It’s so tempting to buy toys for a kid’s birthday or for the holidays. But sometimes it’s nice to branch out and give an experience or something that’s creative or educational instead.
Whether the child already has too many toys at home or you just want to get a bit more creative with your gifts, giving non-toy gifts can really expand a child’s horizons and offer them new ways to have fun, learn, and play!
I’ve gathered 30+ different non-toy gift ideas for kids.
You’ll find everything from experiences and memberships to craft supplies and dress-up clothes. There is something for every kid on here, so take a look and enjoy your non-toy shopping!
1. A Magazine Subscription
Kids magazines are a great non-toy gift. Kids as young as 2 can get excited to receive a real magazine in the mail each month. Plus, these subscriptions are usually pretty inexpensive and can bring a child joy for months into the future.
To my surprise, I still like Highlights magazine, even though I used to read it as a kid and thought it would be out of touch. It’s excellent for younger children. From hidden pictures to short stories, kids can explore new topics about the world.
Babybug is another good option for babies and young toddlers. It features stories, poems, and beautiful illustrations!
2. Arts and Crafts Supplies
You can never go wrong with arts and crafts supplies.
Children love to use crayons, paints, and paper to create all kinds of projects. Babies can enjoy safe, non-toxic fingerpaint. You may also want to consider things like an art easel if you’re planning on getting a more significant gift.
Art tables are another great option if there’s enough room for one.
3. Dress-Up Clothes
Kids and toddlers alike love to play dress up and can spend hours trying on and pretending to be different characters and animals.
Princess dresses are an easy option for many children who love to sparkle with royal accessories and dresses. Another option is to look at Halloween costumes. You might find some animals and characters your little one love!
I also think Superhero capes are fun to use with a group of small children who love to play pretend!
Most mainstream kids costumes are probably not non-toxic but if you shop a brand like Hanna Andersson or stick to things that are mostly made from cotton, you may find something that can safely be used year-round.
4. Stocks
Stocks are a great way to invest in a child’s future. If you decide to purchase stocks, choose a safe ETF or invest in a company that you know and understand. It’s always best to invest in a company whose products or services you use than the latest trend.
5. A Piggy Bank
Speaking about money, piggy banks are a practical gift that can also inspire children to learn about saving money.
They come in all different shapes and sizes, which means you can find one to fit the particular child’s interest from butterflies to superheroes to make saving exciting. It’s also a nice decorative item that can sit on a child’s bookshelf!
If your child loves Thomas the Train, this bank might be a good option.
6. Books
There’s a book out there for every child. In fact, sometimes there are simply too many to leaf through to figure out which ones are a good fit. For this reason, I recommend an Amazon book box subscription. This is an easy way to get various age-appropriate books for kids of all ages delivered every 1, 2, or 3 months!
7. Gift Cards
It’s really fun for kids of all ages to have gift cards. Instead of another Amazon or Target card, consider getting gift cards to fun restaurants, ice cream stores, book stores, or children’s museums.
Kids will love the ability to go and experience something fun. Check out what’s in the area and choose something that fits their interests.
8. Play Dough
Play-Doh is a childhood staple. This moldable dough is suitable for a wide range of ages and gives children a unique creative outlet. They can play with Play-Doh by itself, or you can add other tools to make it more interesting.
I love this play dough activity pack. Made with organic flour, this play-doh is completely non-toxic and comes in four colors: green, blue, red, and yellow.
9. Craft Box Subscription
As we said before, getting things in the mail is lots of fun for kids of all ages. A craft box subscription is another awesome idea! There are many out there, so it should not be difficult to find one fitting for the particular child you’re shopping for.
However, I really like the Green Kids Craft box, in particular, so be sure to check it out. They typically include 4-6 projects that incorporate both art and science, and can be delivered monthly.
10. Classes
Some kids are interested in taking individual classes, such as martial arts or dance classes. Ask the child’s parents if there are any local classes they might be interested in and consider gifting them those classes.
Some classes you can gift online include coding classes, music classes, and even tutoring. This is a reliable experience gift that can help expand a child’s activities and skillsets.
11. Memberships
Memberships to zoos, aquariums, and museums are another experience gift that you can’t beat. Check the local area for children’s museums and similar businesses that offer memberships. Most memberships offer a whole year of fun.
This is definitely one of those gifts that give throughout the year and create more memories than any toy ever could.
12. Coupons
For your own child, creating a DIY coupon book with activities they want to do is a sweet and thoughtful non-gift idea. (As long as you’re prepared to honor the coupon whenever they give you the coupon.)
For example, if your little really loves to play Candyland, this could go on a coupon card. “Three Games of Candyland” because you know you can’t just play one game. Or a special frozen yogurt date for the two of you. Or getting to stay up past their bedtime.
You could also add chores or other “big kid” tasks that your child doesn’t usually get to help with but might love to learn. This is an inexpensive, creative non-toy gift that can be fun for everyone involved!
13. Puzzles
There are tons of puzzles out there, and they are go-tos for rainy days or quiet time. Puzzles are also great for those problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination.
For toddlers, I recommend Petit Collage puzzles and Ravensburger puzzles. These brands do puzzles for a wide range of ages that have all sorts of different themes. Are they perfectly non-toxic? No. But we use and love them anyway.
14. Board Games
Board games are a fun, family-bonding opportunity. Children as young as 3 can play board games, and this gift option is even suitable for teens and pre-teens.
For younger children, I recommend the Peaceable Kingdom Race Treasure Game and the Peaceable Kingdom Cooperative Game. Both of these are fun and enjoyable for the whole family.
For older kids, you can try classics like Monopoly Jr., Sorry, and Chess.
15. Fun Kids Furniture
Some children may need (or want) furniture. Pre-teens might benefit from a desk to do their art projects or a fun beanbag reading chair while other children might want a “big kid” bed.
Either way, furniture is an extremely practical gift. Even three-year-olds can get excited about a new bed set or a fun comforter.
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Small chairs are another practical way to go. They can be used for a cozy reading corner and even pulled around from room-to-room for imaginative play or a special tv show. I love these Pottery Barn Kids chairs that are Greenguard Certified. They are lightweight so they’re easy to move around the house!
The Nugget play couch is made of rearrangeable foam blocks that include a base, cushion, and two triangle pillows. Made specifically for children, this is a great addition to a playroom. Kids can build forts, run and jump on and around the cushions, and maybe even take a nap!
This is frequently sold out so if you see them available and you want one, snag it! As for whether it’s non-toxic, it isn’t. It’s made with polyurethane foam. But it’s likely no different than your sofa (unless you’ve already invested in a non-toxic sofa), so for this reason I would be okay with it. (Especially since my kids build daily forts with our couch.)
Tents create an excellent opportunity for imaginative play. It can be a castle one minute, and a reading nook the next. Of course, they can be quite large, so you need to ensure that you have enough room for one before ordering one (I made that mistake). I really like this teepee, made of all-natural cotton canvas. It’s timeless and fits any existing house decor!
17. Climbing Structures
If you’re shopping for a really active child, consider a climbing structure. Many people automatically think of outdoor playground equipment but there are indoor climbing structures as well.
For example, a Pikler triangle is an excellent option for toddlers who love to climb. A Pikler Triangle will teach your toddler how to balance, climb, and inspire creativity.
Related: The Best Pikler Triangles for Babies and Toddlers
20. Baby Necessities
If you’re shopping for a baby, you might want to think about some of the larger baby things they may need. A high chair is a great way to go if they don’t already have one.
You may also want to consider things like blankets and clothing. While these items might not seem super exciting, these are things that babies use all the time!
21. A Silicone Watch
For slightly older children, an inexpensive silicone watch can make them feel a little more like a grown-up. Plus, a watch can give them some independence and help them learn to tell time.
There are many options out there, but I particularly like this one. It’s suitable for daily wear and can withstand some water splashes from washing hands and whatnot.
22. Clothing
Because kids are always growing, clothes and pajamas are a wonderfully practical gift! Obviously, there are many options out there, but my go-to brands are Hanna Andersson and Burt’s Bees. They both offer organic cotton clothing that will last all the wear and tear of childhood and, of course, safe for children to wear.
23. A Balance Bike
Some kids are too little for tricycles and bicycles but even they can get good use out of a balance bike. These innovative bikes allow toddlers to gain confidence in riding a bike—without pedals or training wheels.
A balance bike still helps develop their motor skills as they learn to use their core to stride along while riding their bike.
This is particularly great for kids who have older siblings. That way, when their siblings ride their bikes, they will have a bike to ride as well. This balance bike by Strider Sport is currently my favorite one on the market.
24. A Scooter
Even if kids can’t use more complicated ride-on toys, a scooter is often easier to master. Young toddlers can use a scooter if you get them the right kind. Case in point: at the age of 3, my son prefers his scooter over his bike any day because he’s so good at riding it.
I like this micro scooter for toddlers and younger children up to about the age of 4.5 in particular. It has a really smooth ride and the handlebar attachment can go very low for the tiniest riders. The steering bar also doesn’t turn—this is key when buying a scooter for a beginner or a young toddler. The scooters with wheels that turn are so unstable and take much longer to learn.
Remember to always put a helmet on! Nothing stresses me out more than seeing kids riding a scooter or bike without a helmet.
25. A Pet
Believe it or not, pets like goldfish and gerbils make a great non-toy gift for young kids. Having a pet can also teach them about responsibility, friendship, and the circle of life. I vote for a low-key pet like a fish.
You could even let your son or daughter go the pet store with you to choose the fish they want to bring home. (Just try not to get carried away and bring home a bunch of pets you didn’t plan on having!)
26. A Basketball Hoop
Basketball is often a great game for toddlers. This basketball set is a great way to introduce little kids to the concept of playing sports. Adjustable from 2.5 feet to 4 feet, this should be just the right size for now and later. The base can be weighted for stability as well to prevent it from falling over. The rim is oversized, and it comes with three small balls.
27. A Trampoline
Trampolines are great for active kids. This Little Tikes trampoline is a perfect gift for any child who loves to jump. It features a nice jumping space as well as a handlebar for extra stability. If you have a jumping bean, this gift will be a huge hit!
28. A Swing
Most children love to swing. The motion of it can actually help to build emotional regulation skills.
There are countless swings on the market, and many of them are high-quality. I particularly love the Little Tikes swing, which is great for outdoors and has all the safety features with a high back and a T-bar that connects to buckle straps.
I also love this more ornate Finn and Emma swing. It’s beautiful and best kept indoors!
29. A Jewelry Box
If the child already has jewelry (even if it is dress-up jewelry), a jewelry box can be a practical and well-loved gift.
It can be hard to find an age-appropriate jewelry box…some of them play music, and others have spinning dancers and that sort of thing. Consider how gentle the child is with things before making your purchase. You don’t want to give a 3-year-old a breakable jewelry box!
I really like the simple gray jewelry box from Pottery Barn Kids. Although it is heavy, so I would not suggest this for a toddler!
30. A Science Kit
If you have an aspiring scientist on your hands, science kits are educational and lots of fun. The Learning Resources science kit is the one I recommend. From following directions to problem-solving and math concepts, the 20 activity cards will keep children busy and learning. Kids love all the scientific gear in this kit, too!
31. A Microscope
A microscope can be an inspiring gift option for kids who are into exploring! Kids can go outside and look at everything from bugs to blades of grass under a microscope.
Just be sure to purchase a child-friendly option that isn’t going to break or be too complicated for them to use at least semi-independently. This one is both high-quality and easy to use!
32. A Learning Tower
For toddlers, a learning tower is always a great gift. It allows them to join their parents at the counter while they’re cooking, washing dishes, or doing anything else.
As long as the learning tower has a cover on all four sides, it is safely designed to keep children safe while standing at a higher level. I find these super helpful especially towards the late afternoon when children seem to be cranky, clingy, and bored.
Secure your child in the learning tower, and you’re good-to-go with some hands-on fun in the kitchen!
33. A Butterfly Growing Kit
If it is the right time of year, a butterfly growing kit can be so fun! This teaches science, responsibility, and instills a sense of wonder. Truthfully, few kits are as great for preschool-aged children. This particular butterfly growing kit comes with caterpillar vouchers, so you can order the live caterpillars when you’re ready to hatch some butterflies.
34. Dominoes
Dominoes are a great game for young kids. From stacking and sorting to the more traditional game of dominos, they are incredibly open-ended and will get plenty of use!
Happy Shopping for Non-Toy Gifts
So there you have it. Being a bit more creative with gifts can be so fun for everyone. While some of these non-toy gifts may be different than what you’re used to giving, I promise that they’re just as great (if not 10x better) than giving toys.
Happy shopping!
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