The stockings are hung. The tree is trimmed. The Christmas lights are bright. The toys are strung about.
Wait, what? That’s not how it’s supposed to go, but often is real life, isn’t it?
Christmas comes around and we want there to be lots of fun surprises under the tree. But it’s so hard to buy more toys when there are already toys everywhere!
While we do still get our girls a few new toys, we also do quite a few non-toy gifts as well each year. They are just as loved and well used as toys. Here is a list of some of our family’s favorite non-toy gifts.
Bath Products
Our kids LOVE their bath gift box every year. They have fun with the Crayola bath paint. It doesn’t stain. It’s basically a thick, colored soap that you paint with. I usually toss a couple tubes of bath paint, either a new loofah or one of those kid’s washcloths with the characters on it that are all shrink-wrapped into a fun shape at the dollar store, some bubble bath and whatever else I can find into a gift box. Unless I’m running a bit out of time, then I’ll get one of those bath gift sets with fun characters on it from Walmart or Meijer.
Craft Items
We love crafts in our home. But even if you aren’t a crafty mom, hear me out. Crafts are great because they use them up and they get tossed and there are no broken toys left lying around! Even if you don’t like making crafts, most kids LOVE playing with construction paper and markers (thank you Crayola for making washable makers!). I usually do a different type of craft each year. One year, it was Dot markers and coloring books. Another year, it was just a box of fresh school supplies – crayons, markers, scissors, paper and glue sticks. Since they are a little older now, last year they got pearler beads that you iron and create fun little designs. Lots of possibilities!
Activity Books
I always get the girls some sticker books and activity books from Usborne Books & More. They’re such great quality and are so beautiful. Now, to be honest, the girls are excited to see them but often not played with the first few days after Christmas, which is fine. But what happens about 2-3 weeks after Christmas each year? A snowstorm. Snow days from school. And after about 8 minutes of playing in the snow, the kids are back inside saying they are bored. And this is when pulling those activity books back out comes in handy! Perfect gift!
Puzzles and Board Games
A new, fun family game is a perfect gift. Puzzles to work on together is another great gift perfect for the winter months. If you truly want to make it special, upload a favorite photograph or two to Shutterfly and get a personalized puzzle!
Experience Gifts
The year the girls were gifted Boonshoft season passes, they were so excited. We went right away during winter break and they were ecstatic knowing they’d be back a few more times over the year. Trips to the movie theater, swim lessons, baking classes, the zoo, rock climbing adventures and trampoline jump parks are all just a few examples of experience gifts. If you still want something tangible for them to hold, get a Fiona stuffed hippo to go with zoo passes or a pair of funky sweats to go jump in. Lots of ways to make it more fun!
Do you give non-traditional gifts? What are your favorites to give or receive? Do you think you’ll try any of these? Either way, have a Merry Christmas!
