15 Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids That Aren’t Toys
The time of year when I get to hear the same three words on repeat: “I want that!” I swear, my kids have developed a superhuman radar for spotting every toy advertisement within a 10-mile radius.
But this year, I’m putting my foot down.
No more plastic toy explosions in my living room. No more stepping on Legos at 3 a.m. and questioning all my life choices. Nope, this year, I’m going rogue.
Now, don’t get me wrong.
I’m not trying to be the Grinch here, but I think it’s time we get a little more…creative with our gift-giving. There’s only so much Paw Patrol merch a parent can handle before they start dreaming of living off the grid.
So if you’re like me, desperately seeking alternatives that won’t require you to build an IKEA-like toy set on Christmas Eve, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are some Christmas gift ideas for kids that aren’t toys—and trust me, they’ll love them.
Bonus: you won’t have to wrestle with any instructions written in microscopic print.
Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids That Aren’t Toys
Personalized Storybook
Let’s be real: most kids think they’re the star of the universe (they might not be wrong, but let’s not inflate their egos too much). So why not let them actually be the main character in their very own book?
Imagine the look on their face when they crack open a storybook and — surprise! — they’re the hero battling dragons, flying through space, or even saving their parents from evil vegetables (okay, maybe that’s my dream, but you get the point).
You can customize everything from their name to their appearance, and suddenly, bedtime becomes a Hollywood premiere where they’re the A-list celebrity. Honestly, if someone made an adult version of this where I got to star in a heist movie with George Clooney, I’d be all over it. Your kid will love it, I guarantee it.
Complete Art Supply Case
Does your fridge look like it’s been taken over by an art gallery full of abstract interpretations of “Mom and Dad”?
Then your kid needs an art supply case — the kind that comes with more markers, paints, and pencils than you’ll know what to do with. The best part? It’s all neatly packed in a durable case, so maybe, just maybe, your living room won’t look like a rainbow exploded every time they get creative.
Pro tip: Add a sketchbook and suggest they make an “art book.” This way, their masterpieces are all in one place instead of taped to every wall in your house. Trust me, you’ll thank me when you’re not peeling marker doodles off the dining room table.
Bonus? You’re low-key nurturing their future as a famous artist. Get in good now so you can claim “I knew them when” at their first gallery opening.
Beginner’s Guitar or Ukulele
Okay, I get it — the last thing you want is more noise. But think of it this way: If you give your kid a beginner’s guitar or ukulele, you’re not just gifting an instrument, you’re gifting the potential for a future rockstar career. Let’s all agree that “loud” somehow sounds better when it’s set to music, right? (Just… maybe not the first couple weeks.)
Start with a simple child-sized version, and pair it with a lesson book or some online tutorials. Before you know it, your little one will be strumming “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” like they’re headlining Glastonbury. And if they actually get into it? Boom — they’re busy for hours. WIN-WIN.
Also, don’t worry about them becoming too good too fast. You’ll still have plenty of time to mentally prepare for the garage band phase. Maybe even order some earplugs while you’re at it.
Sports Starter Set
If your kid is the type who treats your living room like a personal trampoline park, it’s time to redirect that energy with a sports starter set.
We’re talking soccer balls, basketballs, or whatever sport they’re into, paired with a portable goal or hoop so they can perfect their skills outside. (I cannot stress this enough: OUT. SIDE.)
Think of this as a gift for you as much as for them. Need a peaceful afternoon to binge-watch a show?
Send them out to practice free throws. Want to have an uninterrupted phone call?
Tell them to perfect their penalty kicks. Before long, your kid will be all about teamwork, coordination, and, most importantly, completely worn out by the end of the day.
Bedtime battles?
Not tonight, friends!
STEM Experiment Kit
You know those kids who love to ask “why” and then don’t stop asking until you’re Googling “why is the sky blue” at 10 p.m.? Channel that curiosity into something productive with a STEM experiment kit.
You’re not just giving them a box of science magic — you’re basically handing them the keys to their future as the next Elon Musk (minus the Twitter drama, hopefully).
They can build volcanoes, experiment with circuits, or even create a mini robot. Who knows? By next year, they might be building the first robot that can do their chores for them. A parent can dream, right?
And don’t worry about them turning your kitchen into a chemistry lab. Most of these kits are contained chaos.
Just keep an eye on the instructions, so they don’t accidentally invent slime that never dries.
Kid-Friendly Baking Set
If your kid’s favorite part of the holidays is helping you make cookies (and by “help” I mean covering every surface in flour), then a kid-friendly baking set is the perfect gift.
This set includes child-sized utensils, mixing bowls, and easy-to-follow recipes. Plus, it gives you an excuse to make sweet treats together without the constant battle over who gets to lick the spoon.
Kids get to feel like little master chefs, and you get to sneakily teach them basic math while they measure ingredients. It’s learning disguised as fun. And hey, by next Christmas, they might be able to whip up a batch of cookies on their own.
You’ll be sitting pretty with a cup of coffee, watching the magic happen from a safe (flour-free) distance.
Year-Long Magazine Subscription
Picture this: It’s a quiet Saturday morning, and instead of hearing, “I’m bored” for the 67th time, your kid is curled up with their very own monthly magazine. If that’s not pure parenting bliss, I don’t know what is.
A year-long subscription to a kid-friendly magazine about nature, science, or whatever they’re into keeps them engaged, entertained, and learning all year round. Plus, each month, they’ll have something new to look forward to in the mail that isn’t a dental bill or a pizza flyer.
How awesome is that?
You’ll also be subtly encouraging reading, which means you can feel like you’re winning the parenting game without even trying.
The best part?
They might get so wrapped up in their latest issue, you’ll actually get a few quiet minutes to drink a cup of coffee while it’s still hot.
Personalized Pajamas
If there’s one thing kids love, it’s personalized EVERYTHING. Slap their name on anything — backpacks, lunchboxes, socks, you name it — and they’re over the moon.
Now imagine their excitement when they unwrap a set of personalized pajamas with their name AND their favorite design, like dinosaurs, princesses, or astronauts.
It’s like you’re giving them the ultimate cozy, stylish superpower. Plus, it makes bedtime that much easier because now they’re excited to slip into their very own “official bedtime uniform.”
Bonus?
The cuteness factor is through the roof. They’ll look so adorable you’ll be snapping more bedtime pics than you ever thought possible. And who knows, it might even buy you a couple of extra minutes of peace before the nightly “I’m thirsty” parade begins.
Outdoor Adventure Kit
If your kid is the type who comes home with pockets full of rocks and a million questions about bugs, they’ll absolutely flip over an outdoor adventure kit.
This kit comes with binoculars, a magnifying glass, a bug jar, and a compass — basically everything they need to become the next Bear Grylls (minus the drinking their own pee part).
Encourage them to explore the great outdoors and learn about nature up close. And hey, the more time they spend outside trying to catch grasshoppers or identify birds, the more time you get to enjoy the peace and quiet inside.
Or better yet, join them and turn it into a family nature scavenger hunt.
Fair warning: You might end up with a pet caterpillar or 12 in your house, but that’s a small price to pay for a budding naturalist, right?
Tickets to an Experience
Last but definitely not least — tickets to an experience. Because let’s be real, the best gifts aren’t things at all.
They’re memories.
Give your kid tickets to something like a zoo, aquarium, science museum, or even a family-friendly show. This is a great way to gift them an entire day of fun that they’ll talk about for weeks.
Wrap it up creatively: maybe you give them a treasure map that leads to the event, or a “mystery adventure” envelope they open on Christmas morning.
Not only do they get the excitement of the gift, but they also get the thrill of anticipation leading up to the event.
Plus, you get some quality family time that doesn’t involve you refereeing a fight over whose turn it is to use the tablet. Everybody wins!
Art and Craft Classes
If your kid loves to get messy (and honestly, what kid doesn’t?), then signing them up for art and craft classes could be a game-changer.
Think pottery, painting, or even dance if they like to bust a move! Not only does this gift get them out of the house (you’re welcome), but it also teaches them new skills, helps them express themselves, and, most importantly, gives them something to do that doesn’t involve asking for screen time.
Imagine the pride they’ll feel when they hand you a pottery bowl that looks kind of like a bowl… if you squint.
Or a painting that’ll make you say, “Is this modern art?” with just enough enthusiasm to make them think it’s going in the Louvre.
These classes are more than just fun — they’re a chance for your kid to develop confidence, patience, and creativity.
Plus, you’ll probably get to display some, ahem, unique artwork around the house.
Also, bonus for you: it’s the perfect excuse to say, “I can’t join you in this game of 527th round of Monopoly because I have to take you to your art class.” You get some peace, and they get to make something cool. It’s a win-win!
Customized Stationery Set
Okay, who doesn’t love a good set of fancy pens and cute notebooks?
Now imagine your kid’s name or favorite design on everything — from the notebook cover to the letterhead. Boom! Customized stationery is about to become their new favorite thing.
If your little one is always scribbling stories, doodling their latest comic book character, or even just writing their top-secret plans to take over the world (we’ve all been there), this gift will make them feel like an official author, artist, or evil genius.
The set can include notebooks, writing paper, colorful pens, and envelopes, making it perfect for journaling, writing letters, or just doodling away on those rainy days.
This might also be your sneaky way of teaching them the lost art of handwritten letters. Because let’s face it, nothing beats getting a hand-written note from your kid that says, “Thanks for lunch, but can we please stop having broccoli?”
That’s fridge-worthy for sure.
Challenging Puzzle Set
For those kids who love a good mental workout, a challenging puzzle set is like giving them a treasure hunt that requires a bit of brainpower.
You can opt for a complex jigsaw puzzle (the kind that makes you question your life choices about halfway through), a 3D puzzle (hello, Eiffel Tower on your kitchen table), or a brain teaser that’ll keep their minds engaged for hours.
Here’s the thing about puzzles — they’re the quietest form of entertainment on this list. While your kid’s working on that 1,000-piece jigsaw, you can sip your coffee in peace, maybe even watch an episode of your show.
Better yet, puzzles are a great family activity! It’s one of those things that can bring everyone together — you know, after the part where someone almost flips the table over that missing edge piece.
And let’s not forget the satisfaction of putting in that final piece. It’s like the ultimate mic drop moment.
Whether they finish it solo or with a little help from you (because sometimes it takes a village to build that darn lighthouse), they’ll feel accomplished, and you’ll have a new family tradition.
Subscription Box for Kids
Is there anything more exciting than getting a surprise package in the mail?
Enter the subscription box for kids, a gift that keeps on giving.
Every month, your kid will receive a themed box filled with arts, crafts, science experiments, or even snacks from around the world, depending on the subscription you choose.
Not only does this mean a fresh new project or adventure every few weeks, but it also brings the magic of anticipation.
Remember when getting mail was the most exciting thing in the world? (Ah, the pre-bill era.) Now your kid can experience that thrill over and over again!
There are tons of subscription options out there — from craft kits that turn your kitchen into an art studio to science boxes that’ll have them making their own lava lamps or launching mini rockets.
The best part?
You don’t have to be the one coming up with creative activities every weekend. You’ll just casually hand over the box and say, “Here, enjoy!” while pretending you totally planned all this fun stuff.
Beginner’s Photography Kit
If your kid loves grabbing your phone and filling it with 237 pictures of the cat (all slightly blurry), it might be time to introduce them to their own beginner’s photography kit.
A kid-friendly digital camera or an instant-print camera will give them the tools to document the world as they see it — and give you back some much-needed storage space on your phone.
Pair the camera with a photo album or scrapbook, and you’ve got a gift that encourages creativity, exploration, and a little dose of responsibility (because someone’s got to make sure the lens isn’t covered with sticky fingerprints, right?).
They can capture everything from family vacations to everyday moments, and before you know it, they’ll be asking for “golden hour” shots and talking about framing and composition like a pro.
This is also a fantastic way to slow things down.
You’ll find your kid paying more attention to their surroundings, appreciating the little details, and maybe even stopping to smell the roses (or, more likely, stopping to take 50 photos of them).
Plus, at the end of the day, you’ll have a precious keepsake of how they saw the world at this age — one snapshot at a time.
