heck out of the library, but sometimes the wait for certain titles is really long.
Especially if you have a child who enjoys listening to the same books over and over again, Audible can be a good investment.
14. Amusement Park Passes or Tickets
If you’re giving at a time of year when you can use amusement park passes, these can make great gifts!
Amusement parks near us, for example, offer summer passes where you can go any time all summer long, often including a drink or meal per visit.
15. One-Time Experience Gift
Think things like…
- a horse-back riding experience
- Disney’s Frozen on Ice
- a hot air balloon ride, or
- an escape room.
What you choose will be unique to the kid you’re buying for. Any one-time experience gift that would make your kid light up would make a great minimalist gift!
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16. Hobby-Related Gift
Are they really into star-gazing right now? Get them a telescope.
Are they obsessed with rock-collecting and polishing? A new, high quality rock tumbler would make a great gift.
Do they love drawing? Give them any of THESE gifts for sketch artists.
One Caveat: don’t buy these kinds of gifts far ahead of the gift-giving date! Children’s hobbies can change quickly (ask me how I know).
17. Lessons
Have they been begging for piano lessons or horse-back riding lessons?
Lessons are a great gift that keeps on giving for weeks after it’s been given.
18. New Bedding
Bedding wears out over time. Kids grow out of childish blankets.
We’ve given new husband pillows, new pillows, and new duvet covers/inserts over the years, and my kids have been thrilled!
19. Other Bedroom Decor
I’m thinking things like…
- Posters,
- Bulletin Boards,
- Throw Pillows,
- Lamps,
- Alarm Clocks,
- Throw Pillows,
- Chairs.
Anything that would make their bedroom more fun, cozy and personal.
20. Headphones
In our house, headphones are a necessity! There are too many neurodivergent people with too many screens.
For older kids, their own earbuds make great gifts. We’ve had success with THIS in-ear set and THIS over-the-ear set as alternatives to pricey Airpods.
We just got out daughter THESE adorable kitty headphones she loves to wear, which makes asking her to wear them – for the sake of EVERYONE – much less of a battle.
21. Sensory Swing
We bought THIS sensory swing for our kids a few Christmases ago, and it was definitely a hit!
They swing, spin and do other crazy acrobatics all the time.
It inspired us to completely makeover our minimalist playroom with swings, monkey bars and more. Our kids love it and use it every single day.
22. Aquarium, Zoo or Museum Membership
My kids LOVE the aquarium and the zoo. They also enjoy children’s and science museums.
And this gift keeps on giving all year long!
Do your research on reciprocity before you buy, so you can get the most for your money.
23. Movie Tickets
Last week, I read that not as many families are going to the movies, possibly because of streaming services like Disney Plus?
In our house, going to the movies is still a super fun and special event! We go a few times a year, depending on new releases.
(On $6 Tuesdays, of course: with five kids, we’re not made of money over here.)
24. Art Supplies
All of my kids have dipped their toes into the world of art at one time or another.
For some, it was passing phase. For others, art became a passion. But they all used art supplies for a year or more.
Across five kids, sharpies, acrylic paints (in tubes or in markers) and dot markers have gotten the most use. Don’t forget multi-media paper to go with your medium of choice!
Want a digital option for less waste? My oldest kids love using ProCreate on the iPad with an Apple Pencil.
Related: Perfect Drawing Gifts for Sketch Artists (Written By a Sketch Artist)
25. Art Kit
So many options these days!
My favorite new options are “sticker by numbers”, a play on the “paint by number” kits. But you could get a paint by number as well.
Especially if they’re designed to be framed, you could also give a frame with this gift for the finished product.
26. Trampoline Park Membership
We tried a trampoline park membership a couple winters ago, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it saved us.
Winters can be long and ROUGH, especially if you homeschool like we do. Try giving a membership to help you all get through it with your sanity intact!
27. Board Game or Card Game
We love playing board games in our house! They are a great way to connect with your kids and open up the doors for more connection and conversation.
Love quick, family games that don’t require a lot of brain power? Try Uno, Quixx, Code Names or Twister.
Maybe you have older kids and strategy games are more your style? Our favorites are WingSpan and Settlers of Cataan.
Related: The Best Educational Board Games (That We Play ALL The Time)
28. Puzzle Books
We love puzzles of all kinds in our family! Here are some options…
- Highlight’s Hidden Pictures,
- Logic Puzzles,
- Sudokus
- Crosswords (themed or not).
29. Favorite Clothing Store Gift Card
If the kids you’re shopping have moved onto choosing their own clothing, get them a gift card to their favorite clothing store.
30. Blank Notebook(s)
Blank notebooks are popular gifts in our house.
They’re perfect to take in the car to keep younger kids busy drawing on longer trips. Older kids might use them for journaling, doodling or list-making.
We usually pair this gift with sharpies.
31. Needed/Wanted Clothing Items
If you have kids who are into nice clothes – or clothes, in general – giving a needed or wanted clothing item can be a great non-toy Christmas gift.
Even if they’re not that into clothes, maybe they love a specific movie or tv show or book. You could give a t-shirt connected to that interest.
Last year for Christmas, we gave one of our kids a t-shirt with a favorite tv show character on it, and it was by far his most used and loved gift. And he doesn’t care that much about clothes!
We’ve also done winter coats, dresses, socks and slippers.
32. Wallet
If your kids don’t have a wallet yet (or it needs replacing), Christmas is a great time to give one!
Even better: fill it with cash.
33. Piggy Bank
If you have young children who want the visuals of physical money adding up, get them a special piggy bank. Now when they see a coin and pick it up, they have a place to put it.
THESE letter banks are super popular and double as room decor.
34. Investments
We started Acorns accounts for a couple of our kids a couple years ago. We match dollar for dollar that they put in, just like many workplaces do.
You could buy them individual stocks, open an Acorns account or get them started with a Roth IRA if they are working and able to contribute.
35. Backpack or Purse
Unless you replace their backpack at the start of every school year (in which case I ask: why?!), backpacks make great non-toy Christmas gifts!
If you’re shopping for a girl, sling bags are popular with tweens, and mini backpacks are a great option for the 5-9 age group.
36. Camping Gear
If your family loves camping, you could add to the camping gear for Christmas.
- New Sleeping Bag
- Upgraded Hiking Backpack
- Lantern
- Cookware
- Hiking Boots
We don’t camp soooo…if you do, fill in the blanks here. 😉
37. Hair-Related Gift
This could be anything from…
- Gift Certificate for Highlights
- Hair Mascara (my 6-year-old loves this!)
- Hair Dye
- Hair “Appliance”
- Clips or Hairbands
- Gel, Special Shampoos, etc.
Sky’s the limit. If your child is really into all things hair, get creative!
38. Cookbook, Etc.
If your child loves to cook, you could get them their own cookbook and a piece of new cookware or a new apron.
39. Small Kitchen Appliance
If you’re shopping for an older child, consider getting them a small kitchen appliance like a milk frother/steamer if they love hot chocolate, or a popcorn maker if they love popcorn.
(We recently got THIS popcorn maker, and one of my kids uses it daily.)
Give it with hot chocolate packets, popcorn kernels or whatever other consumable item matches the appliance.
40. Electric Sweeper
This oddly-specific gift idea came from my youngest’s wish list last year! She wanted THIS electric floor sweeper (yes, really).
Now she enjoys helping with cleaning around the house.
41. Nail Polish, Tools or Manicure
You could get an Olive & June set, a non-toxic nail polish set for younger kids, or nail wraps, which can sometimes last longer than polish.
Or our oldest asked for a nail grooming set for Christmas one year (came with cuticle shapers, nail clippers and file).
You could also give a gift certificate for a manicure or pedicure.
41. Mini Fridge
Our oldest saved up for THIS mini fridge on her own last year, but this would also make a great Christmas gift for an older kid!
Give it with sodas, seltzers, or other fun refrigerated snacks.
42. Special Sweet Treat
Consumable gift for the win! Pick any favorite sweet treat, especially something they don’t get all the time, and pair it with a physical gift.
We have an adorable candy shop in our town with things like rock candy, candy necklaces, pop rocks and other unique candies.
If candy isn’t something you buy regularly for your kids, then just about any favorite candy will do!
43. Special Shoes
We’ve done shoe gifts several Christmases! Here are some ideas…
- Heely’s
- Light-Up Shoes (my 8-year-old loved THESE rechargeable ones)
- Themed Slippers
- Sneakers
- Cleats
Practical AND fun at the same time.
44. Musical Instrument
If your child has talked incessantly about wanting to play “fill in the blank” instrument, maybe Christmas is the perfect time to make those dreams come true?
If you want to make it more affordable, there is absolutely nothing wrong with giving a second-hand musical instrument, especially if you’re not sure how long they’ll stay interested.
45. Themed Calendar
I learned last year that by the time Christmas is gone, the good calendars are, too. So this year, I’m getting ahead of the game and getting a calendar for each kid in a theme of their choice.
Get their favorite music artist, show or other theme!
46. A Non-Toy Gift Request
In our family, we openly discuss gift requests in advance because our neurodivergent kids don’t always appreciate or enjoy surprise gifts.
Make sure to consider what’s on your child’s wish list! A wanted, asked for gift is far more likely to be appreciated and last far longer than a randomly chosen one.
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Are there more non-toy Christmas gift ides for kids that I forgot to include? Help another parent out by sharing in the comments!
