The Best Gifts that Aren’t Toys
The holidays are synonymous with gifts, but that doesn’t have to mean more toys. There are plenty of gifts you can give that do not involve more plastic and clutter around the house.
Night Sky Cups and Glasses: Depending on the age of your child, get a Well Told cup or glass etched with the sky of the date and place your child was born or another significant date in their lives. It’s the next best thing to your child having a cup with their name on it for about $20.00.
Clothes: Kids need clothes but might not be excited to find this necessity under the tree. That is, unless you give something really special that you know they will love, especially if it is something you might not ordinarily buy. Lannosh dresses, shirts, and more come in gorgeous styles that not everyone will be wearing to school in the new year. Or, check out Orangeheat for adorable t-shirts with retro-inspired designs.
Jewelry: Give your child something unique that they can wear as they grow. Isabelle Grace makes quality jewelry, like this personalized open circle necklace that can be customized with just about any message or name. Make sure your child knows that “you are beautiful” or “you are amazing” everyday with a message they can wear close to their hearts everyday for under $50.00.
Fitbit for Kids: The Ace 2 is a Fitbit made just for kids. It has an adjustable band made for kid-size wrists but with room to grow. For under $50.00, it just might wind up being the most-used gift of the year since kids can wear it everyday (even in the snow and the pool) and it can be used to tell time, install good fitness habits, to set an alarm, and more.
Winter Gear: In many parts of the country the end of December coincides with temperatures really dropping and the beginning of snow season. Help build excitement with some winter gear like Stonz winter boots that are super-warm, heavy-duty gloves, hats and other winter gear and start at about $50.00. Have an indoor snowball fight with wadded up white paper to have an indoor snowball fight to create some memories.
Art Gallery: For just about $30.00 you can give kids their own art display. The Articulate Gallery is a beautifully simplistic white picture frame designed especially to display and easily switch-out kid artwork or recent photos. For a special gift, pre-load your child’s Articulate with their favorite works. Choose from frames with one panel or multiple panels based on how prolific an artist your child is!
Science Kits: Rather than giving kids something that will eventually wind up in a landfill, give them something that will be useful and help them learn. This hand2mind Bubbles! Soap Making Kit contains eight different experiments that ids can use to make their own soap using real lab equipment that they can customize with color, scents, and even glitter. Kids can use their soap or give their unique creations for gifts.