Kids and Christmas go together like cookies and milk. It really can be a magical time of the year for parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles to light up the eyes of a child with a special gift. However, as a parent of two girls, I know how quickly toys pile up in rooms. Playthings often end up forgotten and unused, stuffed in closets and hidden under beds. And while the deals abound each year for hot ticket toys, there are plenty of other gifting options for kids of all ages in each price range. You can show how much you care without blowing up the toy box.
Books
Reading is a gift! Books are always a fantastic idea for kids of all ages. Whether it’s a series you could add to yearly or a stand alone classic, the options are limitless. Have a kiddo who isn’t as passionate about reading? Consider audiobooks, cookbooks, or sketchbooks instead. You don’t have to stay in the traditional book lane at all. You may even consider a magazine subscription that involves your child’s favorite passion from science to sports to movies or more!
Subscription Boxes
Speaking of subscriptions, I’m also a big fan of subscription boxes for a larger gift idea for kids. Our girls have loved several throughout the years and again, if there’s a passion, there’s likely a subscription box to match it. From books to cooking to science to fashion to fandoms, you’ll find so many options on Amazon or a site like CrateJoy. If you have adult children, you may want to consider a meal subscription box like HomeChef, Hello Fresh, or Blue Apron.
Digital Subscriptions
Video, music, fitness channels, and gaming streaming subscriptions are another great option – especially for tweens, teens, and adult children. You’ll help alleviate the stress of a monthly bill and give that child a gift they’ll likely use daily or at least weekly. You can purchase physical gift cards in store or online for services like Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, and more. Or you can buy digital versions to print out/email the gift recipient.
Museum or Zoo Memberships
I love an experience gift – whether it’s a weekend away or the opportunity to visit a museum or special destination. Christmas is the perfect time to give the gift of a family membership. It’s a gift that keeps giving all year long. In particular, see if a museum allows its membership to participate in a reciprocal network of other museums or zoos which gives you greater access to more facilities across the country. In particular, check out ASTC Travel Pass (includes places like the Indiana State Museum, Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and the WonderLab in Bloomington) and North American Reciprocal Museum Association. If your family travels, your membership works at other destinations. It’s a great way to visit other landmarks and use local facilities, too.
Tickets to an Event
Sporting events, concerts, Broadway shows, pop up podcasts, conferences like ComicCon, and more – every kid is unique in their passions. And for almost every passion, there’s an accompanying event. While you may not be able to play with tickets to an event on Christmas morning, this gift is one of both experience and anticipation. If you’re looking to put something together with the tickets, think about purchasing a t-shirt to wear to the event or some other swag item or snacks for the road trip.
Contribution to a 529
Over the years, I’ve worked with folks who truly want to go all out for their grandkids or kids at Christmas. But then when the child gets ready to go to college, there’s simply not enough money to pay for higher education. This may be the year to scale back on physical gifts and invest in the future instead. Making a 529 Contribution as a gift is easy, secure, and can be made in as little as $15 increments. By the way, you’ll get $20 for setting up a 529 if you’ve never established one before by using my referral link (full disclosure, I’ll also get $20).
Cash and/or Gift Cards
Sometimes cash can be a great gift for a kid at Christmas. There are plenty of creative ideas on how to make a splash with your presentation but even a bill in a card is great! You may also want to consider giving gift cards. I always love shopping at places like Sam’s Club for gift cards sold under face value and/or bonus gift card deals this time of the year. Gifts like these are fantastic for families giving a big gift that has potential extras. Think: gaming system where kids could purchase games or accessories. Or, when a child receives a doll or toy that has multiple options for clothing/accessories. Or to purchase their own favorite beauty products or clothes.
Summer Camps
Summer feels a long way off at the close of December. However, summer camp is already planned. And instead of a toy, you can provide an entire week of fun this year! Do a little research with the family to make sure the camp doesn’t conflict with sports or vacations. Print out your own certificate or ask the camp if they have gifting options!
Lessons
Dance, sports, cooking, art, musical instruments, and more – make this year the year of learning a new passion. Look into gift certificates for lessons or special enrichment activities for your child. Whether you’re furthering a current passion or starting something new, you can help a kid develop talents and have fun, too!
Toys can be fun, but they’re not everything. Consider giving outside the toybox this year to show the people in your life how much you care.
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This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.
