70+ Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Christmas in 2024
If you have found yourself wanting to steer away from toys this year then you have come to the right place! I love gifts that fall into the category of consumable, wearable, experience etc… because they will actually get used and will not just get forgotten about or thrown in a bin (or on the floor).
Now, I do think that there are some toys that are DEFINITELY worth while. So check out my other gift guides if you’re looking for something on the more traditional toy route. There I have tried and true items that have lasted and been hits with all 3 (going on 4) of my kids.
My Non-Toy Christmas Gift Ideas 2024
To start my list I’ll mention the things that I can’t really link to – the things like:
- memberships (think the zoo, museum, aquarium, play place nearby)
- activities/classes (music, soccer, gymnastics etc…),
- a simple gift card to somewhere they love (like the ice cream parlor)
You could also go the route of clothing – a new dress, sweater, pair of pants, belt, robe, slippers etc…
If you choose the pajama route, I suggest Little Sleepies. They are our absolute favorite pajamas! Treat yourself to some too while you’re at it – I apologize in advance for any obsessions that come about from this post.
Replenishing your hair supplies and arts & crafts bin (think pom-poms, google eyes, markers etc…) is another great idea, and they make great stocking stuffers.
Now, on to specifics!!! (Some of these links are affiliate and I may make a small commission on your purchase at no charge to you. I very much appreciate your support!)
Mini Backpack
Kids looove to carry things around and pack their own pack with their special items. It can be great for travel too. These backpacks often serve as our kiddos carryon entertainment for plane rides or a toy bag that goes easily from the car to the hotel room on road-trips or a night out to dinner.
Kinetic Sand
Sand is one of my kids all time favorite sensory bin items. We have some of the sand sets too like this ice cream one that we keep separated with puzzle bags. You could also go for other sensory bin fillers like colored rice too.
Transferring Pitchers
These are really good for transferring practice, sensory bins, and pretend play.
Wobble Board
These are great to help kids with balance and core strength and encourage active play while improving coordination and gross motor skills. Plus it can be used in imaginative play for things like a troll bridge.
Digital Camera
Foster your child’s imagination with a digital camera designed just for them! They’ll capture the world from their unique perspective, enhancing creativity and storytelling skills. Best of all, they will stop wanting to take your phone! For younger kiddos, this camera might be a better option.
Walkie Talkies
Foster communication and imaginative play with these kid-friendly walkie talkies! They’ll encourage teamwork and exploration, making outdoor adventures even more exciting. My girls love to play hide and seek with them.
Homer Learning App
This is the one paid learning app I have gotten for my kiddos. This interactive platform engages kids through stories and activities, and I love that it can be used offline. When traveling, this is what we use instead of shows/movies for screen time.
Mini Flashlight
Tell stories at night, play chase the light, use it on a camping trip or have it handy if a storm comes and the power goes out. This is not only great for imaginative play, but also for practical use.
Watering Can
A colorful watering can is perfect for nurturing plants, developing responsibility AND for just plain old fun sensory time. I prefer this one over plastic models, especially for kids.
Kitchen Helper Set
It’s never too early to let kids help in the kitchen, talk about life skills!! But to do so safely, you need to have the right tools. I like this set because it not only has the basic items that you need, but also some cute food picks that make lunch time more fun.
Spray Bottle & Squeegee
My kids love helping me clean around the house, especially when they get fun tools to use. Spray bottles actually really help with hand strength which is needed for writing, as well as coordination. Of course it’s fun for them too!
Utensils
Stainless silverware that actually fits kids hands to let them practice life skills like cutting food. This is a basic that is really nice to have on hand in the house.
YOTO Story Player
To be honest, we do not have this, but our neighbors do, and my kids talk about it all the time. I’ve done a lot of research on this and other players, and this is the one that I would choose. It’s screen free entertainment and helps with auditory skills, and imagination.
ZINGO!
This is one of my kids all time favorite games. It’s a mix between bingo and early literacy skills. It’s a fantastic game for family game nights, encouraging cooperation and excitement while learning together
Leap Frog Reading System
This turns reading into an interactive experience. It makes learning phonics and words entertaining, boosting confidence and literacy skills. I actually used this as a kid (it’s been around a long time), and I still remember loving using the stylus on the pages.
Bike/Scooter/Skateboard Ramp
Add some excitement into the typical ride! It enhances balance and agility, inspiring kids to push their limits while having a blast.
Guess Who
Talk about a classic game. This is perfect for helping kids with problem solving, direction following, critical thinking, deduction and social skills. It’s harder than it used to be too because the characters have been more diversified
Lava Lamp
These are mesmerizing, especially to kids, and add a cool factor to the bedroom. My kiddos think theirs is relaxing and love to turn the lights out to watch it for a bit.
How To Draw Book
Inspire creativity and self-expression with a how-to-draw book! Kids will develop fine motor skills while exploring their artistic talents and building confidence in their abilities. Mine started really liking these books around age 4.
Reading Light
Of course this is great for nighttime reading, fostering a love for books and creating a calming bedtime routine, but my kiddos love it just to play with too. This one is amber to block the blue light for an easier transition to sleeping too.
Mancala
Work on strategy, counting and critical thinking with this game. This was one of my favorites as a kid, and I was excited to introduce it to my own kids. It is now a favorite of ours to pull out for rainy days and game nights.
Tracing Pad
If you have an art lover, they will love this! Not only will they be able to trace and color whatever they want, but it will help them work on hand-eye coordination and creativity. Don’t forget to grab a pack of tracing paper to go with it!
Bubble Machine
What kid doesn’t smile when the bubble machine comes out. This one is heavy duty and lasts. Of course we use ours outside in the summer, but it’s a special treat when I bring it out inside too during the winter!
Comfy Chair
Create a cozy reading nook, relax, and create a comfortable, personal space. We pull ours out for movie nights, and my kiddos sit on the floor with theirs to play with their toys too.
Leotard
My kids are SUPER into gymnastics, so I’m linking to a leotard, but this suggestion could be for an accessory of whatever sport that your kiddo is interested in. Sleeve holders, sweat bands, shin guards etc..
Binoculars
While these are great in the summer for outdoor adventures, we like to use our binoculars in the winter to search for wildlife in the winter as well.
Apron
Kids love to help in the kitchen, and it’s more fun when you can get dressed up! They can also use it just to play pretend or when doing painting if you don’t have a smock.
Collapsible Buckets
Whether they’re collecting water, dirt, sand, twigs, figurines or snow, kids love buckets. I love these collapsible ones that are easy to store away when not in use..
Stepping Stones
We love to use our stepping stones for obstacle courses. They are great to help with balance and coordination and a fun way to change up indoor play in the winter.
Hammock Pod
Create a cozy retreat for reading, napping or just hanging out. I think it’s so cute when my kiddos snuggle up in theirs. We hang it from a tree in the summer, and from a beam in the ceiling of our basement in the winter.
Piggy Bank
…or I guess in this case an ATM! In all seriousness, every kid needs a place to put their money. We always had just traditional piggy banks until I got my daughter this for her 6th birthday. Now, all of my kiddos want one.
Quality Shoes
The ones pictured here are the traditional Keens sandals which are some of my favorite most versatile kids shoes ever!! If you are looking for something more winter, you could try the sneaker version. Or for an alternative, I also really like Natives as well.
Upgraded Markers
If you have a kiddo that loves to draw or color, consider upgrading to some ‘big kid’ markers. I like these dual tipped ones that come with a case. For something really fun, consider these color changing markers too!
Hair Chalk
My girls looove this stuff, but let me tell you, it’s not just for girls, my nephews love to dye their hair with it too! The best part for me is that it washes right out.
Thermos
We have his in about 4 different variations, it is awesome. So good for school lunches, bringing to winter lights or skiing, and just having on hand. I like this one because it is a great serving size for kids, they are able to open it by themselves, and it keeps things hot for a decent period.
Sensory Bin Tools
If your little ones are in to sensory bins, consider investing in some quality bin tools that can help keep them playing for hours
Bean Bags
We love using bean bags in our learning to help practice counting, colors and even letters. They’re also great for working on hand-eye coordination, balance, and of course the regular throwing at a target type games.
Star Projector
Who doesn’t like looking at the night sky? With this, you can create a magical bedtime atmosphere to foster imagination.
Poke A Dot Books
From about 8 months to 5 years, my kiddos have LOVED these books. We keep them out for more day time interaction and sensory play. They are great for fine motor play at the baby age.
Incline Mat
We originally got this because I have a gymnast at home, but I can’t believe how much use my other kids have gotten out of this wedge. It’s great for playing and gross motor activities, but it’s also amazing to help babies with rolling practice, toddlers with summersaults, and as they grow even harder skills like back walkovers. It’s great to be able to pull out in the winter time when you get stir crazy in the house too.
Zipline
I love getting big outdoor gifts for Christmas. My kids (and all of our neighbors and friends) love this thing. Anything that gets my kids wanting to go outside is a keeper in my book.
Bentgo Box
I admit, getting a lunchbox for Christmas might not make a kid jump for joy, but it is practical and will be used often. I like these ones that have a built in chill pack.
Telescope
If you are going to spend money on a telescope, make sure that it is a decent quality one that will allow you to actually see the things you are looking for in the sky. This will inspire a love for science, exploration and the sky
Guitar & Lessons
A guitar is an exciting gift. Make sure you get one that will actually stay in tune that your child can learn on. I like this Fender. Make sure to get lessons too so that the guitar doesn’t just sit around!
Cute Plate/Bowl Set
My kids love having their own plate/bowl that they can grab when home for lunch or dinner. They prefer a separated situation like these.
Convertible Scooter
This is my favorite scooter from about 9 months until 5 years. It can be used as a push bike when younger, to a traditional cool light up scooter as they age. This is the only brand that I recommend, I don’t think the others are worth it. If it’s unavailable, just wait. For an older kiddo, you can’t go wrong with the traditional razor.
Tablet
We don’t do too much tablet time, but I still think it’s worth having because they are so helpful when traveling and going on road trips. My kiddos like to color on theirs, and we have a few learning apps like Homer and Starfall
Headphones
I like to get over the ear headphones for kids without any sort of bluetooth feature. These are great and fit with the tablet and into in-flight entertainment which are the 2 main things we would use headphones for.
Water Bottle
This is my all-time favorite kids water bottle and the one all of my kids have in different patterns. It’s stainless steel, durable, and affordable. I love the nip spout, but I’d order some extra because kids can be gross. For an older kiddo, the smaller version of the Simple Modern Tumbler is a great option.
Rollerblades
My roller blading days are such a fond memory. They’re so good for balance, coordination, and a great way to get some energy out and have some fun.
Pull Wagon
Basically every preschooler should have this. It’s very durable and can be used inside and outside. Perfect for toting around stuffed animals, toys, twigs, or whatever else they may find.
Bicycle
My roller blading days are such a fond memory. They’re so good for balance, coordination, and a great way to get some energy out and have some fun. Make sure to grab a helmet too!
Spring/Summer Items
These types of things I would probably put more in an Easter basket since they are mostly used outside, but I’m adding these ideas here because I know that some people only do candy baskets instead of items.