Since moving, it feels like our house is overflowing with toys. We gave up our glorious playroom in our old house and thought it would somehow work out. It hasn’t. The toys have moved from room to room, yet to find a permanent, useful home. And despite my best efforts to purge, it’s just not happening!
And it’s not just limited to toys. We also have a huge collection of games, which required their own new cabinet when we moved. And way more books than any four kids could ever need which seem to multiply at night and seep out of their shelves! (Anyone need some books or toys? I’ll make you a good deal!)
So this Christmas, hubby and I are taking it easy on the gifts and trying as much as possible to avoid more toys (and clutter!) We have a few things for each kid that we picked up super cheap off the Wal-Mart clearance rack weeks ago but the rest of our gifting is going to focus on non-toy items (and we hope the rest of our family will do the same!)
So what does one get the kid who has everything? What non-toy gifts are out there that won’t cause more clutter in the house, arguments about cleaning up or tears on mommy’s cheeks?
Here’s what non-toy gifts this mommy is hoping for this year:
Tickets
You know what my kids would love? To go to the movies. Or the museum to see a special exhibit. Or a sporting event. Or a concert. Or theatre show. Or special events. Or the zoo (again). The possibilities are endless and the memories will be too!
Special Treats
We don’t go out for special treats a lot so my girls would go crazy over a gift card to an ice cream, yogurt or other desert place! Better yet, take them out and make a fun afternoon out of it (and let me have some quiet alone time…look at that, two gifts in one!)
Clothes
I know that most kids hate getting clothes for Christmas, but in my family if it’s from someone other than mommy, they go crazy! Auntie picked it out? They love it! Grandma made this? They’ll show it off to all their friends. Plus what kid doesn’t need clothes, those silly little constant growers.
Classes
Our biggest expense for our children right now is gymnastics (and ballet and golf). I want my kids to try lots of different things and pursue things they’re interested in and my girls would love to do something like a cooking or sewing class but the costs add up quickly and we just can’t do it all. Plus, giving classes is a gift that will keep giving every time the child gets to go. Many museums and kids centers also do special one-time classes if committing to a longer-term thing doesn’t work.
Subscriptions
Magazine, activity or craft box subscriptions are awesome. Everyone loves getting mail, the kids stay entertained for a while each time a new one comes and then magazines can be passed on or recycled and crafts can be displayed or gifted.
Piggy Bank
My kids are obsessed with money (they can’t be the only ones, right?) and are constantly collecting coins anywhere they can (I “found” these pennies in your purse mommy, can I keep them?). Gifting kids a piggy bank (and maybe a small amount of starter cash?) can not only give kids a place to keep their money safe but can also help instill a saving mindset as they start collecting coins/small bills and watching how it grows over time (who knows, maybe they could even see it “multiply” if mommy and daddy are willing to pay some interest on their savings!)
Things for Outside
So this technically doesn’t fall into the “non-toy gifts” category but anything that keeps my kids busy outside (and can live outside!) is okay in my book and welcome under my Christmas tree!
I love all these ideas, Melissa! My kids (3 and 6) would definitely appreciate all of them. And me too :).
Thanks, Alina!
I love this! Am sending it to my family RIGHT NOW!!!
Thanks, Christina!
As the kids get older we prefer to give experiences rather than gifts. You have some awesome suggestions!
Thanks, Shelah! I think we will start going more that way as our kids grow up as well, they seem to get more out of money spent on making memories than on the stuff we buy.
Great ideas! Sharing!
Thanks, Norine!
Hey this is interesting… I m going to follow it from next yr
Thanks, Shilpa, hope it gave you some good ideas!
I love experience gifts! What a great way to give something meaningful over the holidays! Thanks so much for linking up with us!
Thanks for stopping by, Tiffany!
I am right there with you!! I would much rather experience gifts over toys any day!! And I am constantly trying to get rid of old toys! Thanks for linking up with us!! #TakeTime
I swear toys multiply in the night, no matter how many I think I get rid of there are always more than we need! Thanks for stopping by Tarynn!