Over 50 Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

Christmas is just a few weeks away and the more I think about the toys that will be invading my house, the more I start to twitch. I know that grandparents and other relatives mean well, but after the carnage of Christmas morning my house looks like a Toys R Us exploded in our living room. So in an attempt to curtail all the stuff that the kids acquire over the holidays I’ve come up with over 50 gift ideas that aren’t toys.

Give an Experience

The memories made attending at a special event or taking a new class will last a lifetime. You can plan your experience at Christmas time or give them something to look forward to later in the year.


Give the Gift of Discovery

In lieu of traditional toys, I always appreciate educational gifts that my kids will enjoy learning and discovering with. Consider some of the following.


Give a Membership

Consider giving a family membership that can be enjoyed all year long. Prices vary widely, but most family memberships for a museum or the zoo start around $100.


Give the Gift of Creativity

Keep those creative juices flowing all year long by inspiring your young artist with these gift ideas.


Give a Fun Day Out

If an annual membership isn’t what you were looking for, consider tickets or a gift certificate for a fun day out at some various attractions around Jacksonville.


Give the Gift of Outdoor Play

We’re lucky to live in Florida where the kids can play outside almost year round. Activities and games that can be used outside are always a big hit at our house.

  • Swing Sets
  • Bikes & Scooters
  • Sidewalk Chalk
  • Jump Ropes
  • Sand & Water Table – Check out my post to see all the cool stuff you can do with one of these.
  • Slip & Slides
  • Fishing Rods & Tackle
  • Kid-Friendly Garden Equipment & Seeds
  • Sporting Equipment – Soccer Balls, Bat & Glove, Surf Boards, Kayaks

Give a Gift that Helps Others

I have found that most kids can benefit from a lesson in giving to those less fortunate around this time of the year. Consider making a donation in a child’s name, or as a family.  These are just a few of my family’s favorite charities.

  • BEAM – You can donate off their wish list, or sponsor a garden box for the year. They’ll even give the kids a tour and talk about what they do there.
  • The Ronald McDonald House of Jacksonville – Purchase a brick, donate items from their wish list, or collect pop tabs for donation.
  • Family Promise of Jacksonville – Donate from their wish list, make a financial contribution, or participate in their cardboard city event to help raise awareness of homelessness.
  • Heifer International – Get kids involved in selecting an animal to donate, a flock of chicks starts at just $20.

Other Gift Ideas

Here are a few more ideas outside of the traditional toy box to round out the list.

So moms, what are your favorite non-toy gifts for the kids?

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Vicky Lane
Vicky Lane is the co-owner and co-founder of Jacksonville Mom (formerly Jax Moms Blog). Since 2012, she has been overseeing the content and technical side of Jacksonville Mom. In this role, she manages over 30 writers and works closely with the managing editor to provide the most relevant content for the Jacksonville parenting community. In her previous career, Vicky obtained her Masters in Education and served as University Registrar at the University of North Florida. Wife to adoring husband John, her love for all things “Mom” began in 2010 when their son Brendan was born. Vicky chose to put her full-time career in higher education on hold to spend time with her new baby, giving her a new respect for motherhood and parenting. In June 2012, John and Vicky welcomed sweet Audrey to the family. Vicky has created an amazing circle of Moms who are continuously seeking new ways to enrich their children’s lives in and around Jacksonville. Being part of the creation of an online parenting resource and small business that serves the great Jacksonville area has allowed her to flourish in a successful career while remaining present for her family.

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