Some days I feel like our house is overrun with toys; many of which the boys rarely even play with.Therefore, we have started to lean more toward non-toy gifts recently for our kids. Here is a list of some ideas that we have used in the past or plan to in the future. Exeriences can result in memories that last a lifetime while a toy…..well lets be honest it has a short shelf life and clutters up our homes. Hope you find this guide helpful!
#10-Movie Passes
My kids love to go to the movies. Nowadays I feel like I have to take a second mortgage out to afford all of us to go together and buy popcorn! Movie passes are a great gift idea. You can easily buy gift cards for AMC, Regal or Fandango. Regal even offers an unlimited subscription if that is something of interest:
#9-Classes/Lessons
Now is the time to indulge your child in that hobby or interest they have wanted to try. Some options might be horsback riding, swimming, painting, pottery, or guitar lessons. Anything that might spark an interest or passion in your child.
- Swimming
- Art
- Music
- Dance
- Pottery
- Cooking
#8-Shoes
My boys seem to go through shoes like nothing I have ever seen before. I don’t just mean outgrowing but basically destroying. We buy them each a pair for back to school and by now they are in desparate need of replacements. So to make it a little fun I let them pick out some options to put on their list. No matter how bright neon or ugly they might be I try to bite my tongue and roll with it. They actually get excited now for their Christmas shoes.
Adidas have held up better than others.
#7-Travel Bags
It is no secret we like to take family trips as often as possible. Due to this, we have bought the kids their own travel backpacks and luggage. The travel backpacks are seperate from their school backpacks. They get excited when we bring them out and we let them pick some items to take with us. Some of our favorite brands are Lands End, North Face, Pottery Barn Kids, and Herschel. Now that they are getting bigger we have ventured into suitcases as well.
We love all the different patterns offered by Herschel.
Plus they are currently having their only sale of the year up to 60% off!!!
#6-Family Fun Events
You can get creative on this one which I love! You can put some ideas in a jar and have them pick out one once a month or when they have had a good report card. You can create a set of envelopes of them to open so often with a fun activity inside. Use you imagination and have fun with it! Here are some suggested activities:
- Mini Golf
- Arcade
- Bowling
- Dave & Busters
- Batting Cages
- Go-Kart Racing
- Ice Skating
- Pottery Painting
- Zip Lining
#5-Books
You can never go wrong with books! They are so important and kids grow to love them. This is a great gift for kids of any age.
#4-Event Tickets
There always seems to be something coming to town that is geared toward kids. Why not plan ahead and turn it into a Christmas gift! Check out your local ticketmaster for upcoming events. Here are some ideas:
- Monster Jam
- Jurassic World Live
- Disney on Ice
- Theatre
- Concert
- Sporting Event
#3-Membership
There are so many options here! Many areas offer yearly family memberships to local attractions. Below is a list of some options:
- Zoo
- Amusement Park (Carowinds, Cedar Point, etc.)
- Science Center
- Art Museum
- Nature Center
- Discovery Place
- Trampoline Park-Skyzone has many locations
#2-Family Trip
This doesn’t have to be a Disney Vacation for thousands of dollars. This can be as simple as a weekend get-away camping. Another great option is a staycation. Go to a local hotel that has an indoor pool for the kids. If you are close to skiing, maybe take a road trip up to the mountains. These are all pretty exciting for kids. They get a big kick just out of the anticipation of a fun trip coming up.
#1-Subscription Box
I am so excited to try these for the first time this year. There are soooo many options out there. If you have any favorites, please let me know!
- Science and art projects (STEAM) for all ages
- Science experiments and STEM activities geared toward ages 3-12
- STEM toys for ages 3-13
- Book program focused on aged 8-12
- Each box contains 2-3 seasonal crafter for ages 3-9
Honorable Mention
Clothes, Clothes and Clothes! I tend to buy most of the boys clothes at consignment shops or when Old Navy has their shirts for $4. So for Christmas I usually buy them one of those character or video game shirts they have been begging for all year. I also again give in to their awful fashion sense and buy some of those neon non-matching sports outfits they have been eyeing.
Follow our adventures on Instagram!
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