The Very Best Christmas Gifts That Aren’t Toys
Looking for Christmas gift ideas that aren’t toys?
I get it: Toys are great. Everyone loves the look on a child’s face when he or she opens a desirable gift; no one wants to arrive to Christmas dinner empty-handed, either. But toys are quickly discarded by their recipients; toys produce unnecessary clutter, too. So what are the best Christmas gifts that aren’t toys?
This year, say no to gifting plastic junk. Below, find 5 Christmas present ideas for children with plenty of toys.
[Related: 50+ Zero-Waste Stocking Stuffers that Aren’t Junk.]
Memberships
_____
There’s a wildlife sanctuary + a children’s museum within ten minutes of my house, and there’s a zoo and an aquarium within an hour’s drive. What memberships or passes can you give the children in your life this Christmas?
In many cases, a membership pays for itself with just three visits and provides sustained joy because it offers the opportunity of an outing for an entire year.
Magazine subscriptions
_____
It’s the Christmas gift that’s not a toy + gives monthly: A magazine subscription geared specifically toward the child’s age + interests!
My grandmother gave my 3-year old a subscription to Highlights and the content matures as she grows. The joy of this gift is two-fold, as my daughter loves finding mail addressed to her in the mailbox; even better, we always have something new to read at bedtime.
One-time passes
_____
An alternative to memberships, one-time passes offer similar benefits with a smaller price tag.
Passes to the bowling alley, arcade, movie theater, circus or another in-town performance enrich children’s lives by offering experience over clutter.
“Special Time”
_____
This gifting alternative works well with my three year old who longs for one-on-one time with her favorite relatives.
A handmade coupon book filled with special outings is especially thoughtful, as spending time with children is, after all, the best gift an adult can give.
A Cooking Lesson
_____
Have a treasured family recipe? Gift the recipe on a fancy card, make a date to prepare the dish together, + pass on a family tradition to the child(ren) in your life.
What are your go-to Christmas gifts that aren’t toys? Please share your ideas in the comments!
Stay in-the-know!
Sign up for monthly minimalist inspiration.
