Thoughtful Gift Ideas For Kids

The holidays will be here before you know it. Buying for kids is always a challenge. You don’t want to duplicate what they already have or make Mom and Dad crazy with your choice. Here are a few thoughtful gift ideas for kids in your life. Most of these are educational as well as fun.

1. Subscription box.

Subscription boxes for kids have taken off. There are ones that range for age and interests. I have seen some really cute ones that contain a monthly science experiment, art project, or delve into a different geographic location. Not only is this a cool gift, but they get a new box all year long. Pretty cool! Kiwico box, Little Passports, and My Pretend Place have some really neat boxes. If those don’t fit your needs, just do a Google search for “kid subscription boxes”. I was blown away at all of the options.

2. Experience gifts.

This is something that I am really making an effort to give more of. You can get museum passes, movie tickets, amusement passes, zoo tickets, concert tickets, the list is endless. These are hard sometimes because there is nothing to “open”. How about making a theatre box with movie passes in it. You can buy a popcorn bucket and fill it with things you would get at the movies. I have put candy, a drink, movie tickets (or a DVD), pretzels, or whatever snack I know that child likes and wrap it up. I have also done this with museum passes. You can get a little backpack and put the passes, water, snacks, or a t-shirt and wrap that up.

3. Cash.

Hear me out! Little kids (who am I kidding, all kids) love money. You can give mine an envelope with ten $1.00 bills in it and they think they have won the lottery. You could even make it a shopping adventure you take them on. They love to select their item and pay with their own money. Plus, they are learning the value of money and how much things cost. AND they get to spend quality time with you. Extra bonus for the kids (and parents)!

4. Art supplies/box.

You can never go wrong with art things. A cute notebook with some fancy markers and colored pencils are always a hit. You could even find a cute art smock to add.  Just make sure your choice is washable unless specifically asked for.

5. Outdoor toys.

I realize that Christmas is in the winter, but if the child does not have a birthday in the summer, a box of things for warmer months is fun. Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, sunglasses, a new hat, a pool float. All of these are fun for them to have for the upcoming summer. Both of my kiddos have birthdays in the fall and winter months. For some reason, summer toys make them crazy happy. Bonus: you can get them at the end of the season on super sale!

6. Gift Cards.

I know, I know, these aren’t very personal. But let’s be really honest, some kids are super hard to buy for. Wouldn’t you rather be the one that gave them a gift card to a store you know they love or Aunt Marge who gave them another strange present they didn’t really want? The parents probably appreciate the gift card more too. I am calling you out Play-Doh givers! 🙂

7. Lessons.

These can be pottery lessons, horseback riding, music, cooking, theatre, the list is really endless. If you know they are really into something, see if you can’t find lessons to go along with it. My daughter would love any kind of art, painting, cooking or animal related lessons. My son would get a kick out of sports, cooking, or outdoor type lessons.  I have a date with my daughter to make holiday canvases together. I found this class through our local university’s extension office. Your chamber of commerce, partnership, junior league, or any number of other groups are likely to host events like this.

8. Photography session.

Make it something they would love. A new dress up costume with a photography session to go with it. Princess, firefighter, Paw Patrol, diva, artist, teacher, glamor shots, anything. You can find hobby photographers who would do a mini session for about 40.00. Let it be about spoiling them and making them feel like a million dollars.

Ask the parents. They may know something that their kids may really love to get from you. It isn’t rude to ask. Parents have an answer for those that ask. I don’t know = free reign! Something we do is take our kids to the toy section of our local big box store. They know we are not purchasing anything when we walk in the door. We just let them go and see what they gravitate toward. We don’t give any direction or steer them towards any toys, we just let them be kids. I am always surprised at what they spend time with. It also gives you a great list of items that you know they will like. Plus, it is usually fun for us too.

I hope these thoughtful gift ideas for kids help you find a great gift for a super special kiddo in your life! Do you have anything to add to the list? Leave it in the comments below.