One year, much to my 6-year-old’s dismay, I requested “no gifts” on her birthday party invitation. Why? She still had unopened toys from last year’s party. The absolute last thing she—or our home—needed was more toys. We have enough stuffed animals to fill a make-believe zoo, enough LEGOs to build a metropolis, and enough dress-up clothes to rival Cher Horowitz’s closet. So with more holiday gifts about to enter our home—and aiming to prevent over-gifting—I’m looking for holiday gifts that aren’t toys for kids.
If your home is also swimming in oft-forgotten playthings and you are looking for non-toy gifts, below are some favorites to consider. From options to spark learning and creativity to practical items they’ll love, like new winter gear, a fun piece of luggage, or decorations for their bedroom. Read on for 20 of the best kids’ holiday gifts that aren’t toys.
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How to choose the best holiday gifts that aren’t toys
When it came to selecting some of the best holiday gifts that aren’t toys, it was important to keep individuality in mind. Kids have diverse interests, so I wanted to include a wide variety of options. The options below are either fun, functional, or the perfect balance of both. Either way, they were selected with kids in mind, meaning they’ll hopefully put a smile on your little one’s face.
I also kept in mind a variety of ages, so you’ll find gifts options for toddlers, little kids, and big kids. Plus, we all know the holidays are expensive, so some of the options below are under $20, while others are more of an investment. No matter what, though, they aim to add value to your child’s life, instead of just their playroom. Keep scrolling for my top non-toy gift picks.
Tech gifts for kids that aren’t toys
If your little one wants to feel a bit more like a big kid (but isn’t ready for a smartphone), the Gizmo Watch 4 is the best of both worlds. Kids can call, text, and video chat with pre-approved contacts, while GPS tracking helps parents stay in the loop with their little adventurer.
Little aspiring photographers will love to have their very own camera to take pictures wherever they go. And parents will love seeing the world through their eyes.
Let a little one experience the landline phone. This sought-after toy allows kids to communicate with friends and family whenever they want—safely. No spam calls and only parent-approved contacts! Learn everything the Tin Can has to offer by reading our Editor-in-Chief’s Tin Can Phone review.
Have an avid reader—or a kid you’re hoping will read more? Consider a Kindle to make reading more accessible wherever they go.
This interactive gaming console gets families up and off the couch! It uses AI to track your body movements in the game, making for fun family gaming time that’s actually active.
Non-toy gifts to encourage creative hobbies
Gift a yearly subscription to Highlights magazine where little ones can have fun with stories, puzzles, jokes, and more. Plus, they’ll love getting their own mail each month!
A reader and editor-favorite brand, a KiwiCo crate gets kids creating with cute, hands-on projects that team STEM skills.
For the kid who’s always asking to make experiments or potions, grab this cute sea-themed potion sensory kit. Holiday-themed potions are also available!
Nothing makes bath time quite as exciting as bath bombs. The best part about these is that they are non-toxic, vitamin rich, gentle on skin, and made with real fruit ingredients.
A rockstar in the making has to start somewhere, and this might be the best beginner guitar for just that. Spark their creativity and love for music with everything they need to get their musical journey started.
Few things are quite as exciting to kiddos as stickers. Pick up a sticker book and let them get creative. This book offers of 500 stickers of animals around the world that they’ll love to sift through. Pro tip: gift this with a notebook or sketch pad so they have somewhere to specifically put their stickers.
Gifts for their bedrooms or play spaces
Made of 100% cotton canvas, these sensory swings can be used indoors or outside for a comfortable spot where kids can hang out.
more colors available
Made to look like a vintage neon sign, this custom wall art puts a kid’s name in lights and brightens their room.
Chappy Wrap are cozy, high quality blankets that last and last, so kids can use them everyday—or become a holiday tradition they look forward to using year after year.
multiple patterns and sizes available
Have a chef-in-training who loves to help out in the kitchen? This Montessori-inspired helper tower that comes in four colors is the perfect big-ticket gift to pick up this year. With it, little ones can safely and independently reach kitchen countertops and help out as you cook, bake, or decorate. Plus, with its functional design, it can easily be converted into a table and stool.
Support their artistic endeavors with their very own art easel. They’ll spend the rest of the winter months showing off their creative side—and you’ll have plenty of new artwork for the fridge.
Practical gifts and apparel they’ll be excited to open
Kids will love a new set of pajamas with patterns they love—from dinosaurs to woodland animals to rainbows and unicorns, editor and reader-favorite brand Little Sleepies has tons to choose from.
Fun and functional are what non-toy gifts are all about. A cozy robe like this one that comes in four colors will be an exciting gift to receive when it looks this cute. Whether they wear it after bath time or lounge in it all season long, it’s sure to become a kid favorite.
For a practical gift that still shows off their unique style, grab a cozy beanie with a sports patch for their favorite activity.
If they’re not quite ready to pack for a trip themselves, at least make it easy for them to transport their own luggage with this set that includes a backpack, rolling suitcase, lunchbox, neck pillow, and luggage tag.
more patterns available
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The Everygirl Media Group has brought valuable content to our readers for 12+ years. In 2018, The Everymom set out to ensure that all moms know they’re not alone. If you find yourself seeking advice on how to style the latest fashion trend or searching for the best kid-friendly coffee table, we have the answers. And if you’re wondering what’s actually worth it from a sale or looking for a review of the hottest new kids’ product, we’ve got that covered too. From our annual Registry Awards and beloved holiday gift guides to the shopping round-ups you find on our site every day, The Everymom commerce team is well-versed in sifting through thousands of products to curate a digestible list for you. We combine our own experience with in-depth research to bring you a selection that meets our high standards for both fashion and function.
Kathy Sisson, Senior Editor
Kathy Sisson has been a key contributor in the editorial parenting space for eight years, not only as a full-time editor at The Everymom but previously as a freelance writer for top parenting sites, including Scary Mommy, Motherly, Parent Co., and more. As an editor at The Everymom, she has produced hundreds of articles on a range of parenting topics, reviewed dozens of family-focused products, interviewed leading experts in the children and parenting world, and created viral parenting social media content. A mom of two, she is committed to sharing the honest, helpful, and often humorous stories of motherhood.
Julia Poulter, Senior Managing Editor
With more than 10 years of editorial experience, Julia is passionate about bringing motherhood stories to life and providing moms with interesting and informative parenting content. Prior to joining The Everygirl Media Group in 2019, she served as Executive Editor at Closer Weekly. As The Everymom’s Senior Managing Editor, Julia helps manage the brand’s editorial calendar and content strategy.
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This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Verizon, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
