100+ Gift Ideas That Aren’t Toys

Meaningful Non-Toy Gifts Kids Actually Use (Less Clutter, More Fun)

Have you ever wanted to give more than a gift for Christmas or a child’s birthday? There are so many great things you can do for (or with) the children you love—and many of them don’t add to the toy pile. Some ideas are free, some are splurges, and we’ve included a wide range so you can pick what fits your family.

As the holiday season approaches, we love promoting creativity in gift giving. Sometimes the latest and greatest won’t mean as much as a well thought out personal gift. And if you’ve ever watched a kid play with the packaging more than the toy… you get it. 😉 Toys aren’t “bad” gifts—this list is just here to give you more options.

Tip: These ideas are “clutter-light” and memory-heavy—perfect for kids, teens, and even adults. Comment below with your ideas so we can keep building this list!

Season Passes

Getting a season pass to a local attraction is one of my favorite gifts to receive. Many places also offer reciprocity programs—so one pass can unlock discounts (or free admission) at other locations. If your local zoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) network, you may be able to get perks at other zoos and aquariums, too.

• Water Parks
• Zoos
• Museums
• Aquariums
• Amusement Parks
• Observatory
• Aviary
• Butterfly Conservatory
• Sports Tickets
• Hands-On Science Centers
• Performance Art Centers
• Theater Tickets
• Pools
• Concert Series
• Art Galleries
• Bowling
• Ski/Snowboard

One-Time Passes

Having something to look forward to is half the fun. Put it on the calendar, make a countdown chain, or create a “coupon” to open on a certain date!

• Rodeo
• Movies
• Bowling
• Swimming
• Theater
• Ballet
• Sporting events
• Disney On Ice
• Circus
• Ice Skating
• Roller Skating
• Mini Golf
• Concerts
• Amusement parks
• Animal Talks
• Comedy Shows

Experiences

We’re on this Earth to experience it—so what better gift could there be? These gifts can last in someone’s memory forever. If you want discounted options, check local deals on Groupon (just watch for expiration dates).

• Train Ride
• Sleigh Ride
• Ice Cream Gift Cards
• Dinner Out
• Glass Blowing
• Rock Climbing
• Paint Night
• Online Classes
• Paintball
• Laser Tag
• Air Tours
• Hot Air Balloon Ride
• Magic Shows

Classes or Lessons

A class or a lesson is one of my favorite non-toy gifts. It can spark a new hobby or grow a talent—and it’s even more fun if you take the class together.

• Ballet/Barre or other dance styles
• Ski/Snowboard
• Golf
• Karate/Kung Fu/Martial Arts/Taekwondo
• Yoga
• Gymnastics
• Swimming
• Fencing
• Piano/instrument/singing lessons
• CrossFit, Pilates, personal training, boot camp, boxing
• Soccer, football, or other sports programs
• Online classes (photography, music, fashion design, etc.)
• Art classes (paint, clay, ink, and more)
• Knitting, crochet, etc.
• Horseback riding

Family Experiences

Many of the ideas above work for individuals, but these are especially fun to do as a family.

• Staycation at a local hotel (with a pool or indoor water park — start looking on Priceline)
• A camping trip (in the mountains or even your backyard)
• Road trip
• Visit out-of-town family or friends
• Beach trip

More Gifts That Aren’t Toys

Here are more non-toy gift ideas that don’t add to clutter. If you have more ideas, add them in the comments so we can keep updating this list!

• Books / Kindle / Kindle Books
• Games
• DVDs / Blu-Ray
• CDs
• Kits (craft kits, science kits, magic kits, art kits, music kits, etc.)
• Art Supplies
• Magazine Subscription
• Bath supplies (bath crayons, color-changing tabs, towels, etc.)
• Wagon
• Bike
• Christmas Tree Ornament
• Watch
• Photo book or calendar
• Journal
• Kids Furniture
• New Bedding (P.S. For teens and adults, these home deals are worth browsing!)
• Helmets
• Sports equipment (balls, gloves, uniforms, and more)
• Trampoline
• Roller Skates or Roller Blades
• Swing Set
• Clothing, shoes, coats, etc.
• Outdoor winter activities (sled, snowsuit, snow toys, etc.)
• Sleeping bag
• Toy Box
• Jewelry Box
• Telescope
• Magnifying glass
• Magnets
• Cookbook (or a kid-sized apron + chef hat!)
• Easel
• Chalkboard
• Gardening tools
• Bug-catching tools
• Binoculars
• Globe

How to Wrap Non-Toy Gifts

Some experience gifts are tricky to wrap, but that’s also what makes them fun. Here are a few ideas:

• Word scramble clues: Give each kid an envelope with a word (like “Zoo / Pass / For / Your / Family”).
• Wrap with an accessory: Add goggles for swim lessons, a beanie for skiing, a new water bottle for a class, etc.
• Make a “seek & find” scavenger hunt with small clues that point to the big gift.
• Print a photo of the place/activity and put it in a frame or mini photo album.
• Hide tickets inside something related: Movie tickets in a popcorn tub, concert tickets with headphones, etc.

FAQs

What are good gift ideas that aren’t toys for kids?

Experience gifts are a great place to start—passes, tickets, lessons, and planned outings. They’re fun, memorable, and don’t add clutter.

What non-toy gifts work well for birthdays?

One-time passes (movies, bowling, mini golf) and classes (swim lessons, art, sports) are birthday-friendly because they create something to look forward to.

How do you “wrap” experience gifts?

Use clues, a scavenger hunt, or a small related item (like goggles or a water bottle) with a printed note or certificate for the experience.

Are experience gifts worth it compared to toys?

For many families, yes—experiences create memories, encourage time together, and can be reused all year (especially season passes).

Final Thoughts

I hope you found a non-toy gift idea that fits your family. I’ve given my kids gifts ranging from books to zoo tickets to vacations. Do what fits in your budget, and focus on gifts that help your kids spend more time making memories with the people they love.

P.S. Want more frugal ideas like this? Join our emails here: https://fabulesslyfrugal.com/subscription-center/

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